Chevy 400 Build

[LilSpann601]

When choosing a crankshaft I know im going with a 3.75" stroke but should I get a internal or external balanced crankshaft..im looking on the jegs website...maybe the eagle brand

 

[LilSpann601]

I went ahead and went with a 3.75 stroke crankshaft from Eagle. Next ill be ordering main cap bearings and rear main seal.

Heres the specs for the crank.

stroke: 3.7500 in.
rod journal: 2.100 in.
rod journal width: 1.990 in.
main journal: 2.649 in.
minimum rod length: 5.700 in.
typical weight: 51 lbs.
rear seal design: 2 pc
flywheel bolt holes: 6
snout diameter: 1.245 in


Heres the rebuild kit I may use

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ENGINE-REBUILD- ... 3f0c26d682

 

[DRIVEN]

The kit you listed is basically a stock replacement type kit. It will almost certainly have cast pistons with a pretty deep dish. That's not necessarily bad, but it all depends on what your desired end result is. Stock 400s were only 8-8.5:1 compression. Just something to think about. Many times it makes more sense to do things in a certain order. It might be better to choose the appropriate heads for your desired result before you choose pistons - which will determine your target compression ratio. Any good engine build should be views as a complimentary system, not just a collection of "good" parts.
1. Choose a goal (personality for the engine).
2. Choose appropriate head to achieve goal.
3. Choose appropriate cam to achieve goal.
4. Choose appropriate piston (CR) to achieve goal.
5. Choose appropriate intake/carb to achieve goal.
6. Choose appropriate exhaust system to achieve goal.
7. Choose a quality ignition system.

 

[LilSpann601]

Right now im planning on using 350 vortec heads. But a guy I know said that I should not use vortec 350 heads. Im thinking of going with something else because the machinst wants 500.00+ to build and modify my 350 vortec heads...are there any heads on the market that will bolt right on to my 400 without modifying the heads...and give me good performance maybe 400-500 hp

 

[DRIVEN]

are there any heads on the market that will bolt right on to my 400 without modifying the heads...and give me good performance maybe 400-500 hp

Not for less than the $500 your machinist wants to prep the Vortecs you already have.

 

[LilSpann601]

is that a good price?? to build my heads if they are bare? Also the machinist didn't think it was a good idea to drill stem holes and said the heads would work fine without them...Im really confused...

 

[DRIVEN]

Go ask a couple other machinists/engine builders.

Here you go:
http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/techa ... index.html
Probably one of the most famous "budget" performance 400/Vortec builds out there. All the specs are there. Am I the only one with access to Google?

 

[dogsht]

No there is three others on the forum the rest are google illiterate. :lol:

 

[CAPERKEV]

dont drill the steam holes, but please let us know how long the motor lasted before it cooked

 

[CHRIS.O]

You HAVE to drill steam holes. If you look at a set of stock 400 heads they are there. They are there for a reason. If your heads are being completely redone 500 bucks isn't bad at all. Vortecs will probably get you in the 400hp ballpark with a modest camshaft and build good low end torque. Thats what you want for a street car. If you want 500hp then you need to ditch the vortecs and step up to an aftermarket head. None of which will be anywhere near 500 bucks. Your looking at a grand or more and your going to have to drill the steam holes still. Drilling the steam holes is a very common procedure. My Dart heads came with instructions on how to do it. So it's not like its unheard of. Did he give you a reason you shouldn't drill the steam holes in a vortec head? I may be unaware to a reason vortecs shouldn't be drilled.