[MrPbody]

Depends on which 400 you start with. If you're fortunate enough to find a semi-complete late '60s GTO or Firebird 400 engine, you're most of the way there at the start. If you have a mid-70s "smogger", there's a bit more work to be done, but it's quite "doable".

First thing to do, is invest $20 in Jim Hand's "How to Build Max-performance Pontiac V8s" by SA Designs. This is the most complete and CURRENT study of the old Injun (what we affectionately call the "traditioinal" Pontiac).

I believe your budget to be a bit on the small side, to really get a good performer that is durable enough to pound on regularly. Avoid "remanufactured" Pontiacs. They've been out of production for so long, little if any true expertise still exists in a rebuilder. A "custom" engine shop with Pontiac experience is the ticket. There are many.

Why would you want to avoid head modifications? This is the single most important aspect to power production in ANY engine, not just the Pontiac.

The relatively big car can certainly be made to perform. There's a couple of "regulars" at the Pontiac races with '77 and '78s that go 11s in streetable trim.

If you spell out your performance requirements and fuel situation, I can make some specific recommendations to get you where you want to be. Most important: Don't allow yourself to be persuaded to use a Chevy engine because "you can't make power with the Pontiac". 'Taint so... (:-

Jim