Thread: how to turn my 72 stock 402 BB 240hp into a respectable 400hp motor?

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Welcome to CHR!

Sounds like you’ve found a real gem in the Monte Carlo. My father had a ’72 – blue with a white landau top and white interior. It was a beautiful car and to find one with a correct frame off is rare. You can certainly get 400 HP out of the 402 but you will spend a lot of cash and still have a 47 year old base.

A suggestion would be to drive that beauty as-is while saving the money to purchase a 454 crate motor. A complete 400+ HP engine with a roller cam and a warranty can be had for around $5K. You didn’t say if you are equipped to do the work yourself. If not, you’ll need to enlist or buy the services of someone who has the skill set and tools to install a new engine. While not difficult to perform, the first one is time consuming and if not done correctly can be a disaster. The only reason to keep “numbers matching” is for resale or concours d'elegance shows. When you do sell the car, advertise the original engine as part of the package.

You bought it to drive it and love it. A hot rod is never really done and it’s expected that you will always be saving to buy some kind of upgrade.

Post some pictures - we're a visual bunch here..

Regards,
Glenn

Well I agree with that. I've been expecting this plan will come out of necessity, if I'm being prudent. The 402 is a fresh rebuild so it's not like I'm sitting on an about-to-blow motor. When the time comes to remove this engine I'll pick up a decent stand for it to rest on until I sell the car... or need it for something else. I don't PLAN to sell this car anyway. But then we all know how that plan can change. If I'm being honest I want the 454 and a muncie m22 Rock crusher. I had one of those in my 67 Chevy II and I miss the whine from it more than the car almost. thanks for the input.

Originally Posted by ital-rich

Well I agree with that. I've been expecting this plan will come out of necessity, if I'm being prudent. The 402 is a fresh rebuild so it's not like I'm sitting on an about-to-blow motor. When the time comes to remove this engine I'll pick up a decent stand for it to rest on until I sell the car... or need it for something else. I don't PLAN to sell this car anyway. But then we all know how that plan can change. If I'm being honest I want the 454 and a muncie m22 Rock crusher. I had one of those in my 67 Chevy II and I miss the whine from it more than the car almost. thanks for the input.

Sounds like a great plan! Friend of mine has a '64 Nova SS, he has all the original engine and transmission pieces wrapped up in plastic put away on shelves while he enjoys the car with a real butt kicking 427" small block and 700R4 trans. The original 283" and glide will be there should he ever want to go back original.