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I'm currently running a 383 and due to me being stupid last year and not checking antifreeze level enough, the block actually cracked.
Yes, I ran all this year with a cracked block. But my mechanic said it was an external crack by the knock sensor and no oil in antifreeze or vice versa. I guess I got somewhat lucky there. Why the frost plugs didn't just blow out, is beyond me.
Anyways, over the winter here I'll be replacing the block and checking the interals (although I'm sure they're fine) and maybe changing the cam for someting more aggressive since it's been 5 years on current cam.
My question here is, if I want a 406 block, are these available in 1 pc. rear main seals? If so it must be aftermarket blocks and how expensive would that be?
Would I have to get a retro roller fit cam kit for it if I can only get a 2 pc rear main seal?
And to these guys who do run the 406's , what kind of power are you making and with what mods?
***EDIT***
Hey Rick, changed my av buddy. That nicer looking black C4 behind yours is mine.
Mods and power are in my sig for the 406.
No 400 blocks cam from the factory with one piece seals but I do not know about all the aftermarket combinations, maybe one of them has what you are looking for.
If i were u and decided to go 406 than i would have seriously consider dart Little M iron block, will bare block cost u alone is 2200-2500 range, than rotating assembly and consider a big roller cam not the solid roller though its not streetable and u have to adjust valve train every few thousand miles, solid roller cams will eat valve train alive, they are good for pure racing. Intake is ur choice either SR or Mini ram either way it will be torquish. when it comes to heads i will seriously consider Brodix 200c RaceRite. Also when it comes to Rotating assembly consider either Callies or Crower (if u can afford) and SRP or JE pistons, compression in 10.7-12:1 range and with a good tune, it will be easily close to 500 Rwhp. Check Shafiroff.com. sami.
YOu definately want to go aftermarket with the block, unless you can land a 509 casted 400 block. The 509 casted blocks were the best ones to get...anything else your playing with fire. Two bolt mains also, but the 509 casting will have that....
However if you want the creme of the crop, get a dart little M block....after running my 406 motor, which went and held up great, you can't believe the difference the aftermarket blocks provide.
Shop around you can get some pretty good deals, or you can get in touch with me and I can hook you up with some good deals...
YOu definately want to go aftermarket with the block, unless you can land a 509 casted 400 block. The 509 casted blocks were the best ones to get...anything else your playing with fire. Two bolt mains also, but the 509 casting will have that....
However if you want the creme of the crop, get a dart little M block....after running my 406 motor, which went and held up great, you can't believe the difference the aftermarket blocks provide.
Shop around you can get some pretty good deals, or you can get in touch with me and I can hook you up with some good deals...
jesse, what mods did u have with your 406? and how did it run?
Dont be afraid of a solid roller, with the good locks/rocker systems out you harldy have to touch the valvetrain.
Lifters have come a long way, also.
Look into the Crower sever duty ones (they are durable as hell) or the new Iskys . Not really crazy about the Comp SR lifters.
I have been running a Comp large SR on the street since '01 in my 408. These cams can be made to run with minimal maintenance. SR cams have come a long way in the last 15 years.
jesse, what mods did u have with your 406? and how did it run?
IF you look in my signiture is basically will walk you right through the assembly of my 406 motor. All the parts should be spelled right out which were not anything real special - just the right ones to make the combination work. Quickest it went was 11.0X @123MPH....but knowing what I know now about my cars suspenion and getting it to launch like it does now...it would easily go 10.7-8s.
Hope this helps and If you need any help with the tuning of the beast buildup - just let me know...