WHich year 400 block for stroker?

[Steve009]

i found a 400 block id like to pick up for an eventual stroker (451 or 512). Ive heard some years are better than others due to some strength issues. Can someone provide a few details on which blocks are the best? Below are the casting numbers on the block I’m looking at.

4006530-400-9 - "B" 12-75

Thanks,
-Steve

 

[1967coronet440]

That’s a good block, most likely out of a truck or RV, so it’ll have the “reenforced” ribs on the side of the block. Need the numbers off the ID pad to be sure.

 

[Steve009]

That’s a good block, most likely out of a truck or RV, so it’ll have the “reenforced” ribs on the side of the block. Need the numbers off the ID pad to be sure.

That’s all I got from the ad. What numbers or features should I look for when I go to see it?

 

[wsutard]

Here is what you want to know. http://www.440source.com/blockinfo.htm

 

[Kern Dog]

I thought the 1972 model year was the most desireable. The block was supposed to have a higher nickel content.
In 2000 I bought a 72 Chrysler Newport with a 400. I Thought it was a 440 but when I tore into it, I saw it was a 400. I sold the block for $350!
In 2004 I built my 440 based 493. The 400 block would have been nice to have around then.

 

[Steve009]

I thought the 1972 model year was the most desireable. The block was supposed to have a higher nickel content.
In 2000 I bought a 72 Chrysler Newport with a 400. I Thought it was a 440 but when I tore into it, I saw it was a 400. I sold the block for $350!
In 2004 I built my 440 based 493. The 400 block would have been nice to have around then.

Nothing wrong with a 440 stroker that’s for sure! I’m just hoping to use some of my 383 parts (headers, intake) so I thought I’d stick with a low deck.

 

[5.7 hemi]

Any year 400 will be good, also they have the biggest bore of all Mopars.

 

[Steve009]

Any year 400 will be good, also they have the biggest bore of all Mopars.

That is kind of what I figured as it won’t be some monster. Anything over 500hp is the goal which I don’t think is too hard with a 451 or 512.

 

[5.7 hemi]

Might consider doing a 470, they make tons of torque and rev like a scalded cat!

 

[Steve009]

Might consider doing a 470, they make tons of torque and rev like a scalded cat!

Ya that’s definitely an option. I was thinking 512 may be a bit extreme. Also hoping to use the e-street heads because I think they are a decent bang per buck. Would those be enough for a 470?

 

[5.7 hemi]

I would ask others that know more about heads.

 

[cryplydog]

The 230 block is the desirable one made I think in 1971, mine is the later 530 casting but they all are a great base for strokers. 440 Scource has great info on this subject.

 

[Yatzee]

i found a 400 block id like to pick up for an eventual stroker (451 or 512). Ive heard some years are better than others due to some strength issues. Can someone provide a few details on which blocks are the best? Below are the casting numbers on the block I’m looking at.

4006530-400-9 - "B" 12-75

Thanks,
-Steve

I used a 1972 400 block with the reinforcing castings for my 512 stroker simply because of the quality of these castings. I'm putting out 630 hp but for durability I used a girdle on the bottom to prevent cracking and splitting. The build was expensive (about 8 grand) but the engine is all I was expecting or hoping for and runs exceptional. Being an engine that had never been over bored the machine shop was impressed with the block and it's condition. I knew it was a '72 block because I took it out of a '72 Chrysler but paid no attention to the numbers.

 

[Yatzee]

I used a 1972 400 block with the reinforcing castings for my 512 stroker simply because of the quality of these castings. I'm putting out 630 hp but for durability I used a girdle on the bottom to prevent cracking and splitting. The build was expensive (about 8 grand) but the engine is all I was expecting or hoping for and runs exceptional. Being an engine that had never been over bored the machine shop was impressed with the block and it's condition. I knew it was a '72 block because I took it out of a '72 Chrysler but paid no attention to the numbers. For so much horsepower I'm still using the original 22" rad for cooling and have no issues. It's truly a sinister power plant.

 

[Steve009]

I used a 1972 400 block with the reinforcing castings for my 512 stroker simply because of the quality of these castings. I'm putting out 630 hp but for durability I used a girdle on the bottom to prevent cracking and splitting. The build was expensive (about 8 grand) but the engine is all I was expecting or hoping for and runs exceptional. Being an engine that had never been over bored the machine shop was impressed with the block and it's condition. I knew it was a '72 block because I took it out of a '72 Chrysler but paid no attention to the numbers.

what heads are you using for that 512?

 

[68 HEMI GTS]

There isn’t a whole lot of advatange to the years for a street beater. core shift and cylinder wall thickness are most important. That being said, I run a 630 block in my rr out of a 72 Newport.

Partial to the 511 myself as it’s proved to be just flat out awesome! The 451/470 is a probably a better option if you wanna put a gazillion miles on it and never touch it.

 

[68 HEMI GTS]

The 400/499 I built in this dart does just fine with a 77 block. That car/combo was never properly dialed and still went 10.0@136 and drives around on the street. My dad has that car now, I’m hoping to play with it a bit next year and find it’s full potential. I wouldn’t recommend a 499 kit though.

 

[Sweet5ltr]

Just finished building a (400) 470 low-deck. Be honest with yourself. If you're staying with standard port heads, go the 470 route. If you're going max-wedge, 512. Both of these combinations can be built to make well over 650 horsepower with off-the-shelf parts. Check out AndyF's articles.

 

[68 HEMI GTS]

Just finished building a (400) 470 low-deck. Be honest with yourself. If you're staying with standard port heads, go the 470 route. If you're going max-wedge, 512. Both of these combinations can be built to make well over 650 horsepower with off-the-shelf parts. Check out AndyF's articles.

Nothing wrong with a good flowing standard port head on a 511, while your leaving some hp on the table the low end torque is awesome. My 4000# B Body runs like a gutted out “a” body with standard port SR’s. Very good street motor.

 

[Steve009]

Nothing wrong with a good flowing standard port head on a 511, while your leaving some hp on the table the low end torque is awesome. My 4000# B Body runs like a gutted out “a” body with standard port SR’s. Very good street motor.

im thinking now the 470 kit from 440 source with eddy e-street heads, eddy perf. rpm intake, 850 holly DP, with mid-range cam and headers would be pretty awesome street combo. I was worried the heads may be a little small but if you guys think well ported stock heads can work, im sure it will be ok. the car isn't driven a tone (maybe once a week and just during summer months) so its not like there will be a huge amount of miles put on it. to be really honest I just want to smoke my buddy's 68 Camaro 396 when we are out terrorizing the town