400 budget build of $1000

ddoner7 · Newbie Joined: 16 Sep 2011 Posts: 4 233.04 points

I want to build my 400 and would like 300 to 350hp for my s10. The s10 is standard too. Was wondering if that could be accomplished on a $1000 dollar budget? Like if anyone knows what matching components would work for me best. Thanks

jeep_406 · Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2011 2:19 am Post subject:

What have you got for 400 parts. I used to collect 400's and throw everything away except the block and the crank. Now you can buy better cranks cheap enough. I'd suggest building it strong enough so that you can add horsepower, if you want, down the road. If you have to get pistons I'd go right to 6 inch rods with full floating pins. That way you can assemble the engine yourself and it'll free up some ponies. I always square and deck the block to insure head gasket seal. Also I'd spent the money and get the assembly balanced. Have you assembled engines before? I haven't priced it out and it's early in the AM here in Massachusetts. I don't think you can build a good shortblock for a grand including machine shop work. It might take me a day or two to get the info on what I paid to do my last one, but I'll check it out. Will you be dragging the S10 at all or just streeting it?
You can develop a lot of torque with a 400. You don't need to be exotic to reach 375 horsepower on pump gas.

af2 · Posted: Sat Sep 17, 2011 6:31 pm Post subject:

ddoner7 · Newbie Joined: 16 Sep 2011 Posts: 4 233.04 points

I have the crank but it spun a bearing. I was wondering about making a 377. Competition products sell a kit for like $600. Kit comes with new crank, forged 5140 rods, Keith Black hypereutectic flat top pistons(11.7:1) compresion, rod and main bearings, and cast rings. The kit is made by enginstechand would be another 200 dollars to have it balanced. I can assemble motor myself. A 377 consists of a stock bore block right? Truck is going to be for the street. I also have a set of 87 center bolt valve cover heads like new that came off a boat motor. Don't know how good they are far as performance. Far as machine work i would like to have heads shaved. Also have stock 400 heads but their prob junk right? thanks

Paul P · Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2011 9:44 pm Post subject:

The heads you have are junk. They have half the bowl on the intakes filled with a swirl ramp. Sorry to tell you they are not good for much. Those on a 377 or larger would definitely be restricting power big time.

As said on another site about these heads

THIS HIGH SWIRL HEAD CYLINDER HEAD IS NOT A PERFORMANCE ORIENTED CYLINDER HEAD. IT IS INTENDED FOR GOOD BOTTOM END TORQUE AND FUEL ECONOMY. THE INTAKE RUNNER IS RESTRICTIVE BECAUSE IT HAS A RAMP CAST INTO THE BOTTOM OF THE BOWL TO PROMOTE HIGH SWIRL.

Did I say these are not good? Yeah they suck. Even an old mailbox 882 casting would be better and they are not very good either.

Find a set on ebay or craigslist for cheap. That is the best advise I can give you.

af2 · Posted: Wed Sep 21, 2011 7:03 pm Post subject:

ddoner7 · Newbie Joined: 16 Sep 2011 Posts: 4 233.04 points

The bearing spacers come in the kit

Skunkworkx · Posted: Sat Sep 24, 2011 8:24 am Post subject:

The heads will work... but as above... not gonna get much outta them. May be OK for a daily driver ?

I'd keep saving $$$ and do it right and once.... been down that road (and still on it) Sad

$1000 will buy the rotating assem. http://www.jegs.com/i/Eagle/356/B13460.030/10002/-1?parentProductId=763943
Not top of the line, but will do the trick.
+ machine work
+ heads
+ gaskets
+ miscellaneous

squeeezer · Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2011 9:22 pm Post subject:

where are you located,i may help Very Happy

ddoner7 · Newbie Joined: 16 Sep 2011 Posts: 4 233.04 points

lol live in ny man. Want to build a 377 not a 406.