Crunching numbers...HELP!

[-83MONTESS-]

Alright im faced with a dilemma, im gonna be looking to start a rebuild on my tired old 400 or swap in an LS1 here within the next year or so but I wanna be as prepared or possible so the rebuild/swap is quick and easy. My original plan was to put a nice set of vortec heads on my 400, add a nice cam, .030 over pistons, roller rockers, etc. If I go this route my goal is 400-450hp for this setup and I will be doing all the labor in class so that will save alot of money. My other option is finding an LS1 and doing the swap. I know the LS engine is the way to go but this isnt a daily driver and im a college student so I wouldnt be able to afford to rebuild the LS1 an it would probably be carberated for the time being until I can afford a nice injection setup. I have a beat 700R4 waiting for a rebuild also so that will be the transmission behind either engine and 3.73s in the rear. If you guys were in my shoes would you rebuild 400 to be a rowdy vortec headed 406 street motor, or swap in a "pretty much" stock LS1 and enjoy the driveability for now??? Any advice/input is appreciated

 

[monte olrac]

This is what I would do, LS motors are bad *ss but you probably would like something better than stock, so I would build the 400 like you plan too, and save up for the LS1 build it right and take your time, until then you can get some instant gratification out of 400. That way you'll have plenty of time to do your home work and acquire good parts. Nothing is worse than finding out you have to spend more money on unexpected expenses.

 

[-83MONTESS-]

That way you'll have plenty of time to do your home work and acquire good parts. Nothing is worse than finding out you have to spend more money on unexpected expenses.

Yea thats why im trying to sort this out now instead of being faced with making the decision when its go time. I wanna be as prepared as possible to make it a quick and easy change. Thanks for the input, more food for thought