factory 400 block

[bowtie81]

is everyone using a factory 400 block? and if you drill the heads for the steam holes could you still use them on a 350 block? and what did you do to the blocks? i have a 400 2 bolt main machined for 4 bolt splayed, std bore 817 casting. just wondering what i could do to this block?

 

[84ta406]

is everyone using a factory 400 block? and if you drill the heads for the steam holes could you still use them on a 350 block? and what did you do to the blocks? i have a 400 2 bolt main machined for 4 bolt splayed, std bore 817 casting. just wondering what i could do to this block?

Mine is a factory block. Yes you can still use the heads on a 350 with no issues, ive done it many times before to customers cars who go from a 400 block to something like a 383 stroker. A 2 bolt drilled for splayed mains will pe a pretty strong piece. Thats what I plan to have done to mine if it sticks around long enough, its a 817 casting as well and the motor in my car is a 509.

 

[kevind]

Mine is a 400 2 bolt converted to splayed caps. Mech roller, over 12:1 comp. I try to keep it 7000rpm and under but it's been ran for 7 years in a dirt car on Alky and makes 600+ HP. Never had any problems with any stock 400 block unless You try a 4" stroke crank it can get close to water jackets with the grinding. I have run 400's for 15 years.

 

[bowtie81]

i was thinking about doing a 427 with it, or is that too much for these?

 

[84ta406]

Just have a GOOD machine shop do the clearancing and you should be set IMO. Need to make sure all the clearances are good on the oil pan rail and make sure the connecting rods clear the camshaft, might need a small base circle cam.

With a 4" stroke you need to be careful when grinding for the counter weights because its very easy to cut into the cooling passages.

 

[grizwald]

i was thinking about doing a 427 with it, or is that too much for these?

i would love to have a big cube small block!! i've always wanted a 454 sbc....but my wallet's a little too empty for that.

 

[84ta406]

haha I know how you feel, kinda sucks the stock block can only go to 434ci but at the same time if you're trying to push that you might as well want a Little M anyways. Maybe someday...

 

[bowtie81]

ive read that the iron eagle block can be stroked more than the little m.

 

[84ta406]

Not sure really, I've heard a lot of good things about the new SHP blocks though. 4.125 bore and a 350 main makes for some killer combos.

 

[kevind]

Some of the Iron Eagle blocks have spread rails and raised cams so they have more room.