408 reliability, performance
#1
Member
Thread Starter
408 reliability, performance
Hi guys. I know some of you have swapped in 400 ci sbc. However, I've heard both good and bad reviews about these engines. The thing is, I have a chance to buy a 4-bolt 408. My questions are:
1. Is it true the 2-bolt blocks are stronger? I'm kind of skeptical
2. Is overheating an issue?
3. Are the AFR 195 Eliminators too small or should I get 210?
4. Is this wise, or should I just build my 350?
5. Is a 500hp+ 408 going to last?
6. Is header selection and/or installation going to be a problem?
Thanks
1. Is it true the 2-bolt blocks are stronger? I'm kind of skeptical
2. Is overheating an issue?
3. Are the AFR 195 Eliminators too small or should I get 210?
4. Is this wise, or should I just build my 350?
5. Is a 500hp+ 408 going to last?
6. Is header selection and/or installation going to be a problem?
Thanks
#2
Member
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: 408 reliability, performance
i would say it will be reliable based on camshaft and valve train choices more than about 350 or 400 cubic inches. The 400 will need steam holes drilled in the heads as the 350 will not. Some starter/header problems may come up. The 2 bolt blocks after 1973 seem to be the hot ticket. Afr 195 is what i would use for a street engine. That engine in a camaro will run alot hotter than a stock engine. certainly if running without an overdrive like 3000rpm cruise speeds. That 700r4 behind a stout 400 is going to die. better step to a th350 if you want to play at the strip ect...450-500hp is alot of power so prepare your vehicle for the stress or you will be unhappy when the rear is broken or the trans is smoked ect...
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Corner Brook, NL
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 1984 Z28 HT,2006 2500HD
Engine: 5.7L, 6.6Llbz dmax
Transmission: 700R4, 6 speed allison
Axle/Gears: worn out 3.73 posi
Re: 408 reliability, performance
500 horsepower in a unibody car? your probably gonna want a roll cage or somethin at least some sfcs
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Glenbeulah, WI
Posts: 599
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1988 Firbird
Engine: 406
Transmission: T-56
Axle/Gears: 4.10
Re: 408 reliability, performance
Hi guys. I know some of you have swapped in 400 ci sbc. However, I've heard both good and bad reviews about these engines. The thing is, I have a chance to buy a 4-bolt 408. My questions are:
1. Is it true the 2-bolt blocks are stronger? I'm kind of skeptical
2. Is overheating an issue?
3. Are the AFR 195 Eliminators too small or should I get 210?
4. Is this wise, or should I just build my 350?
5. Is a 500hp+ 408 going to last?
6. Is header selection and/or installation going to be a problem?
Thanks
1. Is it true the 2-bolt blocks are stronger? I'm kind of skeptical
2. Is overheating an issue?
3. Are the AFR 195 Eliminators too small or should I get 210?
4. Is this wise, or should I just build my 350?
5. Is a 500hp+ 408 going to last?
6. Is header selection and/or installation going to be a problem?
Thanks
-The two bolt block may be stronger if it is equiped with splayed caps, the stock 4-bolt block will be fine at 500 HP
-Overheating is not an issue
-AFR195 heads will work fine, if you are targeting 500 HP
-Durability will not be an issue
I run a 1973 4-bolt 406 in my vette at 550+ HP and it has never given me any problems in 15,000 miles of street use and many 1/4 passes.
#5
Moderator
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: 51°N 114°W, 3500'
Posts: 17,110
Likes: 0
Received 120 Likes
on
101 Posts
Car: 87 IROC L98
Engine: 588 Alcohol BBC
Transmission: Powerglide
Axle/Gears: Ford 9"/31 spline spool/4.86
Re: 408 reliability, performance
About the only issue to punching it out to 408 is cylinder wall thickness. 0.030" over is safe. Pushing it to 0.040" over in a 400 block starts to make thin cylinder walls. Factory block castings are not performance castings.
#6
Member
Thread Starter
Re: 408 reliability, performance
i would say it will be reliable based on camshaft and valve train choices more than about 350 or 400 cubic inches. The 400 will need steam holes drilled in the heads as the 350 will not. Some starter/header problems may come up. The 2 bolt blocks after 1973 seem to be the hot ticket. Afr 195 is what i would use for a street engine. That engine in a camaro will run alot hotter than a stock engine. certainly if running without an overdrive like 3000rpm cruise speeds. That 700r4 behind a stout 400 is going to die. better step to a th350 if you want to play at the strip ect...450-500hp is alot of power so prepare your vehicle for the stress or you will be unhappy when the rear is broken or the trans is smoked ect...
I already have SFCs.
#7
Member
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: 408 reliability, performance
I really think that the 700r4 even built up is a heap of junk for hard performance use. I had one with all the performance parts ect... $3000 dollars later it still failed like the stock 700r4. Dont assume it will hold up to that amount of power. My 383 is in the 425 crank hp range and it killed those overdrives like nothing. 1st to 2nd shifts suck due too much drop in rpm. you end up overreving 1st gear to get it to shift into 2nd gear more in the power band. Also 4th gear sucked unless i was reving 2300 rpm or higher due to the engine build i have. In other words a 500hp 406 might like a little rpm to be happy. A 308 rear with a nice torque cuve from a 450hp 406 would be the hot ticket for a street bruiser with a th350trans. I understand that the od trans is where its at but all the fun starts to be misery when parts keep failing when your trying to have fun. By the way i have a 3.42 rear and have a 3000rpm cruise on the highway and i average 17 to 19 highway mileage.
Trending Topics
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Glenbeulah, WI
Posts: 599
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1988 Firbird
Engine: 406
Transmission: T-56
Axle/Gears: 4.10
Re: 408 reliability, performance
I really want to do this with the 700R4. It has already been upgraded with B&M clutches, power pack, 13 vane pump, corvette servo, shift kit, cooler, etc. I will install Corvette HIgh-Intensity band, 4L65E 5-pinion planetary and Beast Sun Shell before I do so. I really like this trans and I think it can be built to keep up with the 400. Also, I will install TA differential cover, weld the axel tubes and go to church every Sunday so nothing will break so soon, at least.
Last edited by five7kid; 07-30-2008 at 01:21 PM.
#9
Member
Thread Starter
Re: 408 reliability, performance
Is that the Level 3 package? What's included in your tranny package? Wow, they have everything for the 700R4. I can find better prices but that hardened drum and shaft look tempting. I posted the mods already done to my transmission and the still to come mods. I think I will also upgrade the front planetary to the 4L65E 5-pinion unit.
Last edited by Firebreather; 07-30-2008 at 02:29 PM.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Glenbeulah, WI
Posts: 599
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1988 Firbird
Engine: 406
Transmission: T-56
Axle/Gears: 4.10
Re: 408 reliability, performance
Is that the Level 3 package? What's included in your tranny package? Wow, they have everything for the 700R4. I can find better prices but that hardened drum and shaft look tempting. I posted the mods already done to my transmission and the still to come mods. I think I will also upgrade the front planetary to the 4L65E 5-pinion unit.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Pac J
Tech / General Engine
3
05-17-2020 10:44 AM