how to spend $1000

[58fairlane500]

I am relly wanting to get my 58 going. I want it to be dependable and get a little go power too. What are some things I could do to a 390 and stay under or around $1000. I am open to any suggestions

[techinspector1]

Who put the 390 in it? If it was you, did you open the motor up before the swap? If yes, what pistons are in it? What's the piston deck height? Which heads? Valve sizes? Stock cam or aftermarket?

[58fairlane500]

the 390 is not in it yet. It now has a 332 bored and 390 crank, rods, and pistons in it. Stock 332 heads. I have a 63 390 stock 2v. as far as i know no decking has been done to either motor. the 332 is a 4v and solid cam, 390 is hydraulic cam and lifters. Other than stroking of the 332 everything else is stock. have edelbrock 650 carb on 332

[toofast_28]

Depending if you can do the motor work, Cam & roller rockers would free up some ponies, but may have to do valve springs, retainers, push rods, lifters at the same time depending on the lift. May find headers cheap enough from Dynatech depending on the finish.