509 2 bolt 400

[hotrod 80]

Looks like i may end up with one of these through some trading . Guessing a 5.7 rod 406 is the motor to build . Looking for 400 SBC stories or opinions . Pump gas bracket motor that will probably end up in the metric Malibu footbrake car .

[Vortecpro]

Originally Posted by hotrod 80

Looks like i may end up with one of these through some trading . Guessing a 5.7 rod 406 is the motor to build . Looking for 400 SBC stories or opinions . Pump gas bracket motor that will probably end up in a metric Malibu footbrake car .

Sounds like a good idea to me.

[Rannos]

I have built a few of these. Only one ever had a probelm. The last 406 short block I built was originally for my personal truck but the truck was stolen so I traded the short block off. Was a forged internals, balanced setup with flat tops. Guy I traded it to sold it to a customer of his. They put a set of milled heads on it to get 13.1 out of it and a big solid roller. Then tossed on a small kit and first time they sprayed it it lifted the heads. It litterally pulled the head bolts and threads/thread bosses right out of the block. I have sence read that this is common when you push factory 400 blocks to or above 600hp. I'd say it your 550hp or less go for it but if your goning to be getting close to 600+hp I wouldn't waste the money on a factory block when something like the SHP block is so cheap.

Jay

[hotrod 80]

Good info . I might put a power shot fixed low power plate on it , but i dought it . The plan is consistant and reliable more than all out power . Guessing these blocks dont need to be clearenced and all that mess . Always shyed away from 400's due to wives tales i guess . Should probably put a 5.3 or 6.0 LS in it and be done . Still stuck in the 70's i guess .

[Marv D]

Been there done that (I hate that phrase) but it fits. Have pictures of the carnage if you care to see.
I'd suggest you not put a buttload of $'s into parts and pieces here. It goes right along the same lines as you don't build a million $ mansion on sand. If your going to spend the $'s on a upper end motor, don't risk it in a stock, production platform. The SHP block is 100times more reliable at the 500+ HP level. And a Little M or Motown for anything above 700.

I think there are a couple other folks in here that have been down this same road.

[nxtruck]

I concur. Even though I've had good luck with my current motor (509-based 434), if you're planning on making 600 or more, you may want to consider upgrading to an SHP. I've ran a few 509-based motors ( 3 377s, a 421, and my current 434 ) and split the #4 cylinder on one of the 377s with some nitrous. If you just looking for a 500 or so hp bracket motor, I say run the factory crank, a set of cheap 5.7 rods, and a set of budget forged pistons and have at it.

[Rannos]

Originally Posted by nxtruck

If you just looking for a 500 or so hp bracket motor, I say run the factory crank, a set of cheap 5.7 rods, and a set of budget forged pistons and have at it.

I agree completely... Up to around 500 your pretty safe with a 509. When I started to build my new engine I was debating using the 400 block I have but once I started running into deals on some good heads and valve train I was worried I'd lift the deck or split the main webbing once I started spraying it.

If you did much of the index racing at HMP I am sure you know Gary Sangster. He told me last time I talked to him, he went through 4 509 blocks in two seasons before he gave up and started buying aftermarket blocks.