I agree, but... That's the half of it for me. A piston change is not in the budget at all. I have to work with what I have. A very good running 400 & a 727 in a Duster.
as a reference i got my results from the shop today
they dynoed my budget 400 build. 2500 for eddy top end kit (comes with a cheap hyd cam & lifters .480 ex / .495 int 300 or so duration). kb240 pistons 10:1 i cheaped out didnt bother getting another cam. 750hp carb
got 470hp i'll get the full dyno sheet friday when i'm off work i can go up there
i spent roughly $5500
i got the engine for 1000, top end kit for 2500, valvetrain 700, carb 600, block decked + balance etc. mancini water pump, some other odds n ends