halloweenz28

i want to build either a 350 or 400 (leaning towards the 400) and i would like to have 380+ hp and 420+ torque or bassically whatever it takes to run 12's (which is??)
anyway what is the level of power that i will need to start using forged internals? are their some parts that would be more likely to break then others? like which, if any, are forged parts more important for (ex. rods, pistons, crank).

thanks guys, if you need any more specifics let me know.

LilJayV10

iTrader: (5)

It depends on if you are going to use nitrous or not. I would atleast get some type of hypernutetic pistons. I have a stock bottom end with KB pistons and have around 475hp. Stock parts will work just fine if setup properly.

wesilva

iTrader: (35)

I personally think the 400 would live a happier life at the power level you want. Use a stock crank but have it magnafluxed before machining to insure it's integrity. Use factory 5.7 rods with an "O" or "X" cast into the cap. These are the better rods and relatively easy to find. ARP bolts or equivalent for your rods, mains, and heads. Forged pistons are a must for NOS hits otherwise, as LilJay suggests, hyperutectics would be fine. Ask around to find the best machine shops. Then with the money you saved on the bottom end.....buy the best heads you can afford and start considering the parts your going to need to put the power down. The more time/money spent on improving your 60 ft times, the less you have to spend on the motor and the longer the motor will live.

kfoley

Cast will be fine for what you're looking for. I would get hyper pistons though, they're not much more exspensive and they're much stronger than regular cast pistons. Also on the rods, I've found it's just as cheap ($150-$175) to get a set of Eagle or CAT 5140 forged rods with 8740 bolts (or ARP). For the crank, Eagle cast steel cranks are about $200, which will be only a bit more than you would spend on a stock crank that has been cut and polished. Just a few tips that I've learned over the years...

LilJayV10

iTrader: (5)

You can get a set of reconditioned rods from northern automotive warehouse for 100 bucks w/ ARP bolts. IMO, you can reuse the main bolts and head bolts, they are already seasoned and as long as they tourqe good, I don't see any reason to buy new. Yeah, you can get a scat crank or something for 200-300, but again IMO that money could be spent somewhere else, as mentioned before on a better set of heads. thats where you are going to make your power. vortecs and protoplines both offere great bang for you buck. it is really easy I think with todays technology to make 400 hp out of a 350 and especially a 400. One thing I would highly, highly recomend is having it balanced. I didn't understand what type of difference it makes untill I did mine. This is a really good idea if you are going to be using different rods and pistons. The engine will longer and be alot smoother. My 400 feels the same at 5500 as it does at 1500, its great.

halloweenz28

so if i was getting 400 hp N/A and i decided to hit it with a 100 shot of nos or more?, (if i ever did decide to go to the track) i should probably go with the expensive forged pistons. do i also need to get forged 4340 rods and crank or is 5140 rods still good with a cast factory crank?

bassically i want a seat of the pants road animal thats streetable haha (torque baby!!) but i know that i am suceptable to the "GO FAST" disease and although im on a budget becasue im in college
(isnt everybody) i dont want to limit my future too much. but i also cant waste money on getting parts that are "too strong" for my budget and for what i need.

halloweenz28

take a look at this auction, it looks like a pretty nice deal once i get a block,
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=33620

is this something decent?

kfoley

You don't need 4340 stuff, that's only for racing or large shots of nitrous or forced induction is used. 5140 rods and a cast steel crank will work well and stand up to a lot of abuse. Good Eagle parts are good to over 500hp, but I've seen them run in motors much higher than that.