SMall Block build question

[68 Camaro]

I hope this is not too open ended of a question. Which route would you go. I have a 350 block and a 400 block sitting in the garage. The 350 is a 4 bolt and the 400 is a 2 bolt. I was thinking about a 6" rod 350, but I see that a 383 is a very common combo, a 377 is a little less common and likes to rev, but the 400 can be taken to 415ci without too many problems.
I would like to keep the car on the street, but still like to hit the Friday night drag races. Currently the car with a n.a. 350 runs 11.73 @ 115, but as all know as you get faster you want to go even faster.
Right now my top end is pretty solid and will fit any of the combos. Dart Pro 1 215 heads 64cc chambers, victor Jr with a 1" taller plentum, crane gold roller rockers, Quick fuel 750 race carb, hooker headers. The car with driver and 1/2 tank of fuel is 3250 lb, 3500 stall with a TH350 trans, 3.73 gear and 26" tall tire. I did not mention the cam as I know this will change as the ci and compression change with the block direction.

John

[want-a-be]

Build the 400 with the 400 crank. Get the crank with the 350 mians. If something happens you can still put that crank into the 350 to make the 383 later if you would rather. Or better yet...update to a good Dart block when the budget permits. Need any help...I'd be glad to help out how ever I can.

Don

[mytmouz]

I ran a 6 inch rod 377 in my truck forever. I had a 5.7 rod 406 before that. The 406 had more bottom end, the 377 had more on top. I ejoyed the 377 more, just personal for me I guess as I like to rev...They both ran almost identical times on motor, but the 377 was faster on spray for some reason. 377, 383, 406, any of those are a good choice. I wouldn't go over .030 on the bore of the 400. If it cleans up there, I'd build it...

[Hitchcock]

In the hot rod world there is only one place where bigger is better is accurate...displacement! A good 400 core with minimal core shift can go to 421. It's a fairly common build, lots of info and parts available.

[rustbucket]

Im with Hitchcock. Build the 400. The 2 bolt 400's are better than the 4 bolt blocks anyhow.

[hugger73hatch]

Build the 400. Lots of low end torque and good power numbers. I wouldn't go above a 4.165 (.040 over) bore with the factory block though.

[572 BBC]

well im like the rest and 400 is my vote!!!

[stroker1]

Build the 400 with the 400 crank. Get the crank with the 350 mians. If something happens you can still put that crank into the 350 to make the 383 later if you would rather. Or better yet...update to a good Dart block when the budget permits. Need any help...I'd be glad to help out how ever I can.

Don

Yep. Sounds like a good idea. You can use spacer bearings and use a standard 383 crank (350 mains) and if the 400 block takes a crap you can stick it in a clearanced 350 block and just get another set of pistons.

[sverbus]

Yeah, go 400! that 400 with a 40over bore will be real grunty and since you have a basically stock Nova it's going to be a bit heavy...if you want to have it pull hard on the big end, go with a good gear like a 373's or 390's or something and it will be grunty to get ya going, and then have a good pull at top.

And those Dart heads will like the flow that motor will need.