400 Block Question!
400 Block Question! Recently visited my uncle in Bradenton a couple weeks ago. He races circle track cars and has a big shop. He was cleaning it out and had a Virgin 400 block, decided to give it to me although I really have no use for one. How much would one of these badboys sell for right now if it is in good condition? I might end up wanting to do something with it one day but I really don't think so with the projects I have lined up right now. Any help/info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,
Dustin
Dustin
its worth about 50 bucks..ill buy it if you want 
no but in all honesty i picked up a virgin 2 bolt 400 last week at a swap meet for 130..i dont know what kind of condition yours is in, but the one i bought was pretty clean and nothing wrong with it.
no but in all honesty i picked up a virgin 2 bolt 400 last week at a swap meet for 130..i dont know what kind of condition yours is in, but the one i bought was pretty clean and nothing wrong with it.
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Yes the 2 bolt is far stronger then the 4 bolt...The 4 bolt on the outside bolts they go into air they are open and tend to crack and let the cap walk....The 509 is the better casting just llook for core shift in the cam to main jernals...Still if your going to build a 40o small the over bore the better...If it will clean at .010 then get .010 pistons...The bores are thin and will crack....A stock 400 block with splayed caps with no hard blocking will handle about 650hp after that its a roll of the dice...
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TECH Resident
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 807
Likes: 0
From: TAMPA by way of MIAMI!!!
I sold a virgin 4-bolt for $350 about a year ago. I've been told by a local racer that owns a race shop local to me that the 4 bolt 400 being weak was an old wives tale just like the overheating problems. But you can make a 2-bolt stronger with the splayed caps but that will cost $$$ but then again it's exspensive to go fast.
What would you guys say is the absolute limit powerwise on a 4-bolt block that you wanted to get long-term usage out of? I know that somebody said things start going south at 650hp but is that figure for a motor that sees track duty only are are we talking a 650hp daily driver? What about a 400 that's been destroked to a 377 or maybe a 358? If you kept the revs in the 6,500rpm range would the shorter stroke crank keep things alive longer in terms of not putting as much stress on the main webs? Or is that just wishful thinking?
TECH Resident
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 807
Likes: 0
From: TAMPA by way of MIAMI!!!
If you just build a solid bottom end all forged and you don't rev the **** out of it keep it under 6500rpm with good heads and all roller valvetrain and keep your compression under 10.5 I don't see why 600-650hp with sooo much tourque that you can't keep tires under it. you should be able to do that w/o problems just remember it's all in how the bottom end is done bore it .30 over I think you get a 406 you'll be fine.
Staging Lane
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: Peoria, IL
Have it sonic tested. Until that is done all you will have is a bunch of opinions.
The 400s are great engines with the right TLC. Get ya some 5.7 or 6" rods, a good crank, main studs, and have it street filled with hard blok and you have a stout bottom end for some good heads.
The 400s are great engines with the right TLC. Get ya some 5.7 or 6" rods, a good crank, main studs, and have it street filled with hard blok and you have a stout bottom end for some good heads.
