Quote Originally Posted by 35chevy View Post
ok thanks guys. I've had a 350 in this car around 15 years now and I can't tell you the times I've said "it's a 350" and the next thing you know there's nobody standing there to talk to. This car is done and I've got other cars I'm trying to build so a complete under hood makeover isn't really my intention here, I'd like to replace the engine with another small block other than a 350. A 327 might be nice but probably too small for my sportsman II heads, 383 is just a 350 on steroids and is starting to be as common as the 350 even though I am leaning a little in that direction. And, I'm having a hard time putting my hands on a 400, which will probably run hot anyway, LOL. So I don't know what I'm going to do at this point. Thanks guys.
That seems like a lot of work just so you can say you don't have a 350, no offense meant. Honestly a small block Chevy is a small block Chevy unless you do something exotic with it. A 400 is gonna look just like a 350/327/383/377/283 etc unless people read your sign or talk with you. If you have a decent 350, why not make it unique with some sort of Fuel injection, forced induction or some other unique induction system. Your situation was one of my motivators to go to my LS1. I had a belly button 350 and even with unique "Studebaker" valve covers it still was "just another 350". I love the LS1, it runs great, gets good mileage and definitely falls into the unique category in my car. Though they are getting more common. still don't see them in every car.

my two cents

good luck with your project

Pat