As my camaro is coming close to being finished, I have my torino in the back of my mind. The 429 I bought for it does run, but it smokes. I planned on taking it to the machine shop, but now I am thinking about rebuilding it myself. Just wanted to run some of my ideas by you guys.
I am not looking for racecar performance from my 429, just good, strong, reliability. With that said, here are some of the components I have.

1973 429 from a 73 torino wagon(2 bolt main)
1970 dove c heads that I know need to be completely redone
The c6 tranny that was in the wagon

I am thinking about having the block vatted and cam bearings put in and having the heads rebuilt with new stock style springs, valves, retainers,etc (no porting). I am also considering having the block decked to increase compression. I guess the main thing I need to know, is Is it worth doing this without putting in oversized pistons? I would like to get a good amount of power from this engine CHEAP! Maybe 350-400hp. I am thinking that the torque will make it feel pretty strong.

Any advise would be appreciated.