[steve25]

I don’t follow your statement that alludes to a 350 needing machining then any other Pontiac that may need a rebuilding.

[mgarblik]

Originally Posted by steve25

I don’t follow your statement that alludes to a 350 needing machining then any other Pontiac that may need a rebuilding.

That quote caught my attention as well. All Pontiac V-8 engines cost the same to machine, given the same condition. You asked for an opinion, so here it is. It seems that a numbers matching engine is not important so I would abandon the 1/4 million mile 350 that lives under the hood now. If a 325 HP driver is the desire as you stated, a 1971 or newer 400 or 455 would be the most cost effective build and instantly get you there with iron heads, stock components, lowest cost. Bolt it in and go. Where to buy such an engine? This forum often has just what your looking for in the various for sale categories. If you decide to build your own engine, a 350 cost the same or more than a 400 or 455. Pistons are harder to source and more expensive. Everything else cost about the same. Who wouldn't want an extra 100 cubic inches for free in a street car? That's 80 HP minimum without any work. Making 325 HP from a Pontiac 350 cost as much 425 HP from a 455. Not to mention the torque gain for your tire melting wife on her way home from work!!

[mgarblik]

I just took a very quick look on Facebook Marketplace. (10 minutes) There are 22 400 complete engines and 3 455 engines within 250 miles of Dayton OH for sale. All $1000.00 or less. Of course you need to do a careful study of what they actually are and condition. There are also several for 15-20K for essentially the same stuff. That's Marketplace for you. My point is, they are still out there.