Depending on the use of the car, there are different ways to go. As Mr. p-body said there are many different formulas to making good power out of a 400. Since you indicated that you have a fairly limited budget, consider what needs done. If you are considering any signifigant power gains over stock (80+ hp), id suggest rebuilding the motor...adding big power to a worn out engine just spells disaster. also, remeber that certain mods like to be accompanied by others...an example would be a stout cam needs a good intake and exhaust to perform to the fullest.a great start for power is definatly intake and cam selection. Personally, I would not hesitate to recommend the edelbrock performer RPM package. this package has a good operating range (1500-6000). another bonus of this kit is that it is all dyno matched so you will know it will perform well right out of the box. Comp cam makes an excellent cam too! Since 2500 $ max is your budet the E-heads are not an option as they will eat up well over half of your $$$. I would guess that you have a 4x casting with 98 cc heads? (74 also had 46/4c, 89 cc small valve) if this was the case, you are only seeing low 8's as far as compression...this is FAR to low if performance is a priority, however choose accordingly. too high a compression is not practicle for street use ( id suggest staying around 9.5:1 compression for compatibility of pump gas.)Since there are few stock castings that will increase the 400's compression to a pump gas acceptable ratio (the early 72 cc heads make for a good choice however), a option may be to mill your current heads. This will allow for specific tuning...allowing you to in effect choose your combustion chamber volume. As always headers are an excellent!! choice to achieve high power. Now on a last note, I hate to be the one to say this, but if your engine needs a rebuild, i would highly doubt you will be able to go awefully fast on a 2000-2500 dollar budget, as machine work and new engine internals can run quite high...but this budget is do-able if you are smart about your selectins! most important to remember is that speed isnt cheap, and you get what you pay for...so choose WISELY!
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