402....???

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Mar 3, 2009 | 10:52 PM

base1957

Thread Starter

Instructor

Joined: Mar 2009

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From: Cameron Tx

402....???

Probably messed up.. Was told it was a 427. Listened to it. It had a proform 750 carb, and sounded very good and quick response. 10:1 comp, alum edel intake, moroso 7 qt oil pan, steel crank. Heads Im not sure but obviously big block. Anyway, I'm new to the game and bought it thinking it was a 427.
Definitely has some power but is it a good engine block . I'm a sunday driver, not in to racing but wnat that good 60's muscle sound.

Other than giving the guy who sold it a piece of my mind which I have. any thoughts about this motor?

Mar 3, 2009 | 11:08 PM

gkull

Team Owner

Joined: Apr 1999

Posts: 21,953

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From: Reno Nevada

2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified

They are much better than a 400 small block

Before you buy things look up the block and head casting numbers on www.mortec.com

Last edited by gkull; Mar 3, 2009 at 11:12 PM.

Mar 4, 2009 | 01:25 AM

Capella

Advanced

Joined: Nov 2007

Posts: 82

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From: Central Texas

If it is a 402 (4.125 bore), it is simply a .030 overbore 396 (4.094 bore). The 427 uses the same Mark IV style block but with a larger 4.250 bore. 396/402/427 stroke (3.76") is the same but the 427 crankshaft has different counterweights.

Nothing wrong with a 396/402 - easily made to burn the tires off.

Mar 4, 2009 | 08:42 AM

pats72

Instructor

Joined: Dec 2002

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From: pinehurst nc

402

I have run a 402 with a turbo 350 in my 72 for the last 6 years. Had the heads reworked with 2.19 and 1.88 valves and ran a comp cams exteme energy cam. Drove it 40 miles to track on weekends, ran low 13s on 15 inch street tires spinning through 1st and 2nd gear and then drove the car home. It was a great street/strip all purpose motor. I have mine on the engine stand while I do my frame off, not sure if it is going back in as I have been bitten by the HP bug and will most likely build a 496. I would go ahead and put it in and run it. As long as you are not doing any serious racing and mostly street driving I think you will be more than happy.

Mar 4, 2009 | 09:41 AM

63mako

Race Director

Joined: May 2005

Posts: 10,674

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From: Millington Illinois

St. Jude Donor '08-'09

My buddy had a 1970 Chevelle SS396 (402) 4 speed, 4.11 Posi when I was in high school. It was 4 years old. Bone stock except headers. That thing was an animal. Yours is built up. You are not racing and it sound like it runs well. You want the muscle car sound a good running big block fits the need. Bolt it in and enjoy it.

Last edited by 63mako; Mar 4, 2009 at 09:47 AM.

Mar 4, 2009 | 09:57 AM

CCrane65

Safety Car

Joined: Apr 2000

Posts: 3,802

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From: Wichita KS

But in order to really unleash that big block sound, you need to get a set of Allen's LOUD mufflers. They let you know a big block is in the house.

I just put mine on a couple of weeks ago. Last night I took the car to our monthly Corvette club meeting and showed them off and was asked if I changed the cam! Told them no same factory cam different mufflers.

cc

Mar 5, 2009 | 11:43 AM

holley505

Drifting

Joined: Nov 2004

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From: Longwood Florida

Vettes had the 396 motors back in 1965... First production BBC. Good motor. 402 is a factory overbore of that same motor. Mostly found in chevelle and camaro SS models. Used with either 4-speed manual or TH400 trannies.

A real 427 motor would have cost you a premium for sure!! Be happy its BBC. They run good with basic mods to the Intake and Exhaust. (ie headers, 3 inch pipes, performance intake manifold)

Even without those mods it should be a solid mid-low 13 second car. Enough to keep up with most new performance vehicles.

Mar 5, 2009 | 01:05 PM

joewill

Safety Car

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 4,443

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From: Indy Indiana

if the previous owner knew it was a 402, then you have a case and the car was misrepresented... but if previous owners before him has ultimately in the past sometime made the switch, then not much you can do...

always, always, check as much as you can before buying, a big block can be as little as a 366 truck to a 454 plus overbored monster, a small block can be a 265 all the way to a stroked out 427.. but the casting number and casting date will tell you what the basis of the block is..