I think it would be good to get a strong 350 use the 400 crank and rods. Bore it .040 and then you will have a 385 small block. Thats not to short of a 400's capabilities.

I don't really like small blocks with such a big stroke because you have to use such short rods. This causes harsh and fast cylinder wear. 400's were always known for this problem. Personally I'm working with a 293 GenIII small block. I already makes 300hp stock and it uses a 6.125 rod. I'm going to bore it to about a 340 then cam and bolt-on's. But I also have a nice fuel injection system to and six bolt main caps.