what top end(big block)

[dukeboy_318]

Well, the big block lovers have finally talked me into going to a bb motor and ditching the 318 build idea.  I am purchasing a 400 ci bb from a member on here.  I thought bout building a 451 out of it, but decided to explore other options since im new to the big block scene.  My questions is what would you use in terms of intake, carb and cam selections to get some 350-500 horses(yeah i know its a big range) and still be streetable on pump gas.  its a 77 block btw

[Mean 318]

Well with 500 HP Performer RPM Eddy intake and look at going over .030. My 440 has an 870, 10.5-1 flat tops. 5 qt pan, high Vol. fuel and oil pump. Re work the Dist. Head work, 509 hyd cam 870 holley. Prbly going to want headers and some good exhaust, 2.5-3 inch I hope that helps some I am also assuming since you say 350-500 you are looking more street. 350 ain't going to be hard.

[dukeboy_318]

yeah hedders are in the future.  i did a search on here but didnt really get much back in terms of what i want to do.  itll be bored .30 over too btw with some high comression pistons and some headwork forsure

[aifilaw]

honestly, if your going to change pistons... your going to need to clean up the cylinders.. you may as well stroke it... unlike the 383 they took the 400 a bit too far with the bore to stroke ratio, and the very low static and dynamic compression ratio make it a dog you gotta fix either by milling heads or changing pistons... may as well stroke it if you do the pistons and fix the whole scenario, a 440 crank in there makes it a very good engine.

[Runner]

honestly, if your going to change pistons... your going to need to clean up the cylinders.. you may as well stroke it... unlike the 383 they took the 400 a bit too far with the bore to stroke ratio, and the very low static and dynamic compression ratio make it a dog you gotta fix either by milling heads or changing pistons... may as well stroke it if you do the pistons and fix the whole scenario, a 440 crank in there makes it a very good engine.

i couldnt agree more

[Rolling_Thunder]

Go stroker...   pretty much the same price if your going to be cleaning up the stock crank and buying pistons....     

As far as top end...    what transmission, rear end ratio, tire size, stall convertor - what is the car going to be used for ? most of these things are needed to be known for a cam selection....       

[dukeboy_318]

Go stroker...   pretty much the same price if your going to be cleaning up the stock crank and buying pistons....     

As far as top end...    what transmission, rear end ratio, tire size, stall convertor - what is the car going to be used for ? most of these things are needed to be known for a cam selection....       

its gonna have a 727 with a 2500 stall converter(unless you guys have better one in mind),  rearends probably gonna be 3.23s.  Not sure on tire size just yet.  Car is gonna be a street/strip car with the majority of its time on the street so it must run on pump gas and not run at 4000 RPMs at 70 mph either.  I want enough power to dust the occasion teenage punk in his ricer or the neighbors camaro.

[aifilaw]

if your going to stick with those gears and that stall converter it sounds like you want more than a weekend warrior, and I applaud that. But if your going to do that, then you really need to make the most out of it, and that means plenty of torque, and that means stroker and a seemingly mild cam that really makes a lot of power, just down low where you need it and can use it.

[dukeboy_318]

if your going to stick with those gears and that stall converter it sounds like you want more than a weekend warrior, and I applaud that. But if your going to do that, then you really need to make the most out of it, and that means plenty of torque, and that means stroker and a seemingly mild cam that really makes a lot of power, just down low where you need it and can use it.

yep, i dont want it to be a drag strip menance or anything, i want to be able to drive it and enjoy it but yet still be able to spank the unsuspecting brand X car thats driver is running his mouth and acting tough.  I was thinking stroker orginally but was not sure where to turn for a kit or info, so i thought id ditch that idea but from the sounds of it, it might just be worth going for

[aifilaw]

I hear nothing but good things about 440source.com give them a try, and their prices are quite good. If I was going through them I personally would just pick up a crank and maybe rods, and do the pistons from another source... but that's not saying their package isn't excellent and worth the money.

[dukeboy_318]

I hear nothing but good things about 440source.com give them a try, and their prices are quite good. If I was going through them I personally would just pick up a crank and maybe rods, and do the pistons from another source... but that's not saying their package isn't excellent and worth the money.

okay thanks, one question, will a 440 crank need any work to fit in that 400 block?

[Nacho-RT74]

Main journals grinded to fit on 400 block and to prevent just slightly grind on counterweights and on block to prevent from some touch

[firefighter3931]

okay thanks, one question, will a 440 crank need any work to fit in that 400 block?

The 440 source 451 stroker kits are designed to drop right into the 400 block. If you use a stock 440 crank then there will be some machinework required. The cost of maching a 35+ year old crank will almost equal a brand new 4340 forged crank. It's a no brainer....go 440 Source and don't look back. 



Ron

[dukeboy_318]

okay thanks, one question, will a 440 crank need any work to fit in that 400 block?

The 440 source 451 stroker kits are designed to drop right into the 400 block. If you use a stock 440 crank then there will be some machinework required. The cost of maching a 35+ year old crank will almost equal a brand new 4340 forged crank. It's a no brainer....go 440 Source and don't look back.



Ron

Okay thanks Ron.  I think after checking 440source.com, im gonna go with the 470 stroker kit instead.  Prices right now are the same on all kits, just fyi. 1697.00 for the entire kit including balancing, pistons and rods. 

[375instroke]

Also, check out 440Source new aluminum heads.  Just what I've been waiting for--aluminum heads that flow but look stock, and almost half the price of that DC stuff that people say still need work after you buy them.