Another "build me a budget low deck" thread...

I have some big block parts laying around and wouldn't mind a little winter project for myself, so i'm thinking of throwing together a cheapo 400 based engine. I've been wanting to swap a big block into my car for awhile now, but keep putting it off (laziness?).

Here is what I have:
- Stock 400 shortblock
- 440 cast crank
- 452 heads

Heads are bare, pretty rusy, I think they're better off being used as big paperweights on my desk...

car: 4000 lb. c-body that never sees the track, and will probably never see any rpm over 5500...will be getting a set of 3.23 gears, as its driven on the highway a fair bit...

Basically its a nice cruiser that needs a whole lot of torque down low...

I was thinking:

cut down the 440 crank
stock rods
kb hypers
stealth heads
performer rpm intake


Will I see a noticable increase in torque from 400 cubes to 451?

Any suggestions are welcome

Yes, the 400 had crap for compression. The KB's will get your ratio up for more torque off the bat, the longer stroke of the 440 will make that torque work more efficiently. The crank needs to be turned down to 400 mains and the throws need to be ground so as not to hit the block and then balanced. After this machining is done, you are almost at a new cast stroker crank cost wise. It can be done on a budget but the machining cost will hurt the most. higher compression 400 pistons and that improved top end will get you going for less, but it has been done.

Quote:

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Will I see a noticable increase in torque from 400 cubes to 451? Any suggestions are welcome

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(1) 12.5% more cubes (2) I'm doing one: 400 blk-$60, 440 steel crank $100, 440 rods $20, A body BB indented pan $25, KB 280 pistons, 915 heads (bare) $150, SD intake (already on hand) (holley 600 1850)already on hand/rebuilt (by me), a bit small but it'll get me going (into a 65 dart) Stock dist (cleaned/recurved) w FBO ECU/ballast and I have an aftermarket HEI module to try also. Just shop patient/smart for what you need.