tech@WS6store

iTrader: (2)

My own personal build but still using alot of the parts we offer in our complete rebuild kits.

Digging through one of the shops on the family farm, i found a few engines. Most were just run of the mill 350s so i sold those to some derby guys cheap. Then i found an odd short block. It was locked up, probably from sitting, but measured out to a 400 bore size. So i figured, what the hell. I already have wayyy too much on my plate anyway so why not make this a build also. This one will go a bit slower as its going to be a bit more expensive than just buying a jy ls and machining it. So the build is as follows.

2 bolt main 400 sbc
Parts i will reuse
Block
Crank

Thats it lol. Pistons are completely smurfed so no saving them. Rods...if you need em ill sell em cheap.

Now onto the fun stuff!!
Goal: 500hp at the crank

New parts
Bottom end
KB 4.125 flat top pistons
Std fit moly rings
5.700 forged floating pin rod arp pro2000 bolts
Sfi 400 balancer
Sfi 400 flexplate
King rod and main bearings
Durabond P series cam bearings
235/243 roller cam with retro tie bar rollers (block not machined for spider or thrust plate
Roller cam button
Dual row full roller timing set
Windage tray

Oil pump im somewhat torn on. I want a very high quality so i may spring for the melling shark tooth std volume high pressure pump with bolt on pickup tube. That seems to be top on my list. Input?

Block will be 0 decked with arp main studs

Top end
Vortec heads modified for 400 block
Machined for .600 lift
Screw in studs
1.6 roller rockers self aligning
Hd pushrods
.600 lift dual springs with ti retainers
LEADFOOT 2.02/1.6 sbc valves
Slight port work

Induction/efi control
Edelbrock pro flo xt manifold with tb
Efi connection 24x kit with billet front cover

Weiand 6000fwnd cast alum finned oil pan
Holley classic black finned alum covers with Holley logo

That really covers everything. I COULD get some more expensive alum heads of course or what have you but the vortecs will fit my needs. I wanted some L98 heads but dayum since GM stopped making them they went to the moon on price. Ill still be in to it for a good amount esp on the efi connection kit, but not too bad. I have nothing to put it in, so its really just a fun build to sell later pretty much.

Any input or comments?

Ill have pics soon, but its going to be a slow process. The short block is still together...stuck lol

mytmouz

iTrader: (2)

Slightly more compression and a solid roller, went mid 8's on a 250 shot in my track Luv truck with a set of track 1's. I like the pump you specc'ed, I have one in my street Luv...

tech@WS6store

iTrader: (2)

Oiling will be the most important part there. Then the cooling of course. Gotta make those heads and block happy.looking into a foray of gaskets. Likely use arp head bolts. And few other tricks and such.

tech@WS6store

iTrader: (2)

In a new turn of events im going to spring for an internal balanced scat crank. Just the cast series but still better. Then i can use std sbc setup.

8.Lug

tech@WS6store

iTrader: (2)

Because its not only different from the norm but its also unique. I like the EFI Connection kits and told them i would use it on this setup. And ill enjoy it. Old school block with new school tech.

8.Lug

Not sure what you mean by different. It's the engine everyone has been using for the past 60 years. Nothing is more abundant than a SBC.

tech@WS6store

iTrader: (2)

It was only made for 10 yrs. And its the red headed step child really of the sbc world. most dont like them because of the siamese cyls etc etc etc. They blow them up from using wrong gaskets, wrong heads and other ways.
How many more LS engines does the world need? Its my own project, but a fun one.
Its different in that its getting a roller cam and the efi connection kit. Plus im building it exactly how I want. Fully tunable with the EFI Connection kit.
Itll be fun eye candy if nothing else.

biketopia

iTrader: (5)

I like it for those reasons and then some! Yea the SBC has been used for 60 plus years, because it flat out works and is cheap to make work. Plus like you said the 400 is kind of a bastard child that isn't all that common in the realm of SBC

'05Silvy

Any update?

tech@WS6store

iTrader: (2)

Its partly on the back burner for now but ill grab some pics soon

Rebob5

iTrader: (3)

Sounds like a fun project! I built a 363 C.I. SBC for my 95 TA a few years ago and its still a blast to drive and im constantly making improvements or adding something new. Next project is 16v electrical system and Mini alternator

LilJayV10

iTrader: (39)

I'd put a better set of heads on it. Those heads on a 400 will run out of steam quick. Just my .02

tech@WS6store

iTrader: (2)

Im really into keeping it as budget as i can with the heads. The vortec are a nice setup and its not a hugh rpm build anyway so maybe just putting in the bigger valves with the large bore and a proflo intake will be enough. based off so many other builds itll be in the 500ish hp range which is more than enough for an efi sbc imo.

Gasoholic

iTrader: (1)

Sounds cool but really need some pics.
Funny these days you tell someone your building a 500 hp motor and they look at you like, "is that all"?

What are you dropping this in to?

tech@WS6store

iTrader: (2)

Right. Pics i may have some this weekend. The weather has been terrible here.

I dont have any plans actually. I may just put it on a test stand for the moment. If it generates enough interest (and dollar signs) id sell it and likely make an entire kit to build up others similar.

PARMY

LilJayV10

iTrader: (39)

i would much like to see the 500hp dyno graph with stock Vortec heads with bigger valves....make sure you post it.

tech@WS6store

iTrader: (2)

There are a few magazine builds that did it already.
Im kinda following in their footsteps for the most part. I dont have an engine dyno so that wont be possible though.

While i dont like magazine builds much, here is one
https://www.hotrod.com/articles/ccrp...l-block-chevy/

tech@WS6store

iTrader: (2)

Its in the 466 or so range, but mine will be with a pro flo xt, eficonnection 24x kit, and roller cam with some likely 1.5 roller rockers.
So a jump up on some things.
Id prob ditch the stock crank for a cast scat for internal balance, 5.7 or 6.000 forged rods, and some keith black pistons. Ill be looking at 0 deck also and then add in some better valves 2.02/1.6 swirl polish style.
The dyno there was with all stock vortec heads also.
I may throw a few more tricks at it, but itll be a budget-ish build with durability in mind but also efi goodness and loads of tq.

235/243 .530/.565 110lsa

So its gonna chop chop. The larger chamber of the 406 will help the valves too im sure, but we will see.
I dont expect alot, but 500 would be nice. maybe i can find an engine dyno to hook it up to and run it.
Its a personal project for me so itll take a little time, but its not going to be too crazy. Maybe more...eclectic.

I wanted some new l98 heads but they are vaporwear now so ill settle for new vortecs that are machined for what i want ie .600 lift and screw in studs and the larger valves