My new stock stroke 400 build

[qkcuda]

I said I would start a new thread once I started my new 400 build. By way of background, my Charger is still sporting it's original 361 engine, with a small cam and four barrel intake. The goal is to build a stock stroke 400 which will provide more torque to move the 4000 pound car , while still retaining good street manners and mileage. The car has stock exhaust manifolds with dual exhaust, and retains it's original 2.94 rear gears. I figured the increase of 45 cubic inches and a slightly hotter cam should do the trick.

 

[qkcuda]

Here is the donor engine, out of a 73 Chrysler, apparently with only 29,000 miles

 

[MWbirdLOVER70]

I said I would start a new thread once I started my new 400 build. By way of background, my Charger is still sporting it's original 361 engine, with a small cam and four barrel intake. The goal is to build a stock stroke 400 which will provide more torque to move the 4000 pound car , while still retaining good street manners and mileage. The car has stock exhaust manifolds with dual exhaust, and retains it's original 2.94 rear gears. I figured the increase of 45 cubic inches and a slightly hotter cam should do the trick.

View attachment 1553217

I like more gear personally

 

[qkcuda]

The engine had lost oil pressure, and was parked. Once I pulled it apart, I found the culprit. The oil pump had been removed, so I didn't have a chance to see what caused the oil pump drive to break.

 

[qkcuda]

Here it is after I pulled it apart.

 

[MWbirdLOVER70]

Here it is after I pulled it apart.

View attachment 1553231

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Should be a fun build and the extra cubes def help. Like I said I love gears and a stahl

 

[qkcuda]

The engine had .010 under main bearings from the factory. The bearings all looked good, and we may be able to get away with just polishing the crank.

 

[qkcuda]

I am just waiting for the heads to come back from the machine shop. They have been cleaned, and they are going to plunge cut them and return them to me to finish porting. The block crank and rods will be dropped off at the same time to be cleaned and checked. Once I get them back I will post some further pictures.

 

[qkcuda]

Should be a fun build and the extra cubes def help. Like I said I love gears and a stahl

The gears will remain, but I am looking at picking up a stock 11 inch 340 or 383 converter, or having one built. The cam has been purchased already and it is the smaller Summit grind, 214/224 duration at .050 and 444/466 lift.

 

[496 polara]

Compression and head flow would be on my to do list. Deck the block and mill the heads.Every little bit helps. Head porting for the win.
Sounds like a good plan.I look forward to your results.

 

[BSB67]

What is the piston plan?

Like mentioned above, cylinder pressure and head flow are the items that will make a noticeable difference.

 

[qkcuda]

Pistons will be KB240's, I am just waiting to see what oversize I will need. If I don't mill anything compression will be about 8.5:1. That is what my 361 is now with 516 heads, and it is happy with 87 octane regular gas. I really don't want to have to run premium, so I probably don't want to exceed 9:1 with the short cam.

 

[Runner 68]

The 400s beg to be stroked. Stroke that bitch to 500 c.i., let it roll and don't look back.

 

[qkcuda]

Been there done that on my last car. This time I am just trying to make it a better cruiser.

 

[Runner 68]

What could be a better for a cruiser than more power?

 

[qkcuda]

I'm still waiting for the heads to be ready for pick up so I can drop off the block. I found something odd which explains why the last three lifters on the drivers side were stuck in their bores. The oil gallery was plugged with what looked like a mixture of sand and sludge. I had to use a drift punch as a ram rod to clean it out. This might also relate to the oil pump seizing up?

 

[Cranky]

I'm still waiting for the heads to be ready for pick up so I can drop off the block. I found something odd which explains why the last three lifters on the drivers side were stuck in their bores. The oil gallery was plugged with what looked like a mixture of sand and sludge. I had to use a drift punch as a ram rod to clean it out. This might also relate to the oil pump seizing up?

View attachment 1556003

Someone dumped sugar or salt into it.......?

 

[qkcuda]

My first thought was casting sand. I am thinking that spot is the dead end of the oil gallery?

 

[qkcuda]

I haven't posted lately, as I was waiting for my heads to come back from the machine shop. The valves and guides checked out great, and they plunge cut the throats, ready for me to finish the bowl blend and short sides.

 

[qkcuda]

I may also port match the intakes as they are a little rough.