Getting real serious-383

[AKRAY4PLAY]

Fred,
if you have 4g's to throw at just parts, you can build an impressive motor. i got my heads for $1700 and the rotating assembly was another $1500 or so. you do not have to go as expensive as i did, for 400-450hp and 450-500ft/lbs. be carefull right now, i fell into the "it is only going to cost an extra $??? to do this really cool thing" trap. the prices change on all parts, mike stark will give you a good and solid quote for what you need/want. you should be able to get less trick parts that easily handle what you want, brodix or dart heads vs. afr, etc. your machine shop fees can be cancelled out by going with a new gm 400 splayed main block with wider oil pan rails. this block is set up for making a stroker 434 or even a 454. the block runs about $2200 and has a priority main oiling, i will try and get gm part# for you. i think the new block is also set up for a one piece rear main seal, major plus especially for a manual tranny. let me do some more digging for prices and i will get back with you, Brian

 

[sscam69]

keep it coming, i didn't know about that block from GM!!

Is it that rocket block?

Frank

 

[fc3]

Brian, Do you or anyone know of Gustaf Engines(gustafengines.com) Check out the 406-408ci shortblocks.Fred.

 

[AKRAY4PLAY]

there are three blocks that you can work with from gm.
22551790 is a tall deck rocket block that can be run wet or dry sump, it has spread pan rails and a higher cam location to allow for a longer stroke (4.125") and holds your best bet for future upgrades at reduced costs. i would have loved to use this one as my platform, but can only reccomend you go this way. cost is $2336.31 through jim Pace.
24502503 is a "race prepped" block that i think you are paying for the description and not the product, it will work but not very versitile in the future. cost $2500
12480049 is a bow tie splayed main siamesed cylinder 400 block. it will be like having an old block reconditioned, but new for $1852.76. this is one to considder if you opt to go with a new block. it has priority main oiling and a few other features that old blocks can't provide. this one is the right choice if you do not plan on expanding your built in a year or two, and don't want to get way crazy with torque greed. it will handle what i built no problem.
i have to take off out of town for te next nine days, so getting back with you and researching farther will be hit and miss until then. sorry about that, but call Mike Stark and hit him up for ideas and prices. you don't have to buy from him, and the call will be worth the dime just for the info.
if you are going for the old block, start looking in commercial truck salvage yards. gm put 400's in big rigs until '82 i believe. most other 400's were in p/u trucks/blazers and oldsmobile family wagons. they are hard to come by without a doubt. best of luck with the quest, Brian

 

[maxrevs85]

Be sure to check out Dart for engine blocks also. I think your best bet for heads are the AFR's .

 

[crebo]

AKRAY4PLAY,
Hey this is Ashman with the 77 396 project. Is your car stick or auto..?
Could you blast off pretty good when you had your Hp and Tq in the mid 400's.
Just wondering. That's where I hope to be soon

Ashman

 

[AKRAY4PLAY]

Crebo,
my car has a th400 auto. you should be able to get a good launch with numbers in the 400's. remember the new C5's don't make te kind of power you are making, they have a slightly more effecient drive train and traction control instead. your motor should make gobs of torque down low, perfect for launching and breaking parts. be carefull and have fun with it.
Fred,
i don't know of the Gustaf guys you mentioned, they seem to be alright according to their website. i do not like the shortage of 6 inch rods in their motors. the longer rods really make a big difference!! take a trip to the local book store and buy a couple of books on how to build small block chevys. they will give you worlds of insight. also the oct 2002 issue of Chevy High Performance magazine has a listing of 18 different crate motors along with prices. it might be worth your time to read it. the only thing that scares me about crate motors is you never know who, or worse, how the thing was assembled. they may have warrenties, but that doesn't usually cover labor on pulling and installation. just a thought, but for my money if anything was to fail, i would sleep better knowing it was my fault.

 

[fc3]

Brian, I am definitely building the engine with my buddy. He has lots of experience and wants to do it. Finding the 400 block is the problem now. If I can't find a seasoned one then i'll buy a short block if I have too. It is fun doing the homework. I should get more motor and I know who build it. Fred.