Virgin engine builder/ "72" 400 cid

Thanks Geno, I think you now understand my situation. I understand everyone wants a monster, but at this junctor, I am using this more as a learning opportunity and a fuel sipper play street engine that I will take to the track once or twice over the summer just to find out what I did in the engine. PLEASE recognize that I have a second engine that will be my monster.

second build:

455 block @ 0.040 over bore
and about 600+ hp!

This build is more a learning build and a street only engine at this time.

I know we could bench race all day and BS till we are blue in the face but this is an economical budget build. Over time I may go back in and rebuild even further once I get more experience.  

pmg,
If you want a Pontiac V-8 that can make decent power and get mpg, don't build a 400- the 350 is a much better choice. I usually run a 400 since it's the best compromise between the monster torque and hp of a 455 and the decent fuel economy of a 350, and it's very straightforward to get 400 hp from it without using high-dollar aluminum heads or stroker kits. 50 CI doesn't seem like alot of difference, but the bore does make a difference in the characteristics of a 350 vs. 400.

I have a 350 that I overhauled recently- I would have rebuilt it but it was so clean (original bore w/ no taper, crank journals 3.00, look like they were just machined, bearings clean, etc) I decided to ball hone it and re-ring the stock pistons. I did put a new cam, lifters, oil pump, timing chain ,seals and ARP rod bolts in the shortblock, but pistons and rods are stock- so I do understand what a low-budget build is about too. I'm capping this 350 with some ported no.13's (those are down at PPR getting serviced now)- was going to use the stock 4c's but they came up cracked when magged. The only purpose of this motor is to get my 'Bird going- strictly a cruiser, no DOS's (displays of speed) or racing.

To be clear I love to bench race, but I also have a business where customers pay me to build motors for them, as well as service and repair their classic cars- my knowledge is based on real experience and over 20 years of racing and building Pontiacs and other Detroit iron. The vast majority of engines I build are street engines, so I know how people use them, what works and what doesn't. There are plenty of builders here and on other forums with far more experience than me, but I'm only here to offer advice and share my knowledge with anyone who asks- ultimately you alone decide will what you'll do with your motor.  Opinions are fine (we all have them and that's what an internet forum is all about), but watch out for those who speak about Pontiacs without actual experience- those of us who are old hands know who the posers are, but newcomers may not.

Geno