gearhead37683

i am thinking of building a large cubic inch sbc,and i was wondering if anyone here has built one out of a 400 sbc block? i dont want to have to buy a aftermarket block because of lack of funds. what is the largest i can build using the 400 block,and what needs to be done it, i am looking for a engine that can be streetable or take it to the strip,i would like a 427 sbc is that possible with a 400 block? if so what do i need to do it?i would appreciate any advice,i know someone here has built a large cubic inch sbc
thanks in advance

topsportsman1

A little info here.You can make your own decision,but my opinion you might not like.

http://forums.racingjunk.com/viewtop...&highlight=400

rabiddawg

I think you can go up to .060 overbore on a 400 block max.
I did mine .030 over and still got enough material on the walls.
my total cubic inches came out to 406.
you can also add longer rods to improve the upper end performance.
400s are really torque monsters.
heres mine:

gearhead37683

thanks for the input, i had one 406 already and i loved it, it made so much torque it was a beast on the street, i may just build another 406,
i like the idea of the very large cubic inch sbc, but i dont have the cash to build one using a aftermarket block, so i am wondering what would be the largest i can build using a gm block,and what size crank do i need to use with it to achieve max cubic inches, because i have heard from a lot of people that the 400 blocks are prone to cracking and busting around the 600-650 hp range
thanks for any advice

mytmouz

I have a 4 inch stroke crank in mine.

gearhead37683

what size bore do you have?and what does it come out to be with the 4 inch stroke crank? also what size rods and pistons are you using with that combo?and does it work well?
thanks

mytmouz

Standardbore. Comes out to 428 cubes. .030 would be 434 cubes. I'm using 6 inch rods. Works prety well for me...

kickin472

My builder made me a 442ci couple years ago out of a 400 block. The block was filled, strapped, and never had a problem with 780 hp. I found a talldeck rocket block for $500 and made a 472 sb2.2 headed smallblock alot stronger no fill in the block, splayed, and it was like night and day for the power difference.

the 442ci is a 4.188 with a 4" swing, grinding is a must on the pan rails

Anthony

gearhead37683

thanks for all of the advice,this winter i may just go for it and see what i can come up with. my only concern using the stock block is i dont want to fill it because i would like it to be streetable
thanks

davebat

I have 2 I'm building now, looking into de-stroking 1 of them. They are both 2 bolt main, having splayed 4 bolt mains installed, suppose to be better than stock 4 bolt, PLUS everyone wants a mint for the 4 bolts, 2 bolts are readily availible and inexpensive.
We are limited to 406 (race e-mod div.), so when I need to bore more than .30, looking at the de-stroker as an alternative to keeping my blocks. Having them jacketed and steam holes plugged.
ANYONE RUN A DE-STOKED 400?