After several years of saving I finally have enough money together to replace the drivetrain in my 69 coupe. The car currently has a 350 from a 78 chevy pickup, a TH350, and a 2.56 posi rear. I mostly drive the car on the weekends for cruises and dates. With the current setup the car is very sluggish and I would love to make it drive as good as it looks. Several times a year we go long distances to cruises and I definitely want to switch to an overdrive transmission. I debated between building or buying an engine and this is the combo I have come up with. I just graduated from college and I am starting grad school in the fall so I am still on a budget.

Engine:
Year One Power Crate 400hp 350 Crate engine $3000 Year One
Engine Specifications:
·Horsepower- 400+
·Torque- 440+ ft/lbs
·Compression ratio- 9.5:1
·Dyno-tested: Yes, includes harmonic balancer and flexplate
·Dyno sheet: Included with engine’s output
·Vacuum produced: 12hg @ 800RPM
·Recommended fuel- 92 octane
·Max recommended RPM- 6000
·Block- Seasoned 4-bolt iron
·Crankshaft- Nodular iron
·Pistons- Hypereutectic
·Connecting rods- Powdered metal
·Camshaft- Hydraulic roller
·Valve lift:.520"
·Duration @ .050" (int/exh): 218deg/228deg
·Rocker arms- 1.6:1 ratio
·Cylinder heads- Ported Vortec
·Valves- Stainless steel 2.02 int/1.60 exh
·Valve springs: Heavy duty
·Bore x Stroke- 4.030" x 3.48"
·Intake manifold- Dual-plane aluminum
·Oil pan, timing cover, valve covers included
·Engine fasteners: High tensile strength
·Warranty- 12 month/12,000 mi
*Balanced and Blueprinted



GM Factory Serpentine System: $681.11 GM Parts Direct


Headers: I am not too sure which ones to buy. My uncle recommended the Flowtech Afterburners ($287). I need a ceramic coated set that will fit without modification to the frame and the factory AC box. I already have 2.5 inch exhaust that I think I can adapt and reuse.


Carb: Again I am not sure what to buy. I am currently considering the Edelbrock Thunder series 650 or Speed Demon 750.



Radiator: U.S.Radiator 4 row $270 Classic Industries


I also need suggestions for the fuel pump and distributor. Can I use the stock HEI distributor that I already have? Do I need to switch to an electric fuel pump?

I plan to put this engine in front of a 200-4r and a 3.73 posi. This build is going to be pretty expensive as it is so I can't spend a whole lot more, but if there is something that you think is a bad idea please let me know. I definitely need suggestions about the headers, carb, distributor and fuel pump. I have had the car for almost seven years and I am really looking forward to finally doing this build. You guys have been so helpful in the past and I know that you will be able to tell me how best to spend my money.

Thanks!
Brian