big block or small block
just want a good streetable strong car...360 has kb 107's and a new cast crank...i could go 202 intakes in the stock heads with a decent cam and intake...or a decent cam in the 413 with my 906's and a good intake..headers for either one...about 3500-4500 on the budget
Your budget says to stay w/the small block.
I would not stay with the stock heads. Sell them and roll the money over into new aluminum heads and headers. Inexpensive headers from Summit Racing and there 2-1/2 exhaust kit. Cam accordingly.
Then spend on a converter and gears. These two items will release the beast and will be the best bang for the buck to compliment the engine you build.
The big blocks weight is indeed more and you’ll notice it until you add as much aluminum as possible to the big block. Then it’s weight is at or less than a stock small block.
Having done a big block in a Duster before, they are a little bit more of a PIA to complete and work on but it is worth it as far as a power return is concerned. Handling is not an issue once lightened with aluminum.
The other plus of the big block (if it doesn’t need a rebuild, which would probably be amazing if it didn’t save a recent rebuild your unaware of….) is it’s sheer size is a few bolt one and a cam away from making 350 hp and better. You’ll have no need for aluminum heads for that power level. Nor headers. But there a very nice plus.
For the 413 to make an easy streetable 350+ horse power & great driver, just add if not already equipped, a 4bbl. intake and carb, stock 4bbl. camshaft. As long as the long block is in good shape. If it needs a rebuild, your budget will be shot.
