400 sbc buildup options

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Sep 19, 2002 | 03:11 PM

DukeofBird

Thread Starter

Junior Member

Joined: Aug 2002

Posts: 36

Likes: 0

From: Clinton, IA

400 sbc buildup options

ok heres the deal. i've got a '76 400 sbc and was wanting some opinions on whether i should build it up as a 377(destroked), a 406(.030 over), or a 420(.030 over+3.875 stroke crank), and also list reasons for replies.

Sep 19, 2002 | 03:22 PM

Perry93TransAm

Member

Joined: Jul 1999

Posts: 119

Likes: 0

From: Kingfisher,Ok

Car: 97 WS6 T/A

Engine: LT1 383

Transmission: 4L60E

What purpose are you going to have the engine fill? will it be a daily,sometimes or race only driver? how heavy is the car? Planning on running gas , alky nitrous ?

Sep 19, 2002 | 05:55 PM

Blackroc86

Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2001

Posts: 920

Likes: 0

From: Saskatchewan

Car: 1986 Iroc

Engine: 454 Demon 850DP

Transmission: TH350, 3500 stall

Axle/Gears: 3.73

Don't reuse the 5.565" rods. Go with 5.7's or if you are getting really serious look at using 6.0 rods.

Sep 19, 2002 | 06:00 PM

Polecat

Senior Member

Joined: Feb 2000

Posts: 769

Likes: 0

From: Stillwater, OK

There is no replacement for displacement...don't destroke a 400 unless you have something light like an S-10 and plan on revving the **** out of it....

just my $.02...

Sep 19, 2002 | 06:42 PM

jase

Member

Joined: Jan 2001

Posts: 288

Likes: 0

From: west Point MS USA

I think just a 406 would be best for a streetcar-weekend warrior

Sep 20, 2002 | 10:10 AM

F-BIRD'88

Supreme Member

Joined: Sep 2001

Posts: 6,111

Likes: 53

From: Ontario, Canada

Car: 1988 Firebird S/E

Engine: 406Ci Vortec SBC

Transmission: TH-350/3500stall

Axle/Gears: 7.5" Auburn 4.10 Posi-Traction

The 406 will give yu the most bang for the bucks.

Put the extra money you would have spent on a
stroker, into cylinder heads. You'll be better off overall.