Guys I did a search and there is just way too much to sift through on the topic of 5.7 or 5.565 or 406. I have a set of vortec PM rods that I saved from a tired 350. I have a 400 block and crank and would like to use the stock 5.7 rods in. What clearancing is needed to make everyone happy? I plan on using a set of the bowtie vortecs, the correct pistons with the 5.7 rods and a xe274 flat tappet cam. I will use arp rodbolts also. Do I get the rotating assembly balanced and then take a little off each bolt if it interferes or will the guys balancing the assembly know where to take a little off before balancing. Or will it depend if any clearancing needs to be done? Thanks.

 

Get the rods resized with the new bolts first, then test-assemble and check for clearance. After you've made all any modifications for clearance, then have it balanced. You might need a small base-circle cam.

 

What he said...

The 350 rods don't have the "special" 400 bolts for clearance. So there's a good possibility that something, somewhere, will need some relief.

 

Thanks guys, lot more work to putting these 400's together.

 

No more or less work than you'd have building any other engine with non-stock parts.

 

True