I am in the process of a frame off restoration on my 1955 Chevy 210 Sedan. It came with a 400 cuin engine and a muncie 4-speed tranny. I've been searching the internet for buildups on this engine but have gotten mixed reviews on its reliablity. I've been looking at the LS1's but, since I already have the 400 cuin engine I have decided to utilize it. What seems to be the consensus of the max HP & TQ that this engine will safely produce? I am looking for info. from fellow 400 cuin owners. I'm also looking for a build sheet for around 500rwhp or is that not achievable? Don't really want the hassle of the BBC's in the 55.
400 cuin Engine Buildups
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1QUIK6
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OEM 400 blocks are pretty weak period, Bigger main line, bigger bore, thin decks ETC.
The 4 bolt blocks used nodular iron caps which is much better then stock grey cast caps.
A sonic test needs to be done before any machine work.
I have some 400 cores but when I build a 421 I use a Dart block and don't have to worry about cracks in the decks or breaking the webbing ETC.
I have had 400 block crack from the head bolt hole out to the cylinder just putting the torque plate on.
On any work to be done to OEM 400 blocks I get paid 100% up front.
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That intake does not have much CSA and kills the HP on those big CID small blocks.
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Took a few pictures of the 427 cuin. engine today. Wondering if yall can figure anything out from the pics and about how much a 427 build would cost. I have been told that it would make around 550hp.
Posted earlier on this thread "Here's some information on the 427:
Block #361959 with a 427 GM steel virgin crank, forged pistons, steel pushrods, open chamber heads w/throats cut out 2.190/1.88 valves,oval port, hydraulic camshaft 565/585, Edelbrock RPM Air Gap 7651 intake. The engine builder told me that my buddy has some higher $ components in it. I was told that it would make and easy 550hp with 550+ft.lbs torque".
It also has the access. brackets, but i don't know if they would work on my '55. I am wanting to spray at least another 150hp shot of NOS to the engine. The engine builder told me that the engine will handle it, but he would have to change rings on the pistons before I spray it? Once again T.I.A.
Posted earlier on this thread "Here's some information on the 427:
Block #361959 with a 427 GM steel virgin crank, forged pistons, steel pushrods, open chamber heads w/throats cut out 2.190/1.88 valves,oval port, hydraulic camshaft 565/585, Edelbrock RPM Air Gap 7651 intake. The engine builder told me that my buddy has some higher $ components in it. I was told that it would make and easy 550hp with 550+ft.lbs torque".
It also has the access. brackets, but i don't know if they would work on my '55. I am wanting to spray at least another 150hp shot of NOS to the engine. The engine builder told me that the engine will handle it, but he would have to change rings on the pistons before I spray it? Once again T.I.A.
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The engine probably has hyperteutic pistons, if that's the case, Nos is not a good idea. Healthy 427 is plenty for street setup car even without nitrous. There is nothing spectacular in that engine..esp with flat tappet cam that said IMO you should get the engine for somewhat bargain price.
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finn210,
The engine builder told me yesterday that the pistons he used were forged pistons. He will be opening the engine back up to refreshen it up. He's freshing it up because the engine has never been started due to a change of plans. If I'm willing to trade my complete 400SBC + $cash, what would be a good offering price? Just curious. I also have a M21 muncie 4-speed transmission (came in the 55) that my buddy would trade me for a turbo-400. The turbo 400 was built for the 427. He wants the muncie for a rat rod & I want an automatic transmission. Good idea?
The engine builder told me yesterday that the pistons he used were forged pistons. He will be opening the engine back up to refreshen it up. He's freshing it up because the engine has never been started due to a change of plans. If I'm willing to trade my complete 400SBC + $cash, what would be a good offering price? Just curious. I also have a M21 muncie 4-speed transmission (came in the 55) that my buddy would trade me for a turbo-400. The turbo 400 was built for the 427. He wants the muncie for a rat rod & I want an automatic transmission. Good idea?
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Ok...this is just rough estimation about the values...still not enough info about your current 400 and more detailed specs from the 427...
The costs to build 427 are probably around 4k - 5k plus price of the core and the value of your 400 is maybe around 1k - 1.5k ? For the whole turn key package (carb, ignition etc) so, if the 427 really is quality build machine
..I would be happy if the cash is somewhere as low as 3,5k to 4.5 as on the high side...remember, you will need carb, headers, ignition for the BBC and that's about 1grand more.
The trans trade sounds great to me! He get what he wants and you what you want...and without money involved...thats the spirit of hot rodding.
Good luck!
The costs to build 427 are probably around 4k - 5k plus price of the core and the value of your 400 is maybe around 1k - 1.5k ? For the whole turn key package (carb, ignition etc) so, if the 427 really is quality build machine
..I would be happy if the cash is somewhere as low as 3,5k to 4.5 as on the high side...remember, you will need carb, headers, ignition for the BBC and that's about 1grand more.
The trans trade sounds great to me! He get what he wants and you what you want...and without money involved...thats the spirit of hot rodding.
Good luck!
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I went by my buddy's shop today and took a few more pictures of the bottom end of the motor. Pistons were stamped with a "242-99" which appeared as forged pistons. Crankshaft was stamped M1010RMMM GMT34. Oil pump 77HV. Trade was made today on the transmissions :congrats:
Finn210- With the parts stated & pics, In your opinion what do you think would be the approx. HP & TQ ?
Finn210- With the parts stated & pics, In your opinion what do you think would be the approx. HP & TQ ?
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I checked the pics again and noticed couple things...I would rather see some Studs instead of OEM bolts on main caps, especially in a two bolt block! the piston number is forging number and don´t tell much about pistons but probably they are forged.
The block is late seventies 454 and actually I don´t see any ´higher end´ parts in that engine. If the heads are really well done good castings the camshaft has too little lift to make ´full´ power out of that mill.
That RPM intake manifold is pretty good but I´m afraid that 550 hp is too optimistic number from that engine.
The block is late seventies 454 and actually I don´t see any ´higher end´ parts in that engine. If the heads are really well done good castings the camshaft has too little lift to make ´full´ power out of that mill.
That RPM intake manifold is pretty good but I´m afraid that 550 hp is too optimistic number from that engine.
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