Need some advice on an engine, 392 or 426 hemi?

[OO[[[[|]]]]OO]

Hey guys, long story short I can get a 57 imperial 392 hemi block, heads, crank, valve train and some small random parts for it for 350 bucks. I want to eventually put it in a 71 cuda convertible, but read things on here about how the 392 doesn't fit as well as the 426, and things saying that it would cost the same amount to build up as a 426. So what would you guys recommend I do? I always knew the 426 hemi's to be expensive to build, and on top of that I would have to find one (are they hard to find, I haven't really looked). I am kind of new to the Mopar world but am in love with the 70 and 71 barracuda, and really want to find one one day when I get some money. The only reason I am thinking of getting the engine now is that I found this 392 that my fathers friend has in his basement which I figure you don't really find everyday. I would buy it and just leave it inside my garage until I can get to it. So get the 392, or wait until I have money and go with a 426?

TIA

[Chryco Psycho]

Welcome to the site 
this has been discussed before but the bottom line is the 392 will be cheaper to build but it is physically bigger & much haarder to adapt into the E body , you will have steering interference problems , you will need custom headers made , you need an adapter plate to bolt a smal block tranny to the engine on & on .... The 426 hemi is realtively easy to build now , all the parts are available new But the cost of the heads rockers shafts etc alone will cost as much as a 440 stroker to build

[gkring]

A 392 in a car meant to have one originally = cool
A 392 in a E body= mistake
For the hassle go with a late model hemi and get more power and better durability and mileage.
If you really want it then do it, but it won't be the mainstream acceptable motor in that car. I would go so far to say that a 392 equipped car is worth less than a 318 car. One man's opinion.

[OO[[[[|]]]]OO]

ah ok thanks guys, I told the guy Id pass on the engine, looks like I'll be looking to do a nice 426 hemi build in the future

[femtnmax]

Another option:  heard more than a few times a 440 6 pack will run close to a hemi for street/strip use.  The 440 would be cheaper to build, and plenty of good cylinder heads, stroker kits, etc for your choice of builds.  JMO

[Aussie Challenger]

  If you have the folding stuff readily available and are prepared to sit on it, buy the 392 with a view to trading or flipping when the 426 comes along.