Longshot, but... 396/402 Big Block Chevy

[R7]

Even though I have a new 350 engine in my 71 truck, I have the itch for something a little bigger...and maybe a small winter project!
I'm looking for the correct Big Block engine for the year of my truck, which was a 402cid (6.6L) 325hp. The 68 and 69, same engine was a 396cid, same HP rating..for whatever reason, they bring a lot more money. I'd entertain one of those for the right price as well.
I'm looking for a complete engine, not some bucket of parts. Running, but needing a rebuild is fine. In a perfect world, finding a complete engine, with all the correct Power steering, alt, and AC brackets and pulleys is what i'd like the most.
I've been watching craigslist for a while, and really haven't found what i'm looking for. I do NOT want a built up, high HP engine.

I have found exactly what I'm looking for, but it requires shipping across the country which is gonna cost just as much as the engine.
Depending what it is and what it needs, i'd pay upto $1,500...which is probably on the high side for a stock engine that's 40+ years old.

A 454 big block is a last resort, but those are pretty easy to come by

[SVRACER01]

Wirelessly posted (GS3)

Have you thought about turning the 350 into a 383 stroker?
You already know it fits, its just as reliable, probably cheaper, should go smoothly on a new engine and you should be in the 400 HP range

[Pigman]

Just go buy a FI-500HP crate motor and be done....drop it in and drive away. The rest is either going to cost a ton or not really make the value of the truck go up at all. Not to be a dick but its not a sought after muscle car that matching numbers will be helpfull, so make it a solid daily driver. My 2Cts

[R7]

Wirelessly posted (GS3)

Have you thought about turning the 350 into a 383 stroker?
You already know it fits, its just as reliable, probably cheaper, should go smoothly on a new engine and you should be in the 400 HP range

There's a lot involved in doing that, lots of expensive machine work to the block for the 400 crank. In the end, I still have to find some accessories because the 400 crank is externally balanced, where the 350 is internal. At the end of the day, you may have 400hp, but still a low torque number of the small block.

Just go buy a FI-500HP crate motor and be done....drop it in and drive away. The rest is either going to cost a ton or not really make the value of the truck go up at all. Not to be a dick but its not a sought after muscle car that matching numbers will be helpfull, so make it a solid daily driver. My 2Cts

In a perfect world, and deep pockets, that works and is a good idea. They come with a healthy price tag, anything worth looking at is $5k plus for the crate engine. I've been following sales of these trucks for quite a while, the ones with big block sell for all the money..the ones with small blocks seem to sell for about half to 3/4 the price of the same optioned truck with a big block. So you're wrong in the adding value point I'm not worried about matching numbers, I just want the correct size engine offered for the year, which is the 402. The 350 in mine now is not matching numbers to the vin#, the original engine was replaced before I purchased the truck

[R7]

Found one..or 2 actually. Picked one up tonight locally, and the other is being shipped to me.
Scored this 1972 402 complete engine for short money, already pulled the heads off as I plan to rebuild it. It looks to be in very good condition inside...though pulling the oil pan and crank bearings will tell the real story.

[Paul_E_D]

As you say,

[Falko]

Found one..or 2 actually. Picked one up tonight locally, and the other is being shipped to me.
Scored this 1972 402 complete engine for short money, already pulled the heads off as I plan to rebuild it. It looks to be in very good condition inside...though pulling the oil pan and crank bearings will tell the real story.

there's a lot of meat on those BB cranks should you need to clean it up. Awesome score on the two engines. The one being shipped, is it the 402 or 396?

[R7]

Wirelessly posted

Found one..or 2 actually. Picked one up tonight locally, and the other is being shipped to me.
Scored this 1972 402 complete engine for short money, already pulled the heads off as I plan to rebuild it. It looks to be in very good condition inside...though pulling the oil pan and crank bearings will tell the real story.

there's a lot of meat on those BB cranks should you need to clean it up. Awesome score on the two engines. The one being shipped, is it the 402 or 396?

The one being shipped is the better engine, runs good with 107k on it, never apart. It's a 1970 402 out of a c20, its coming complete from the oil pan to the air filter.

[Paul_E_D]

Are you gonna drop it in while you build the other?

[R7]

Wirelessly posted

Are you gonna drop it in while you build the other?

I'm not sure on that yet, but its a good idea to get it set up with the exhaust and new engine stands. I honestly made both deals about the same time, so not sure what I'll do with the engine I won't be using...its really like a mini investment