How Do I wake up a 1974 N Code engine

[Gold Rush]

From what I understand the N and P code engines are essentially identical except for the camshaft.  Is that a fact?  If so what are my best options to wake this old power plant up.  It needs a total rebuild so now is the time.  Is there any pitfalls I need to watch out for?

I do not want crazy power but would like that little be more.  My funds are very limited so I will not be doing all the upgrades I see many of you doing..    Thanks in advance

[Nacho-RT74]

Kb240 pistons and will open the camshaft posibilities

If your engine is standard bore, I can get you an used set good priced. Just one week used.

[cbrestorations]

just add compression with pistons, mild cam and performance intake. the engineers back then thought lower compression would reduce emissions which is assbackwards, bigger the bang better the burn. just about every engine in the modern world is 10:1+ on compression.

[BSB67]

what size engine is this? and what is your budget?

[PRH]

Hhhhmmmmm.......... "needs a total rebuild" and "my funds are very limited" usually don't equate to improved performance.

[BSB67]

I think that some folks don't understand that it is not necessarily the high performance parts that make it expensive, but it is simply doing it right that is expensive. Said differently, a 350 hp 440 motor done right really is not that much less money than a 500 hp 440.  IMO, it is the first step (i.e. rebuilding a motor right) that is the big one. 

[daveco]

what size engine is this? and what is your budget?

N is standard 400
P is HP 400

[Nacho-RT74]

Well from my point of view

Kb240 pistons... around $400
Any camshaft... around $150
Lifters... around $100
Piston rings... around $80
Rod and main bearings... around $150
Timming chain set... around $50
Gasket set... around $70

Then add shippings ( if not getting locally or from machine shop ) and labor.

Those are the basics, quoted like any regular rebuild job where just the pistons are a bit higher than stock replacements

No need for porting or valve jobs ( this could add $300 or more ), no need for forged or custom pistons ( maybe $200-300 more than the Kb240s ), no need fo forged rods, pushrods or valvetrain upgrades, etc... where the priced are all increased