I have went struggled with the expense of building this engine over a 400, but the rarity of it is what prompts me to continue on. How many 326 H.O. 4 speed convertibles have you seen?
Im my opinion and somewhat an expert on the value and rarity of these cars, and have built Pontiac motors...
What you state above is a perfect reason to pull the motor, store it, replace with a 350/400 and NOT try to modify and increase HP. You will loose approximately 40% of that cars value if you modify, port, rebuild, and God forbid, grenade that motor. You only have one engine block correct for that chassis...why devalue the car with an overpriced engine rebuild with marginal result.
The second part of my initial comment...it will cost you less (yes less) to rebuild a 400 than a 326. Your off the shelf pistons for a 326 will be cast...so you will need forged pieces custom made to handle your wishes. You can get Speed Pro/TRW off the shelf for a 400 for $250 less. For the price of a 326 build, you can get a complete 400 (or 350 HO) for $700, have it rebuilt, and you will come out relatively equal as far as cost comparison.
If you were doing a stock rebuild, I wouldn't have commented, but you answered your own question that I quoted above. Unless you have money to burn, why potentiate possible devaluation with your rare car?
I wouldn't...but thats me.
Si Vis Pacem Parabellum
1967 Starlight black PMD Engineering 400 Auto 1968 Alpine Blue 400 4 speed 1968 Verdoro Green 400 HO 4 speed 2013 1LE 2SS/RS Inferno Orange Camaro.
