I don’t know about anyone else, but I’d be interested in what you get, going all out I bet that you squeeze a little more then that out of it. I take it that cutting all the bearings as undersized as possible is in the plans… do you have to use stock pistons? If not then how about moving the ring package up as high as you can go and running thinner/lower tension rings? Probably a few little assembly things that could help also…

 

If you are running the factory water pump drive, I would suggest running the LT4 timing chain. It is much lighter than the stock or extreme chains.
The LT4 springs and retainers are worth a little too.
If you are really serious you can get the stock lifters "fixed".
Even if you are running stock pistons be sure to buy light weight pins.
Moving the heads up on the block may also add a little.
I wouldn't get too carried away with porting. Without a cam you might even hurt your combination.

That's just a few to get you thinking!

Best Regards,

Daren

 

A 400 hp 350?
You don't need much to do that. I wouldn't waste money on an aftermarket crank either as the stocker will work fine. I'd upgrade the rods to a set of Scat I-beams ($260)... almost as cheap as rebuilding the stock rods with ARP bolts. The Vortec heads Bret mentioned are a good call and I would splurge a little in going with the GM Hot Cam kit. If you don't want to go that route you can make a little less power with a Comp XE268H.

-Mindgame

 

As far as used parts, used crank/rods/pistons, what should be done to the crank? rods? pistons should be fine as long as there is no excessive wear and new seals/rings are used?

As far as balancing can i do it myself? cause internal balancing is just making sure the rods/pistons weight the same and are proportional to the crank?

some help?

 

I have just 2 words, Car Craft. They had there 12 sec Elcheapo, built a 530hp 383 for $4800, and more about real life cheap and doing it right than Chevy HighPro. or any other mag for that matter. If you can think it they probobly have done it.