Is it possible to make 400HP with a 350 rocket a 72

 

Absolutely!

 

I wanted to be sure because a lot of people are saying just go with a 455 but I want to stay in the small block class.

 

Depends on how much money you want to spend. Sometimes it's cheaper to just drop in a 455.

 

$3000 to drop in motor

 

We have had this discussion 100 times. Why do you want 400 HP? What are you going to do with the car? Street strip, weekend cruiser, etc? As always, goal and budget.

 

I don't think that is going to be enough.

 

Weekend cruiser but occasionally race

 

How much do you think?

 

Then you won't need to sacrifice driveability for "400 HP", IMHO.

 

Twice that if you do it right.

 

What do you mean small block class? Is that a class of racing at your local track?

 

Yes I'm in Chicago and they have a feud going on small block n big block.

 

6k is about right for someone to build it. if you built it you can save some coin but if you don't have the knowledge or tools you will have a bit of a headache. I built my own and after the issues I had after I ran it for one whole season im over 4k and there was a few things I could have done but decided not to . They weren't crucial but they wouldn't hurt either. I spent 1700 on the complete top end that's everything heads intake big valves all new parts but no port work , The bottom end cost me 2k then add 500 for the new cam and timing set I installed along with new cam bearings and installation after I found out the cam had run out and wiped my bearings out the season after i ran it . By the time you add the cost of decking the block , new fasteners aling hone and assembly which where the only things I did not do on my build you would be about 6k . Even if you didn't have my issues. Then you have to add all the nickel and dime stuff like a carb , dist , headers , fuel lines , etc etc etc. I have managed to keep my budgets in check but it has not been with out headache. i don't regret it but its a lot of work and time waiting for the right parts to come along to snag a deal.

 

Well it cost me a little over $6500 to put together a SB Olds that's putting out close to 450 HP. Go here to post #737 if you want to see the details-
https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...niques-19.html
I had the block heads and crank, that's why there's no price for those cores. To build a 400 HP SB Olds can be done with good component selection and quality machine work. I would not trust your build to just any machinist. Seek out an Olds specialist. I would not consider my build @ 11.4:1 compression streetable. There has to be compromises. You need to double your budget or forget about it. If I were to build a strong SB street/ strip engine, I would find a 330 crank, stroke it, use aftermarket rods, custom pistons and probably some Pro Comp heads. If it were primarily street driven, I might lean toward fuel injected. Good luck with your build. You should head out to Byron race track Sept 7 and meet some fellow Olds enthusiasts.

 

Thanks man that was really helpful

 

They who?

My SBO makes 420-ish HP and not counting the fuel injection would cost a good $5-6k to do again. I build mine in stages, and some of my parts where used (aluminum heads for example).

If you're on a budget, wait till the budget gets bigger for a small block, dump a mild 455 in there, or buy a used/known combo.