Black Beauty

ok i wanna get a 400 bare block from Kragen auto parts which really isnt known for high performance engines n such....but i work there and i get a discount and the blocks are already cheap. is it safe to say that the blocks they can order are just as good as others?? they use outside sources for the engines...not "kragen engines" per se. what do u guys think. also if i were to do this what kind of car would i find this on...a 75 chevelle?? maybe?? i plan on boring it, maybe stroking it, with some forged or hypereutic pistons, cam, intake, AFRs or Trick Flow, Hooker LTs, RT cat, Hooker Cat Back. sound good to 450+hp?? will the block hold?

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Rick
90 Camaro RS 305 TBI
400 small block, Hooker 1 5/8 shorties, Random Tech Cat, Hooker aero chamber cat back on the way!!
TH700-R4 with Trans-Go shift kit (corvette servo on the way)
MacEwen Motorsports White Gauge Overlays
14" K&N X-Stream Open Element
GTS Headlight and Taillight covers
5% Limo Tint all around
Classic White Chevy Bowtie sticker on rear window
http://www.geocities.com/esvalenz

Man if my camaro were a rice-rocket all those mods would give me what...easily 50-60 hp!!!

automanbuilder

Are The blocks standard bore?I dont see any reason not to buy the block from them as long as they are GM blocks it should'nt matter where they come from. As for what they come in they were installed in 1970 to 1975 cars and up to 1980 in the trucks . about any monte carlo ,impala, or malibu should be a easy place to find one. most the blocks from 1970 to 1972 are 4 bolt blocks but there isn't much need for one unless you plan on high rpm or bunchess of boost.I have ran 400s for around 10 years I would'nt bore no bigger than .040 for street use . I would go for a long rod kit 5.7 or 6.0 although I don't know how streetable a 6.0 is (Ive never ran one yet)I personally don't think 450 horsepower would be pushing the limit i've seen a couple running those numbers without problems.I personally like the SRP lightweight forged pistons but if you dont plan on alot of bottle or don't have deep pockets I have ran keith black hypereutectics without any problems but I have never pulled alot of rpm with those. I believe the AFR are killer heads. they will be the next set I try.

Engineboy

2 bolt 400s are stronger on the bottom end than 4 bolts.

4 bolt 400s are known to crack.

For strength I would install aftermarket 4 bolt caps in a 2 bolt block.

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ASE Mechanic/Machinist/Smog Tech

1999 NBM Trans Am
1986 Chevy 3/4 ton pick up
1981 corvette
1995 Kawi ZX6R

GO #3

automanbuilder

Yep .Engineboy is right about the 4 bolt blocks . I was'nt thinking about the main webs sorry.

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88 Firebird 408 small block 4-speed muncie 3.42 gears You name it,its on it, in it, under it, or around it somewhere or has been at one time or another.