I've begun the parts accumulation for my 401 build. It's a good 1978 block from a full size Jeep. It has less than .010 wear top to bottom in every cylinder. Minor surface rust in #8 cylinder. If it doesn't clean up, I'll resleeve it. Otherwise it's in good shape. Crank is good. Heads are in good shape but will get rebuilt with maybe a minor cleanup on the runners.
The engine is going in my 86 J10 in place of the 360. I have a Holley Avenger TBI setup (550-400) on an Edelbrock Performer intake on the 360 now and that will go on the 401. Basically stock exhaust setup. It has the TBI's O2 sensor just before the new cat.
The 360 is bolted via an adapter to a 700R4. I already have the 401 specific flex plate from Novak that will let the 401 slip right in place. I'm running 4.56 gears in the J20 axles and 315/75R16 (35") tires. I run roughly 2,200 RPMs on the freeway at 70.
My goals for the engine, in order of priority:
1. It has to pass emissions. This is not negotiable. The fuel injection helps over the carburetor but I can't run a cam that makes me blow my emissions test at the tailpipe. (and yes, I know running a 401 in place of a 360 is technically not right but what are the chances the inspector will actually look under the engine mount to know the difference?)
2. The fuel injection system needs 11" of vacuum at idle or more to run right without a lot of tuning.
3. I want to make good torque for towing and hauling. I don't want to lose my low end torque for the sake of top end horsepower.
The cams I've been looking at so far have durations @ .050 in the 20x-22x range with valve lifts in the high .4xx range. Does anyone have much real world experience running a 401 in an emissions county with an aftermarket cam and can they shed some light on my choices? I've heard from people who run 360's and that's all well and good but a 401 has a fair bit more displacement with the same heads and valves so I'm thinking a slightly bigger cam will be a better choice.
Thanks everyone in advance for all your help.
p.s. Gratuitous pictures of the truck here: http://www.grimmjeeper.com/TruckNorris/