400 build opinions

Having finally managed to get my finances in order, the option of finally getting a big block into the Fury is drawing closer and I'm just looking for a little input from those who have been there. The lil 318 is great for cruising around in but just has too much trouble getting out of it's own way. The plan so far...

Stock 400 block/crank/rods.
KB240 pistons
Lunati Voodoo 301 or 302 hydraulic flat tappet.
452 or 915 heads? Mild head work? Stock valve train.
.020 head gaskets or ?
Double roller chain.
DP4B intake manifold.
71 440 auto thermoquad or ?
MP electronic ignition.
Aluminum water pump.
Stock oil pump.
Stock C-body oil pan/system.
Windage tray.
Stock fuel pump.
Stock rad & cooling system.
HP exhaust manifolds w/2.25 exhaust/Dynomax turbos.
Warmed over 727/2500-2800 stall.
9.25 rear w/3.23 sure grip.
28" tall tires.
Car weight approx. 4000 lbs.

Certain things I already have, like the rear, carb, oiling system, cooling setup and an NOS 400 short block still in the crate coated in cosmoline. I HAVE to stick to minimum machine work, because I don't want the money balance to crash again. So, thoughts/ideas? A ? above means if there's a better option, I'm listening. I'd love to get into the 375-400 hp range.

Suggest you measure the height of the short block pistons... how close to the top of the deck do they come at TDC. If they are not too far in the hole, you may be able to build a decent engine with the pistons in there now. A bit of a long shot but worth measuring.

Have you tried budgeting out what it would cost to do a 451 instead? You're already buying new pistons, so scooping up a used 440 crank shouldn't add that much to the final total and gain you 50 cubes!

This is going to be a great car. I love full-sized cars and big blocks. I have another brand full-sized car with just about the biggest motor ever made. For a big car, it's shockingly fast. With your build and the lighter Fury, this thing should really move. Any reason in particular you're not going to do headers?

Quote:

---

Suggest you measure the height of the short block pistons... how close to the top of the deck do they come at TDC. If they are not too far in the hole, you may be able to build a decent engine with the pistons in there now. A bit of a long shot but worth measuring.

---

Here is the piston in question, Not bad at damn near 9.1 with 90cc heads, I'm sure its close to the top.

http://www.kb-silvolite.com/kb_car/performance.php?action=details&P_id=22