Ok gents. i got the 400 home.Pulled it out of a 77 T/A 400/T-350. The heads are 6x-8. As far as I know the moter has 83,000 and ran smooth with no smoke.So my plan is to clean it up pull the V-covers and oil pan do a basic check and close it back up. But!! Im going with the repo RA exhaust. and was thinking about installing a new cam. Like I said earlier,, ive been playing with chevys for awhile and have messed with ponchos since my 65 goat. Any ideas on combos? Oh the cat is out, car over 25,so no more inspection. so a nice pypes dual set up is getting installed.
Thanks,
Pete  

Pete, If all you are doing is bolt-ons without a full rebuild, I would stay relatively mild on the cam. Something on the order of the Pontiac 068 or a modern equivalent in the range of 216-218 degrees duration at .050" lift and max valve lift around .450". Keep in mind that the 6X-8 heads give you only 7.6:1 compression ratio, don't go overboard with the cam. An edelbrock performer intake is really a waste of $$ if you already have the factory 4bbl manifold, you won't see enough gain to make it worthwhile and a performer rpm is too much for a basically stock combo. Since you are already buying most of the gaskets to do the cam swap and oilpan, I recommend buying the complete set and replacing all the gaskets now, to avoid leaks later. Also think about the rear main seal and frost plugs, the seal is a rope seal and the plugs can rust right thru, so now is a great time to change them all and they're cheap! You might consider upgrading to a neoprene rear main seal from BOP Engineering (someone else makes one now too, but I don't recall *** Don't forget the timing set and lifters (I know, but some guys will try using the old stuff!). As for exhaust, the RA manifolds and Pypes system will work great.
Steve  

Thanks Barney,
             That combo sounds like it will fit nicely. One thing I forgot to mention was the water pipe nipple in the head has just about rusted off.Can this be removed with the head on or does the head need to come off.And,,if the head has to come off is there a thinner head gasket that will work? And what is you thought on the stock Q-jet vs a 500-600 Edelbrock?
Thanks Pete  

I'm not sure about thinner gaskets, maybe felpro's site has info. The hose nipple can be pried out with a screwdriver (and likely a hammer too) with the head still on, especially with the engine out of the car. If the q-jet works use it, it is set up for that motor and other than a basic rebuild little needs to be done to be a great unit, unless the throttle shafts are loose. There are kits available for those.
Steve  

Hi Steve,
        I remember!!! That Bobcat kit Royal put out.That had thinner gaskets,Where do ya think that info would be floating around??