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The only 'big' issue with the 400 was the lack of an oem High compression piston. KB makes a flat top that should get you right at 10-10.5:1 with a decent closed chamber head (like a 67 Magnum 915) of better yet, an edelbrock.

The 557 is a great cam in a light A body or a 4 speed but in a B or E automatic I'd run the .528. Performer RPM hands down (Sd is better on a 440) and a 750 double pumper, run a 1 3/4 header with an Auto or a 1 7/8 with a 4 speed. with a decent gear 3.91-4.30 (depending on your tire size) and a quickened up dizz you should go high 11's (or at worse in a heavy car very low 12's) on pump gas without a lot of drama.

Ron's son's 406 Dart is about as basic a hot rod as you can get but it's a solid consistent performer. Like I said it really takes the slug swap to get the 400 the performance respect/cred you would give a 'vintage' 383 magnum.

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