If you are just looking for a mild performance engine, you really can't beat the deal Chevy offers through the Goodwrench program. You can buy a brand new 350 longblock for around $ 1300.00, and it comes with a warranty. For the novice engine builder it is a great option. By the time you pay for the machine shop and the kit, you will be at or over that figure.

Slide a mild cam from PAW or others into it, and you will have an honest 280-300 HP engine, with the proper carb/intake. There are so many things that can and do go wrong even when pro's rebuild engines, that, if you can avoid it, you can save a lot of grief.

I wish I were into Chevy's, because it is a steal.