Some "Junkyard Jewels" that people overlook.....

There are a lot of engines that could make big power for low bucks, that a lot of enthusiasts overlook. Here's a few that I think offer the most "bang" for the buck. # 1. 400C / M Ford. These were in hundreds of thousands of Ford cars and trucks from 1971-82. They were unfairly labelled as "dogs" because they were saddled with 2bbl carburation, single exhausts, a lazy cam and salt-flats gearing. However-with a 4bbl carb and intake, a decent cam and some dual exhausts-they can really rock. Anything 400 cubes is going to make serious power and torque with the proper equipment-every year someone builds one in the "Engine Masters Challenge" that makes over 500 hp.  # 2. 360 "Magnum" Chrysler. Used in millions of Dodge Trucks and SUVs as well as millions of Jeep Grand Cherokees from 1992-2003, these are plentiful in junkyards. They have roller cams from the factory, and the "magnum" heads breathe better than any factory head and many aftermarket ones. Edelbrock offers 4bbl Performer and Performer RPM intakes for those who want to use them in old cars.  # 3. 350 Chevy "Vortec" . Used in millions of Chevy / GMC trucks, vans and SUVs, these are plentiful. The "Vortec" heads breathe better than any factory heads and many aftermarket ones. These also have roller cams from the factory. Edelbrock and Weiand offer 4bbl intakes that fit these engines. If you need a small-block Chevy that makes big power for low bucks, this is the ticket. # 4. 360 AMC V8. These were used in millions of Jeep Grand Wagoneers through 1993, so they are plentiful in junkyards. Edelbrock makes aluminum heads and intakes for them. An easy way to go if your restoring a Javelin or AMX and can't find a 390 or 401, or a bolt-in replacement for a 304. # 5. 403 Olds V8. Although they were only used from 1977-79, there were millions of them sold in Pontiac Bonnevilles, Olds 88s and 98s, Buick Electras and Rivieras, all the big GM wagons, ( except Chevys ) and Pontiac Trans-Ams and Formula Firebirds. Externally identical to a 350, ( almost everything interchanges ) the extra 53 cubes would be a great power infusion for a 350 Cutlass. The only reason they were considered "dogs" was they were always put in heavy cars with 2.41:1 or 2.56:1 gears. In a medium weight car with reasonable gearing like 3.23:1-3.73:1, a decent cam and intake, and dual exhausts they would really rock. Might be something to consider if you don't need or want a numbers-matching engine. Mastermind