I don't know if anyone has actually researched this or not, but if you were to build a 350, 400, and 455 the exact same way, how much difference in hp would you see between the 350 and the 400 and the 400 and the 455? I'm trying to decide if it's worth the $ and energy to locate a good 455 core. I know there's "no replacement for discplacement", but I want to see if it can't be quantified.

From what I've been reading lately, it would seem better to bore out a 400 block for 455 displacement and use a 455 crank ground to 3.00" mains. Supposedly it can get better HP and is stronger than the 455 block (more meat around the cylinder walls) and runs cooler because of the smaller mains (less bearing area to heat up).

Interesting! Rokcy, you do have any links to where you have been reading?

Here's what you need Amervo:

http://www.angelfire.com/fl4/pontiacdude428/newproductsspecials.html

You'll be keeping up with the big dawgs once you slide this in your '69. That's if you can keep her going straight.

The prices have really come down! You can get the complete rotating assembly for less than the cranks were going for.

Amervo, I was checking out this site. But I read it somewhere else a while ago, too.
http://www.pontiacpower.com/index.html

Horse power will be close to the same except for the diff in c.i. and rpm's.
The 350 & 400 use same crank(if i remember right)
The 455 will make more torque due to more leverage. And at a lower rpm. Great street motors.
Another advantage of turning a 3.25 down to 3.00 is theres less fiction and wieght. It turns faster like a 400

Can't you "stroke" a 400 to a 462?

Ah Ha Now your talking! Get the best of both worlds Stroke a 400. You'll never look back. .02 Bill

Thanks for the links, Rocky. I'm considering doing the engine this winter. Heck, if it don't tear @$$, why bother dumping gas @ 3.50 or so a gallon though it?

Money notwithstanding, my big concern is an issue that has been a problem ever since I got behind the wheel. People do mofidications that are supposed to do this and that, but the end result can be a slower engine than what they had. One thing that has proven to be a realiable method is to have as many cubes as possible, configured/matched at well=proven factory specks.

Unlike arm chair designers, these configurations have megamillions behind them, so the 455 modification in a stock configuration seems to be a safe bet. After all, why the heck do you think that the chebby crate engine has become such a dominant player? I'm almost--note the ALMOST-- tempted to go with a chebby crate. I'v seen them on the street and, lets face it, they are real beasts.

I hear you Amervo, I'm about ready to do a chebby myself. It's proving impossible to find a "reasonably" priced 455 core. I just assume do an equivalent build on a 454 and let 'er rip. Though as I sit here right now I'm going to clean up the 350, maybe drop a 400 crank in and call it an engine until I can get what I want. Getting what I want also includes the cabbage for said desire.

I know a lot has been said on this site about keeping our birds Poncho, but as a builder out here told me, It's your car, make it the way you want it. Personally, I am putting too much time and green into restoring my car, so I want a nice powerplant, but I certainly am not going to be dragging on the streets like I did when I was a kid, so about 425 HP will be enough for me. Good luck with your builds.

I stroked a 400 to 462 ci and had Kauffman Racing Equipment do the long block. I strongly recommned these guys. They could also help you out with a core or if you really want to go whole hog, they're producing their own blocks.

If you were closer to Ohio I would help you out with a core. Keep looking, there must be a 400 or 455 out your way somewhere.

Amervo dont take this wrong. But read Jim Hands Book on How to Build Pontiac V-8 Max Performance. Kauffman, Butler, Hand are no arm chair designers. They know there stuff. I have one of the Butlers rotating assembly kits. Talked to Jim Butler on the phone a few times. He asked me exactly what I wanted. And he told me the #s I would have. In both 1/4 mile and hp and tq Dead freging on. Except I run a 410 gear. 2100 kit 900 machine work and assembly. I dont know nothing about those crate motors. Except you can get a Hemi for 10 grand. Bill