400ci votes

[runner74]

Need your votes.

Ref: 1974 Roadrunner 400 pretty much original.

You may have seen my previous post on it having the original Nylon timing sprocket that gave up the ghost. Well I believe it bent a couple of valves so will need to pull the heads. Need your votes on keeping it original and just refurb. the original heads and keep the original cast iron intake etc. Or maybe time to bump it up and pull entire engine bore it etc. If I do pull it it would have to be professionally done which leads me to the next question. Does anyone have any experience with builders in Central MA area you could recommend? What combos have you done on 400 motors? If I bump it up i am am not looking for 900HP LOL like I have seen done on the 400 LOL but would be happy with an addition 50-100hp or even just close the the best earlier stock 383hp's

Thank in advance for your input.

Wouldn't mind it being able to do this:

Here are a couple more for your enjoyment:

Dot know who this guy is by man he's got my favorite videos....

Here is a different fun classic video.

Many of you have probably already seen these...

 

[mmissile]

Brake-torques can be done with a 318. Your fresh 400 will do it with ease, if you have a little bit of gear and hard-wide tires. It all depends on how quick/fast you really want to go.

 

[Bruzilla]

To me, the 400 has always been like a kiss from your sister. Yeah, it's a big block, but it's not a 440. I learned long ago that if I'm gonna drop $$$ into an engine, drop it into the best engine in the class. I would sell the 400 and use that money to buy and build up a 440.

 

[Cranky]

Stock low compression 400's were usually dogs but it doesn't take that much to make them lions! In the 60's and 70's when everyone around my area were running hot small blocks, I was into big blocks. I still am but I'm leaning more towards big bore short stroke big blocks and that's just what a 400 is. It's bore is bigger than a 440's and the stroke is the same as a 383 and everyone knows how well the hi-po 383's ran. You already have the engine so why not? Plus, if you just want more cubes, you can throw in a 440 crank (machining required) and end up with a 451 which is a pretty dang good package too. Also, since the 400 has shorter cylinders, they are usually more rigid. Add a half fill of hard block, and you have a solid block (no pun intended) not to mention the engine is a tad smaller in height and width than the RB engines...and a tad lighter too. Also, a larger cylinder bore helps unshroud the valves.

 

[Dennis H]

Love those smoky roll-outs. Could watch all day. Want to have a video loop at my Bar.

 

[polywideblock]

stroke that sucker, your tearing it down anyway

 

[moparwacko]

How fast can you afford to go? always the biggest question, Cranky is right- don't overlook the lowly 400. Do the basic mods, valves, cam, pistons, etc. But if that puppy needs a crank..........best economical bet is a used 440 crank machined down (those pistons are readily available), nice Comp Cam,etc. Love those low decks!! I've built a few like this and your well on the way to 450hp. Again, how fast can you afford to go? Somebody on here should know a good machine shop in Ma to help you out, good luck.

 

[Force Fed Mopar]

Pull it, replace pistons with 10:1 versions, drop a good set of aluminum heads and a good cam, go have fun!