400 block question?

Old 03-08-2011, 06:00 PM
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Prater22
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Default 400 block question?

I baught a 400 engine casting number 3951509 that is punched .060 over is this safe for a dirt modified? Let me know what you think.
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Old 03-08-2011, 06:05 PM
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fla1976
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One way to know is to have it sonic tested.
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Old 03-08-2011, 06:14 PM
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hillzmod
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what is sonic tested and where can it be done at
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Old 03-09-2011, 01:58 AM
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JEFF69Z28
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509 BLOCK I THINK IS THE WEAKEST OF THE FACTORY 400 BLOCKS.
BECAUSE OF THE 4 BOLT BEARING CAPS.
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Old 03-09-2011, 02:35 AM
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mbaker3
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Default Sonic Testing

Here is a brief article explaining what Sonic Testing is.

http://racingarticles.com/article_racing-73.html
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Old 03-09-2011, 03:32 AM
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hink
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Originally Posted by fla1976
One way to know is to have it sonic tested.
X2!!!!!!!!!!!! and at the bore on a 400 block there is a good chance of cracking from the head bolt hole to the cylinder.

Look it over close
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Old 03-09-2011, 04:24 AM
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wrightway
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Originally Posted by JEFF69Z28
509 BLOCK I THINK IS THE WEAKEST OF THE FACTORY 400 BLOCKS.
BECAUSE OF THE 4 BOLT BEARING CAPS.
not all 509s are 4 bolt
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Old 03-09-2011, 01:02 PM
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pistonpopper
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i heard that that some shops drill the steam holes, thread them and plug them,to prevent cracking in this area, for drag race use. any experiences with this? i believe that a 509 block is one of the stronger 400 blocks. i have one in my garage now that is a two bolt block that has been studded,line bored, and filled to the bottom of the frost plugs.
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Old 03-09-2011, 06:32 PM
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markdunlap
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Default 400

To see what is required to add life to the head deck of a 400, you may want to check out the old Bill Jenkins smallblock chevy engine building book.

It details how to drill, tap, and plug the steam holes. It also shows to add plugs with holes in them to the big water holes in the deck and mods to other water holes.

I followed this once and the 400 block lived 7 full seasons of drag racing. It eventually cracked from a head bolt hole to the bore. Rest in Peace.
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Old 03-09-2011, 06:37 PM
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pistonpopper
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mark, were you using studs,or bolts in the decks of that block?
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