I have some big block parts laying around and wouldn't mind a little winter project for myself, so i'm thinking of throwing together a cheapo 400 based engine. I've been wanting to swap a big block into my car for awhile now, but keep putting it off (laziness?).

Here is what I have:
- Stock 400 shortblock
- 440 cast crank
- 452 heads

Heads are bare, pretty rusy, I think they're better off being used as big paperweights on my desk...

car: 4000 lb. c-body that never sees the track, and will probably never see any rpm over 5500...will be getting a set of 3.23 gears, as its driven on the highway a fair bit...

Basically its a nice cruiser that needs a whole lot of torque down low...

I was thinking:

cut down the 440 crank
stock rods
kb hypers
stealth heads
performer rpm intake


Will I see a noticable increase in torque from 400 cubes to 451?

Any suggestions are welcome