I am going to build a carbureted 406 small block, and was wondering if anyone had any ideas or has built one. I want to run 94 octane and that is it. I will be runnning a T-56 and a 12 blot. I have a 350 block and was wondering exactly what to do with it, to make it a 406

1. What kind of pistons should I run.
2. What heads should I run.
3. What cam would be a nice driver and still have power
4. should I run solid lifters or not.

 

look in the jan 2002 issue of chevy high preformance. they built a 406 that made 513 hp at 6200 rpm and 462 ft/lbs at 4800 and it never went below 375 form 2600 to 6600 rpm. and it was 9.8 to1 comp ratio

 

you cant make a 406 from a 350 block you need to get a 400 block, but you can make a 383 with the 350 block and 400 crank

 

406 = 400 bored .030 over

 

Thanks alot guys. I really appreciate it. I was told you get a 400 block out of an old truck is that true? I really want a 406. If anyone knows where else I can get one like an aftermarket place makes please let me know. Thank you all for your responces..

 

World Products has just come out with what they call their Motown block that can be had in that configuration. But, a bare ready-to-finish block runs about $1700.

I've seen plenty of places offering crate 383's, but a 400/406 is a different story. Lack of core blocks.

SBC 400's were also offered in '70 and '71 full size Chevys as well. Still wish I had the '70 Impala that I traded to my brother in '87 who gave it to his son who later abandoned it on the streets of Topeka about 7 years ago. That thing had over a quarter million miles on it and still had the stock bore and crank journals. Still ran, the body just fell off around the engine.

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82 Berlinetta, orig V-6 car, now w/86 LG4/TH700R4, 2300 stall TC. Ported World 305 heads, Crane PowerMax 2050 cam. ZZ3/4 intake, oil pump, pan & baffle. Accel HEI SuperCoil & module. Hooker 2055 headers, 3" Catco cat & 3" catback w/dual-opposite Flowmaster 80. 2.93 limited slip. Spohn SFCs waiting to be installed. AMSOIL syn lubes bumper-to-bumper. Daily year-round driver. Best ET, speed TBD...
57 Bel Air, my 1st car. '66 396, 9.7:1 forged TRWs, Weiand Action+, Holley 750VS w/4150 conversion, GK 270 cam, Magnum rockers, Jacobs Omnipack, 1-3/4" Hedders & 3" Warlocks, TH400 w/TCI Sat Night Special conv & Trans-Scat shift kit, MegaShifter, 3.08 8.2" 10-bolt w/Powertrax, AMSOIL syn lubes bumper-to-bumper. Idles smooth @ 700 RPM in D. Best 15.02/95.06 @ 5800' Bandimere (corrected 13.93/102.4 @ sea level).

 

400 sb chevs were made from 1970 to 1976
in Impala's and Monte Carlo's and trucks.
For a pump gas motor with cast iron heads
you want a compression ratio no more than 10:1 (10.5:1 for alumium). You basicly have two choices based on the cylinder head
combustion chamber you use. for 76 cc heads
use a flat top piston. For 64cc heads use
a dish (21cc) piston (keith black) D-cup.
These will give just under 10.0:1 cr on a "0"
deck block.
From your questions, it's clear your experience is limited so I would not use a solid lifter cam. (requires lash adjustment)
A good Hydraulic or Hydraulic Roller cam
will give loads of trouble free power on the street. The cam company's tech lines are
there to recommend the best cam for your setup. Give 'em a call or email. Get two or three different recomendations from different companies ( Crane, Comp, Isky etc).
I'd look into a aftermarket head for a serious 406 ci street motor (Dart, AFR, Brodix) Using a "good heads/mild cam" combination, will result in a better "street motor". (mileage,usable power,drivability,)
Because there will be some clearance, balance issues to build a good 406 SBC
you should seek the aid/advice of a profesional engine builder/machinist on this one. Good luck.

 

Thanks alot guys for the help. I now have to go find one. Ha this should be fun. I don't know if it is worth it. I may just build a 383 that is easier. How much is it to get a block bored out?
Thanks again guys...