400 small block
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 86
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From: Milwaukee WI
400 small block
I just found a 400 cid short block with crank for $150. I have a machine shop that will bore it out to a 406 for lil or nothin. i am just wondering what i would have to do and how much it will cost to get about 450 to 500 horse out of it. I plan on putting it into my 79 daily driver. thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,844
Likes: 99
From: Orrtanna Pa.
Re: 400 small block (sidepipes79)
I've got around $5000 in mine,but you can do it cheaper than that. I went with billet pulleys,aluminum heads and petty much top of the line everything. Even the bolts are ARP or stainless steel. Check out my site for the buildup article that got me started on this. I guesstimate 500hp with what I've got in it based on buildup articles and past experience with 350's.This one rocks! :cheers:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 16
From: absecon nj
Re: 400 small block (sidepipes79)
i never had any trouble with overheating on any of the 400 i ran,as long as you have the steam holes drilled in non 400 heads youll be fine.Build the 406 yoll love it,just dont crazy on compression.
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 86
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From: Milwaukee WI
Re: 400 small block (427V8)
That time was posted in a GM goodwrench crate motor, moderate cam, and a fuel pump that had a 3/4 inch hole in the diaphram. i am runnign 3.08 rear end. This winter i put a new stock fuel pump, and a 700r4 in. I should be goin to the track next sat. well see. I am hoping for mid 13s. but i want to built a motor to get me in the 11s.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,844
Likes: 99
From: Orrtanna Pa.
Re: 400 small block (sidepipes79)
I had an overheating problem before the new aluminum radiator.Pushing around 500hp with 10:1 CR will do that.If someone tells you a stock smallblock radiator is all they run,and they claim 500hp,most likely they're pulling the wool over your eyes.I've run plenty of 350hp 350's and got away with stock radiators before.The 406 would run OK for 20-30 minutes,then the temps would start to creep up with the stock radiator.Now it runs 190 tops.
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Instructor
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 193
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From: Bloomington IN
Re: 400 small block (sidepipes79)
I'd guess around a couple grand would get you to the 500 hp mark considering you're starting with a block and crank. Probably less if you have all the other components to get it running. My 400 sbc has nickle and dimed me to the poor house. It seems I'm always adding something. No problems with the engine overheating, of course I don't come close to 500 hp.