I need to know they cheapest way to get roughly 400 crank hp out of anysize small block. I need it to be able to run in the winter too....when it is REALLY cold. How would I go about doing this. It would be awesomeif I could do this for under $2700.

 

We have a few packages that would work for you, and we guarantee turn around time.

Give us a call at the shop

 

So anysize block? Any company? What's your spending cap? There's a million options!

 

Which ever size would be the cheapest and best on gass mileage. Mus be able to start in REALLY cold winters as well. SBC please. No more than $3000. Can it be done? I feel the 305 in my Parisienne is going to go pretty soon (daily driver).

 

Well depending on how much cam you are willing to run (probably not too much if you want easy starts) a 350 is probably the epitome of budget sbc, and can be done for 3000 but the good gas mileage thing is kinda a condtradiction in my experience with classic chevy small blocks and 400 hp, the key is just gonna be patience hunting down parts on ebay or at swap meets, you can get the block and rotating assembly for 300-400 where i live all day long that can handle 400 hp, the heads are gonna be the tough part (getting something that can put out those dyno numbers without too much cam for not too much money will be tough) so i would recommend lookin up a stock chevy head with a good power rep. ie vortecs, even out of truck small blocks were good and with some machining can be great, just make sure you're intake is compatible in that case. Now after saying all that the cheapest way would be to buy a complete relatively low mileage engine from a friend or the local machine shop and save yourself the pain in assembly since its going into a Parisienne? which i've never heard of and probably isn't the project car or love of your life, hope that helps or sparks any ideas!
Andy

 

Budget small block with 400 hp? And under $3000 bucks? No problem.

All parts/prices from www.sdpc2000.com

L98 Block
Price: $1,135.95
Part # 12510737

GM LT4 Hot Cam Kit
Price: $499.95
Part # 12480002

Upgraded Vortec Roller Cam Cylinder Heads w/Performer RPM Air Gap Manifold
Price: $940.95
Part # SD8060RAAG

Lifters
Price: $209.95
Part # CC850-16

Pushrods
Price: $34.95
Part # CC7808-16

Timing Chain
Price: $84.95
Part # CLO9-3145

Total $2,906.70

That leaves you with $93.30 to buy a new oil pump, water pump, and fuel pump. You would need to reuse your current timing cover, valve covers, air filter, carb, oil pickup and other misc. items.

I would spend a little more on a nice carb like Holley's Avenger series, probably a 670.

 

Look into Edelbrock's Power Packages. You can accomplish what you're looking for. They take the guess work out of the equation and you have parts that compliment each other and work very well. This way you're not messing around with ebay and people who don't know what they're talking about....

 

Wrok! Thanks guys. Thats what I was looking for.

Oh yeah, a Parisienne is the same thing as a caprice classic, or a bonneville, only with more luxory items.

 

Or, how about this for cheap.....

GM 350ci universal replacement V8. HP rating: 250HP if used with headers and a small 4bbl carb. Comes complete except for intake, carb and distributor for about $1300 delivered to your door. All new parts, not a rebuild. It comes with a warranty and will definitely be very mild mannered in daily driving/starting/mileage.

THEN.... put a common 150HP plate nitrous system on it and you'll be at 400+HP. The kit should run you about $400.

Add it up and you've got what you're looking for, but for only about $2000 (with odds-n-ends like the intake, carb, distributor, gaskets, etc.).

I've been a nitrous junkie for some time now and I think that a mild daily-drivable combo with a bottle in the trunk is a VERY good way to go fast (when necessary), but have near-stock levels of reliability, economy, and drivability for the 99.9% of the time you're not trying to win a race. Hard to beat the benefits of nitrous for a true daily driver.

 

Just an observation but most people seem to think huge camming is the best way to go, its definatly the cheapest but its gonna run like crap, particularly in a cold climate...although the nitrous idea isn't bad at all...just my 2 cents.

 

Yea, its gonna be hard to pull 400 with out a good sized cam unless you use a power adder. Your looking at some aluminum heads, posibly some dart iron heads, maybe a performer rpm manifold, a good sized cam and a 600-750 carb.

 

You nitrous junkie . LOL
Good suggestion though especially with the situation he is in (cold temps).

Heavy