So i went down to the local enigine builder to get my 509 casting 400 block to get checked out and all that good stuff. we got and he was saying i can make 550 at the fly with a set up of. forged 5.7 h beam rods, forged crank, srp forged pistons 10.5 to 1 compression to run on pump gas, with a custum gring hydro roller retro kit from isky and my brodix track 1 227 cc heads and current single plane brodix intake manifold. all work done with cam and all that in the $3000 range all set up. my question is this a real number or a bunch of to get me to drop that kind of money at his shop? he has a VERY good local rep but dont wanna take anyones word as 100%

 

$3000 for a forged bottom end short-block, you're providing the block.

Passes the sanity check. If they were talking a 550 HP long-block, different story.

 

For the parts and install, $3,000 is about right for a SBC motor - forged parts. I would like to see you go to a 6" rod if possible...

But machine work on a 400 (if not done already) can add up quickly - especially if you internally balance.

550hp is not a problem for a strong 406; a good friend built a 514hp 406 back in 1994 with AFR 195s and a mild roller cam - motor only peaked at 5800 rpm.

 

yeah i asked about a 6" rod but he said it would add up to alot more work to machine it and a little price difference in parts in the going up direction. He is going to balamce it for me as well while it is there.

 

You dont need those wild (and PITA) 227 heads for only 550hp. A buddy of mine built an 11:1 406 a few years ago with a mild 236/242 cam, AFR 195cc, Edelbrock RPM and 750 Demon DP carb. I don't remember the exact dyno numbers, but it worked out to over 500fwhp (was done on a chassis dyno).

A set of AFR 210s would be a better choice. The 227s require some unique stuff to use them IIRC.

 

i already have the top end. lol

 

Hod did this work out?

I'm working on a 412 right now. Probably go AFR 195 or larger for heads. Solid cam though, looking to push over 500hp on pump gas.

-- Joe

 

Go for the 210cc at least. The 400ci+ engines LOVE the big ports!

 

Yeah, I just hope to maintain velocity so it doesn't suck at low speed.


-- Joe