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I'm just starting on one: 400 blk, 440crank/rods, KB 280 pistons(451) undecided on heads, I want some stealths.

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That's a good build. If you check out the for sale section on here you can get a used 440 crank for very cheap and build yourself a 451 for barely any more $ than a stock stroke 400 would have costed. 51 cubes for a few $ sounds like a good deal to me IMO.

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If you check out the for sale section on here you can get a used 440 crank for very cheap

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I'm just starting on one: 400 blk, 440crank/rods, KB 280 pistons(451) undecided on heads, I want some stealths.

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hey guys, GUUUYS, don't miss the deal here. HE IS NOT THINKING on build an stroker. NOT EVERY 400 NEEDS TO BE STROKED!!!

if you get the earliers 383 CR, what is pretty much easy changing the pistons you should be close to 330 HP, like earliers 383, maybe little bit more due the increased displacement and the spreadbore carb disposition.

so go with KB240 pistons, metalick headgasket, HP camshaft and you are done... should get same 383 power or little bit more.

The HP cam is not really a requirement since earliers 400 magunms got same 383 and 440 camshafts, but, $130-160 more investment won't hurt and will be noticeable. since 74 400 magnums got the basic camshaft

if you want little bit more, port and slightly mill the heads. 383 got power also con OPEN HEADS soooo no need to change the heads either, but if you have acces to closed, that will be fine!!!, an advice is install hardened valve seats. Maybe don't really needed but better just in case.

383 and 400 are same engines but bigger and lower pistons... change the pistons height and VOILA.

not everyone wants to race!!!!

I'm going right now with same pistons and camshaft upgrades and some job on heads

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I would build it like a 383. Use the closed chamber heads and get a cam in the 230 to 240ish @ 0.050 range a good intake and carb, headers, and it shoudl be an easy 430/460 hp/tq motor. Compression is the issue and open chamber heads are harder to work with in this regard.

Assuming it's a cast crank you can go up to 500 hp easily. If you had a forged 383 crank laying around I would use it for insurance, but the cast is fine for mild builds...just creates some unique balance issues during the build. No big deal really becasue it is good insurance to nuetral balance the rolling assembly anyways.

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Exactly what Im thinking. I scored a single plane weiand intake the other day for $50. I could run that with a 1 inch 4 hole spacer along with the appropriate carb and be set in that department.

Then add closed chamber heads with hardened seats and a good three angle valve job. Then headers and the other typical bolt on hot rod stuff. Windage tray etc.

Looking at cams to maximize low end torque as well..

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Looking at cams to maximize low end torque as well..

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Turning an apple into an orange?

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Looking at cams to maximize low end torque as well..

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Turning an apple into an orange?

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MMMMM...oranges

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Budget build goes like this.Cast 72-78 440 pistons .030-040-060 over.About -.020 deck height.New rod bolts/resize.Balance to taste.If you use the steel 383 crank rebalance is mandatory.Low end torque?, go with the 60302-3 Lunati Voodoo.Dual plane not single plane intake.I prefer 915's to 906's and either to the 516's.If you prefer the 516 use the 1.74 exh valve not 1.81.2.14 int valve is fine in any of the heads.

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