Better deal on a 400?

[FY1Cuda]

I have been watching craigslist and have been looking for a 400 that I can someday turn into a stroker probably with one of those 440 source kits.  My question is which would be a better deal... a 73 400 with 50k miles on it for $250 (im assuming to be all stock) or a 400 (of unknown year) with an Edelbrock Torquer intake, ported 906 heads, hv oil pump that was built 5 years ago for $450.  As I said before I would likely be replacing a lot of parts, but perhaps parts in working condition that will still fit (perhaps bearings... i dunno) will stay.  One thought with the more expensive engine is whether or not i would want to bore out the engine to ~.060+  which unless it's already been done will require new pistons... not sure I trust the ring sets that are supposed to compensate for boring over and im not sure those sets will go that high.  Anyway, what are your thoughts/concerns.  Keep in mind stuff like the ported heads would be sold if i decided to go with more modern heads.  Stuff like a new oil pump would likely fit the bill with one of those Mopar Perf high pressure springs.

[Chryco Psycho]

well with any stroker you will need new pistons anyway
all 400 blocks are basically equal except for the early 72 230 castings so year really makes no difference
so if the heads & intake are worth $200 extra to you either to keep or sell then the $450 engine is the better deal , Brgs may or may not be saveable & worth using & a $50 oil pump really makes little difference , I would buy new on principle

[FY1Cuda]

You think some ported 906 heads and an Edelbrock torquer intake are worth $200 at a swap meet?  I would kind of like to do a stock appearing engine a la F.A.S.T. that is a total stroker on the internal side.  Want it to look like my 383 (plus the extra room the B block supplies as opposed to the RB block would be nice) cause that's what the car is coded for, but actually have it be a 440+ CID engine screamer.  I haven't actually built an engine on my own, but i do have a book or two on it.  Perhaps theyre worth looking through again...  Yea again, im not gonna scrutinize things like the oil pump when you can so easily and cheaply get them.  Thinking more along the lines of the heads/internals/major components and their worth.  Good point with the new pistons being needed due to stroker engines... forgot the compression distance would change.

BTW any good intakes that have outter dimensions similar to the stock?  I was thinking performer RPM but i guess those are pretty darn tall.  Maybe regular performer with some porting or gasket matching?  What kind of performance difference can there be?  Is the port really any smaller on the reg performer, or is it kinda like Indy's heads where they essentially smooth out the curves to provide better flow?  Thanks for the help... I know lots of questions.

[Chryco Psycho]

if the heads are properly ported they are worth at least $500 & the intake will bring some $$ too
  the Performer intakes make less power than a stock intake , sell it at the swap meet too
 with the extra CI and smaller intake the low deck uses you need all the manifold you can get , the RPM would be my first choice , Weiand makes a Stealth & Action Plus intake both are similar to stock intake in appeance & wil offer better performance , if I remember right the Action Plus is the bigger one, use the bigger of the 2   

[HP2]

If you going to be building a stroker, everything in it will need replaced anyway, so get the cheaper unit. Then you don't have to worry about fixing any shodding machining or workmanship left over froma revious rebuild in your build up.

[moper]

I'll modify what was said above a little. If you have plans to go the stroker route, always go with the block that is std bore. You spend money on a sonic test of a block that is already .030 over if you dont start from std. Like CP, I plan to replace everything, so I dont care what bolt on stuff is there. It adds no value for me...lol.