319IrocZ

Hey Guys, I'm currently in the research stage portion & I'm trying to get my parts list put together so I can get the majority of the parts at once. Currently I'v gotta lot of the little stuff put together would just like some suggestion on filling in the blanks. I'm building 400sbc (511 block). I'm aiming for between high 400-low 500hp. It's gonna be a street/strip build that'll run pump gas. I've been using Atila_the_fun's 400 carb build as a templete to follow but I'm not worry If it's not an exact match to his build.

My Current Parts list:

MSD ignition all the way
Dual Plane Air gap Intake ( Atilia used a Dart)
Demon 650 Carb
Electric water pump (Not sure who I'm wonna go w/ yet. CSR has a 37gpm one that looks good thou.)
Summit Racing Fuel Pump-110gph
Oil Pan-( Looking for one that is for a 3.75 stroke. anyone know where to find a good one?)
Milodon Oil Pump (High volume/High Pressure)
Coyles Hex-A-Just Timing Chain (Double Roller)

And here's where I get really sketchy....

Heads-(In Atilia's build he used Dart Pro 1 180cc heads. What is your guys opinions on theses. Brand good/bad? cc's to small or just right?

Crank Shaft-(I Like'd to get an entire rotating assembly thru eagle. I'd like to go w/ a 4340 chromoly w/ H rods. Just waiting on heads to get the perfect CR & pick the pistons.)

Cam-(This is where I get lost in the numbers. should I pick this before the heads or after? I'd like to go w/ Hyd. rollers because the ease of maintenance.. Good Choice?)

Headers-(In Atillia's build he used 1 3/4 Hooker's. [2212-1HKR] They seemed kinda pricey thou. Are the worth the cost & is there a cheaper brand to go w/ & not sacrifice power & torque?)

This is my first build so I wonna make sure I "measure twice & cut once" so I'm not tearing apart motor later & scratching my head. So I just wonna make sure I'm heading in the right direction.
Thanks Guys, Mike

Orr89RocZ

iTrader: (20)

Dont really need high pressure pumps on a new build. I'd stick with a regular standard pressure type pump. Can be standard volume or high volume

Oil pan can use anything that will fit the year 400 block you have that will also still fit the thirdgen K-member. Doesnt need to be fancy. 5-6 qt is fine.

RPM air gap intake will work well for rpm under 6500. I'd get it ported to match the heads you choose which will be around 1205 intake port size.
Single plane could do well do with slightly loss of lower rpm torque but with that 400 you will not have a problem making torque. SIngle plane will shine above 6000 rpm. For 500hp, look for a peak around 5800-6200 rpm with decent heads.

Street strip setup you can use anything in the 190-210cc range on the intake. 2.02-2.08 valve. I like AFR or Profiler 210's with 2.05 or 2.08" valves for 6000 rpm hp peak.

650 carb is too small. 180 cc darts are small. Workable for lower rpm but small for a good street strip build. Wont support much over 5500 rpm on a 400. Larger cross section is needed. If you go all forged internals you can turn alittle rpm as long as the block is in good condition.

Buy heads first and then match the cam to the heads and intake. I'd look at 236-240 deg intake duration cam for a hydraulic roller. Should peak near 6000-6200rpm and make an EASY 500 crank hp with a good 195 cc head and still be very driveable.

You will need a retrofit lifter set and maybe retrofit cam but I understand its possible to use a 87-99 roller with a cam button/bushing or something like that.

Compression, anywhere in the 10.5-11 to 1 with a good cam and aluminum heads will be perfect.

This pump gas street strip motor made Peak TQ 5000rpm 545 ft lbs Peak Hp 6300rpm 581 hp.

You could go abit less cam than that and good dual plane and easily see 500-530hp and be very driveable. That above combo is very driveable tho with good converter and gear and tune.

UNCLE TOM

iTrader: (1)

ck out northern auto parts . n a parts.com if i recall correct . they should have everything you want . many good package deals for engine build-up . everything you could want , ck. them out and see . i deal with them often and have for several years . good prices , good shipping , good tracking , good service . i've been very happy with ALL my dealings with them . good luck .

cuisinartvette

Good points by Orrcoz

On Northern no complaints except the shipping costs are stupid high and take forever to get here. Parts/price not bad at all.

319IrocZ

Thanks for the HUGE amount of info Orrz & I'll take a look around the sites you guys recommended! Thanks guys for the help!

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

One thing I would like to add about oil pumps is use a standard psi and volume only with a stock pan.
Only use high volume if you are going to use a extra capacity pan.
I have seen the HV pumps suck stock pans dry and loose bearings esp if you run it hard 4 more than a quarter mile.
I dont know how you drive so its up to you to choose what ya need.

Also as far as the heads go I would use atleast a 210 cc intake runner. Cubes are your friend here.