Tech / General Engine Is your car making a strange sound or won't start? Thinking of adding power with a new combination? Need other technical information or engine specific advice? Don't see another board for your problem? Post it here!

600 HP 406 SBC questions.

Old 05-14-2007, 03:40 AM
  #1  
Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (12)
 
Blown 346's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Loves Park/Rockford
Posts: 297
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 2000CamaroSS,69 Camaro SS,91 Camaro
Engine: 383
Transmission: TH 400
Axle/Gears: Stock
600 HP 406 SBC questions.

I currently have a 406 SBC with a Cola crank, stock rods, SRP pistons, Hydraulic roller(dont know specs) brodix Aluminum track 1 heads poted and polished etc. I bought this motor already built just to swap out the 305 the car used to have.


The car isnt as fast as I want it to be (mid 12's.) I want to build this 406 to make 600 Flywheel HP or more. I am unsure of what combo will make this power. I dont want to just go to a machinest and say I want this HP etc and have it dynoed and only make 500 or 550 HP.

What ever knowledge you guys have im open to ideas. I know compression makes power and would think 12 or 13:1.1 would be a good start. I have 10,000 to work with and want to do this once. Any input is appreciated.
Old 05-14-2007, 11:51 PM
  #2  
TGO Supporter

 
Stekman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Posts: 4,803
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: Z28
Engine: Sb2.2 406
Transmission: Jerico 4 speed
Axle/Gears: Ford 9" 3.60
Re: 600 HP 406 SBC questions.

NA, FI, or N2O?
Old 05-15-2007, 12:05 AM
  #3  
Moderator

 
Apeiron's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Mercedes Norte, Heredia, Costa Rica
Posts: 20,981
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes on 8 Posts
Car: 1984 Z28 Hardtop
Engine: 383 Carb
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 3.54 Dana 44
Re: 600 HP 406 SBC questions.

How long do you want it to live?
Old 05-15-2007, 01:20 AM
  #4  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (1)
 
Sonix's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Calgary, AB, Canada
Posts: 10,763
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Car: 1982 Trans-Am
Engine: 355 w/ ported 416s
Transmission: T10, hurst shifter
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt, true-trac, 3.73
Re: 600 HP 406 SBC questions.

Street driven at all, or pure drag race or...?
Willing to do a blower? Or stick with NA?
Old 05-15-2007, 04:31 AM
  #5  
Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (12)
 
Blown 346's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Loves Park/Rockford
Posts: 297
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 2000CamaroSS,69 Camaro SS,91 Camaro
Engine: 383
Transmission: TH 400
Axle/Gears: Stock
Re: 600 HP 406 SBC questions.

I want the motor to be N/A. I would like the motor to last a few years depending on how I drive it before a re fresh.
The car wouldnt be a daily driver or a cruiser, It would see the street 80% of its life. It would be strickly a race car.
Old 05-15-2007, 05:35 AM
  #6  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (2)
 
jbenge's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Danville, IN
Posts: 1,481
Received 41 Likes on 27 Posts
Car: 1991 Camaro Z28
Engine: LS1
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: Strange 12 Bolt, 3.42
Re: 600 HP 406 SBC questions.

Building a 600HP 406 shouldn't be too hard and I think you can accomplish your goal with 11:1-11.5:1 compression so you can use pump gas. Using race gas on a car that will see any street time is a huge pain and is expensive. I'd definitely make it a pump gas car unless you have a trailer and the car won't see any street time. With that much power I wouldn't use stock rods, you might get away with it for awhile but its asking for trouble. I'd use forged pistons, rods, and crank..hopefully the parts you have already are forged. Sounds like you already have a nice set of heads, I would look them over and make sure they are fully ported if not get a full race port job done on them. I wouldn't compromise on the heads, great flowing heads help build power without sacrificing drivability. Solid roller is by far the best choice in your application, I'd get a cam similar to what I have in mine if you go with 11:1 compression...go with a bigger cam if you are going to go with higher compression and race gas. And of course a Vic. Jr. intake and 850-950DP carb. Check out the combination in my signature its a 383 but the same combo would work even better in a 406. My combo runs well at the track and is surprisingly street friendly.
Old 05-16-2007, 04:57 AM
  #7  
Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (12)
 
Blown 346's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Loves Park/Rockford
Posts: 297
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 2000CamaroSS,69 Camaro SS,91 Camaro
Engine: 383
Transmission: TH 400
Axle/Gears: Stock
Re: 600 HP 406 SBC questions.

Originally Posted by jbenge
Building a 600HP 406 shouldn't be too hard and I think you can accomplish your goal with 11:1-11.5:1 compression so you can use pump gas. Using race gas on a car that will see any street time is a huge pain and is expensive. I'd definitely make it a pump gas car unless you have a trailer and the car won't see any street time. With that much power I wouldn't use stock rods, you might get away with it for awhile but its asking for trouble. I'd use forged pistons, rods, and crank..hopefully the parts you have already are forged. Sounds like you already have a nice set of heads, I would look them over and make sure they are fully ported if not get a full race port job done on them. I wouldn't compromise on the heads, great flowing heads help build power without sacrificing drivability. Solid roller is by far the best choice in your application, I'd get a cam similar to what I have in mine if you go with 11:1 compression...go with a bigger cam if you are going to go with higher compression and race gas. And of course a Vic. Jr. intake and 850-950DP carb. Check out the combination in my signature its a 383 but the same combo would work even better in a 406. My combo runs well at the track and is surprisingly street friendly.
I'm planning on going with the best, fully forged bottom end etc. I have 10K that I plan on using to build the motor. The heads were just ported polished,new valves,springs etc last fall. The heads are ready to go. The car wont be a trailer queen, I would like to go to local shows, meets etc. For the power Im expecting I was thinking on the higher compression side. I would like to run pump gas and still be able to drive the car without burning $5.00 worth of 110 every 20 miles or so.
Old 05-16-2007, 08:00 AM
  #8  
Member
 
rjt76's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: maine
Posts: 483
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1986 iroc z
Engine: vortec 383
Transmission: th350
Axle/Gears: 3.73 moser 12 bolt true trac
Re: 600 HP 406 SBC questions.

Originally Posted by Blown 346
For the power Im expecting I was thinking on the higher compression side. I would like to run pump gas and still be able to drive the car without burning $5.00 worth of 110 every 20 miles or so.
be careful here or thats exactly what you will create. 11.5.1 is all you should use to keep 93 octane. any more compression you will be into mixing your gasoline.

Last edited by five7kid; 06-24-2008 at 02:52 PM.
Old 05-16-2007, 09:40 PM
  #9  
TGO Supporter

 
Stekman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Posts: 4,803
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: Z28
Engine: Sb2.2 406
Transmission: Jerico 4 speed
Axle/Gears: Ford 9" 3.60
Re: 600 HP 406 SBC questions.

I hope the rest of drivetrain is sufficient.
Old 05-16-2007, 10:25 PM
  #10  
Junior Member
 
A Atwood's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Re: 600 HP 406 SBC questions.

I am currently working on a similar project as yourself. You need to plan this from the engine all the way to the rearend and suspension. As nothing stock will hold up to that power level. I am using a dart block with all forged internals, including h-beam rods in a 427 ci rotating assembly. The more the cubic inch, the more streetable the combination will be at 600 hp. Cylinder heads are key. Solid roller is the way to go while sparing no expense on lifters, springs, and rocker arms. I am using T&D shaft rockers with the spring oiler option for extended spring life. You will need to step up to a super victor manifold and a true 850 or better cfm carbutetor. I say true 850 because a holley 950 hp is actually a 750 main body with an 850 baseplate. The only Holley to use is the 1000 hp(which is the same as the 850 with milled horn and smoothed entries), or switch to a mighty demon 850. They flow like the 1000 hp holley at a much better price. Transmission and rearend has to be addressed also. I will be using a rockland gear prepped retro t56 6 speed, good for 750 lbs/ft, and a 12 bolt or 9 inch(haven't decided yet).
Compression ratio is a whole animal in itself. It has to be matched to the cam timing properly. Static CR must be based off of when your intake valve closes(abdc). Or you will run into detonation. If you would like to talk, give me a call, as I am very knowledgeable on engine building and cylinder head tech stuff. ARN 740-323-3591

www.atwoodperformance.com
Old 05-17-2007, 04:23 AM
  #11  
Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (12)
 
Blown 346's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Loves Park/Rockford
Posts: 297
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 2000CamaroSS,69 Camaro SS,91 Camaro
Engine: 383
Transmission: TH 400
Axle/Gears: Stock
Re: 600 HP 406 SBC questions.

Originally Posted by Stekman
I hope the rest of drivetrain is sufficient.

Yes the drivetrain consists of a Strange 12 bolt, 400 trans, tubular LCA's, k member, A arms, lower control arms, panhard bar, QA1's all around. The suspension is set.
----------
Originally Posted by A Atwood
I am currently working on a similar project as yourself. You need to plan this from the engine all the way to the rearend and suspension. As nothing stock will hold up to that power level. I am using a dart block with all forged internals, including h-beam rods in a 427 ci rotating assembly. The more the cubic inch, the more streetable the combination will be at 600 hp. Cylinder heads are key. Solid roller is the way to go while sparing no expense on lifters, springs, and rocker arms. I am using T&D shaft rockers with the spring oiler option for extended spring life. You will need to step up to a super victor manifold and a true 850 or better cfm carbutetor. I say true 850 because a holley 950 hp is actually a 750 main body with an 850 baseplate. The only Holley to use is the 1000 hp(which is the same as the 850 with milled horn and smoothed entries), or switch to a mighty demon 850. They flow like the 1000 hp holley at a much better price. Transmission and rearend has to be addressed also. I will be using a rockland gear prepped retro t56 6 speed, good for 750 lbs/ft, and a 12 bolt or 9 inch(haven't decided yet).
Compression ratio is a whole animal in itself. It has to be matched to the cam timing properly. Static CR must be based off of when your intake valve closes(abdc). Or you will run into detonation. If you would like to talk, give me a call, as I am very knowledgeable on engine building and cylinder head tech stuff. ARN 740-323-3591

www.atwoodperformance.com
Thanks for the offer, I will give you a ring in the afternoon after work about 5.

Last edited by Blown 346; 05-17-2007 at 04:24 AM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
Old 06-24-2008, 11:47 AM
  #12  
Junior Member
 
GaryNova's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Re: 600 HP 406 SBC questions.

I run a 406 has 13:6.1 Brodix 11 X heads a 950 hp carb. had it on the Dyno the other day with the new headers 484 Hp to the rear wheels car has run a best of a 10.20 in 90 deg air
Old 06-24-2008, 02:47 PM
  #13  
Supreme Member

 
Batass's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Benzie, MI
Posts: 1,665
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Car: 91 rs
Engine: Blow through 383, 10 psi, xr288hr
Transmission: Manual th350 ATI 3000
Axle/Gears: 3.50 9"
Re: 600 HP 406 SBC questions.

Thats about 600 flywheel hp. Subtract roughly 5% for the 2 pts in compression.

Cam specs Gary? And nice, you have your car dialed in well to make that et.
Old 06-24-2008, 08:04 PM
  #14  
Senior Member

 
ross's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: stuart fl
Posts: 864
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 82 camaro
Engine: 434 ci
Transmission: t400
Axle/Gears: 9'' 4.10 gear
Re: 600 HP 406 SBC questions.

All this talk and no one recommended an after market block. I have seen many factory blocks pull the #1 mains bolts thru and the cracking of the deck by the stem holes also. Around 600-650hp I think it is money well spent on the after market block.
Old 06-24-2008, 09:04 PM
  #15  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (3)
 
1989GTATransAm's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Cypress, California
Posts: 6,859
Received 14 Likes on 14 Posts
Car: 1989 GTA
Engine: 369 TPI
Transmission: 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.70 Nine Bolt
Re: 600 HP 406 SBC questions.

Just what I was going to say about using the old factory 400 block. That will be the weakest link in my opinion. Dart has a new block out that is moderately price at around $1500 that would do the trick. Already comes with all the good guy stuff.
Old 06-24-2008, 09:11 PM
  #16  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (20)
 
Orr89RocZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Pittsburgh PA
Posts: 25,746
Received 366 Likes on 295 Posts
Car: 89 Iroc-z
Engine: 555 BBC Turbo
Transmission: TH400
Axle/Gears: Strange 12 bolt 3.42
Re: 600 HP 406 SBC questions.

agreed on the block... and agreed that it can be done on 11-11.5 to 1 compression and pump gas

I'm thinking AFR 210's with a ported intake of some sort...victor or supervictor. I've seen some tests where they ported those intakes and gained alot of flow. You need to flow as much as you can thru the intake as the heads already flow 300 cfm. Not many intakes flow over 300cfm

solid roller with medium duration and .620ish lift on those AFR heads should rock out.

you'll need to be making roughly 500whp for 600 on motor or so. I think it can be done but it will need to have perfectly matched components and a solid roller to handle the rpms it may need to achieve that power
Old 06-24-2008, 09:15 PM
  #17  
Moderator

 
Apeiron's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Mercedes Norte, Heredia, Costa Rica
Posts: 20,981
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes on 8 Posts
Car: 1984 Z28 Hardtop
Engine: 383 Carb
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 3.54 Dana 44
Re: 600 HP 406 SBC questions.

If you're going all out, why bother with a 23 degree head?
Old 06-24-2008, 09:35 PM
  #18  
Supreme Member
 
SpitotRs305's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,974
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 91 RS
Engine: 350 vortec
Transmission: T-5
Axle/Gears: not the best not the worst
Re: 600 HP 406 SBC questions.

yeah but i cry when i look at the prices on 18deg stuff
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
darwinprice
Organized Drag Racing and Autocross
17
10-11-2015 11:51 PM
Bradsaundry
Exhaust
5
10-07-2015 04:35 PM
meeklay812
Camaros for Sale
1
10-01-2015 03:46 PM
Royal_Z
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension Parts for Sale
4
09-30-2015 08:45 PM
raymondandretti
Electronics
1
09-27-2015 06:43 PM


Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Quick Reply: 600 HP 406 SBC questions.



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:41 AM.