[D13]

First, if you are serious, you need to buy Santucci's book, be sure to get the second edition. You are better off starting with the 292, that 40+ CID really helps, just stay out of the harmonics. Takes the same intake and exhaust and head, allows better carb selection.


Next, define your budget. Six parts are not 'cheap'.
1. Rebuild short block - cheap, use sealed power 307 pistons, mild upgrade cam, good timing set, new oil pump, turn crank, etc. About $1200 inclusing machine shop.
1a. Use forged pistons and upgraded rods, add Fludidampr, studs, align bore - add $800
2. Rebuild stock head - $250
2+. Swap to 194 head for better compression - $300
2a. 250/292 head but Increase valve size, lump ports (read the book), screw in rocker stands, roller rockers - add $5-600 depending on how much you do yourself
3. Intake and exhaust - Clifford manifold, Holley 390, Langdon's headers, electric fuel pump, custom exhaust - $800

So for about $3300 you can have a 292 that makes gobs of torque and will give a stock SBC a bad time.

now let's get serious.
T4 SPA turbo manifold, turbo, HP head gasket, methanol injection, intercooler, blow thru carb, boost adjusted FPR, custom exhaust and BOV -$2000

So can you make 400 HP with a turbo, carb, and some tweaks? yes. Will it be as cheap as a 383 Chevy? no.

EFI $1500 (megasquirt, port fuel log, controlled timing, knock sensor)
Hybrid head based on LS or big flow SBC, lay back cylinder bore walls, BIG cam, etc - $5000 is depending on what/how.

Now you're pushing 550+ HP, up there with some stout SBC's, but you're close to the limit of a six.

If I wanted to beat up on SBC's I'd pick up a 5.3 LS motor (under $1200 with harness), add a chip, and you'll pund 305's and STOCK 350's, and give mild 350's a good run.

When I have time to be truely different I'll finish my 250 and swap it for the tired one in the 77 and cruise in an ungly old truck that I fit in. But it's not likely to win many races. The LS motors are just too good, my 1999 3/4 ton xcab weighs 5400 dry and is much quicker than my 1990 454 SS was.