If you are looking for 450 reliable horsepower, just swap in a LS1, and an intake, a throttle assembly, a hot computer, a set of headers, etc., and drive around on pump gas.

You could get a low mileage engine from a salvage yard for around $2000-$2500, and after adding the above (including a stand alone harness for the computer), you'll have spent less than you would trying to stress out a 327 for the same power (with a blower no less). 4th gen Camaro's will run high 11's without much work with this engines.

As for the 396, I'd keep it all motor also. Stick to the KISS principle.

K eep
I t
S imple
S tupid