400 SBC Block
I snagged a virgin 817 casting 400 block to build a 377 for my dirt modified, but when I talked to the machinist about building it for me, he pretty much said he'd rather not build anything using a stock 400 block.
I know compared to a 350 4 bolt main block (which loses the big bore benefit), bowtie block or Little M, the stock 400 is the weakest of the bunch. However, I figured at no more than 550hp and 7500 rpm with a short stroke, long rod, lightweight flat top rotating assembly in a 2500lb car would live for some time. This guy didn't want to touch a build like this PERIOD even with splayed main caps.
What are everyones opinions about using a stock 400 block with stock caps for this application? How long would it live? Will it live at all? What would safe power and rpm limits be before having to really worry about catastrophic block failure.
Thanks Guys,
Darren