Help building a reliable yet powerful 400 stroker
 

Hey everyone! I have a 400 that I am looking to get a stroker kit for as it seems like that is a great option with the engine. My first question out of many (I feel like it's the only question I can ask without knowing this first) is what size stroker kit to go with? I was looking at the 440source kits which are 451/470/500/512. Now of course I want the most power out of this engine I can get so at first I wanted the 512. After doing some reading around some were worried about piston rock. How much of a worry is that? Would the 500 kit be better/eliminate that? I'm looking for power but also want it to last a decent time haha. It's a weekend street car and after this is all said and done it might hit the strip a few times for fun. I know many other things will need to be upgraded along with it but until I know what kit to go with I can't figure out a ton else.

Thanks!

I'd go 451, there are guys running them hard and they keep on ticking,
some cheby components work as well (aka easy to get parts) and the 451 is a torque monster, so it'll provide plenty of "go"

i should also mention it is going in a 72 newport. not a light or small car by any means haha.

Stick with the 451 More reliable esp in a heavy car. with a 500 you start going into external oiling systems

how much reliability do i loose with going to a bigger kit? say the 470 over the 451? also pump gas is a must. when do you start running into not being able to run on pump?

with a 500" you will need an expensive dry stump oil system. Pump gas is dependent on compression not size,

I would like to stay away from a dry sump oil system. Engine wise I plan on new heads and valve train, cam, intake/carb, and a tti exhaust. Also other little odds and ends but nothing crazy.

Make sure you pencil this out with your budget... Your getting pricey...
Good Luck... Keep us posted..

:)

The term piston "rock" is actually called piston crossover, and is more of a concern for the piston designer as opposed to the engine builder, but typically proportional to side load. All motors have it but there's an acceptable/reliability range.
In stock form these usually aren't a concern, but once we start stroking motors they can be an issue, ie the amount of piston above the pin and how far the piston travels into the "hole"/angle of rod-piston, etc.
As long as your compression isn't to radical you can run pump gas, CI's (size) have no bearing on "race" gas/pump gas needed, just look at the old Cadillac big blocks lol those things are huge.
Plus, don't go to radical on a cam or you'll have no vaccum and you'll have to run a pump if you're using things like power brakes.
Have you considered Ethanol? If it's readily available in your area it may be something to look into, there are benefits to be had from it, but you'll need a carb set-up for it, among other things.
Anywho, this is the way I've always understood side load/crossover, I'm no stroked engine building expert, (I know enough to be dangerous lol) there are guys here that can be of more help, I've built a few motors but I typically leave it to my engine guy/machine shop.

Thanks guys! I've got a rough idea of cost but the good part is the car was given to me by my grandparents so I have zero invested total so far. The body is almost perfect so all the money is going towards engine, drivetrain, and suspension.

470" is a good build....
Check With Mike over a MRL Perfoemance for your parts. Mike has got some great numbers out of the 470" motors... :)

Good Luck...Keep us posted....

i am leaning towards the 470. i emailed mike at muscle motors racing and that is also what he suggested for the sounds of what i want to do and get out of the engine. he also said its one of his favorite combos. no grinding required, just bore and hone the block and align hone the mains for proper bearing size.

specs are
3.91 stroke x 6.700 rod, 4.375 bore 1.320 CH piston

I like the 470" for the reason of it's not a lot of maintenance if you dont get crazy with them....
Have Y'all Talked about cam/valvetrain and heads yet?
Also the oil mods are important....

Keep us posted.
:)

not yet! one step at a time haha. I was looking at edelbrock performer RPM cylinder heads or something in that price range. what runner size and CC's should i be looking for? also cams and valvetrain area im pretty new at. well most of this i am haha

This says it better than I could, I do know that it makes a reliable, easily built engine.

http://gasalley.thetumbleweeds.net/t...r/451build.htm

Great article, good find. The 470" option is pretty tempting it seems, I didn't see any mention of power limits though. Funny how they kept comparing it to a BBC, as if the reader is considering dropping a 454 in their Mopar! :puke:

for reliably on chrysler engines . 1. do NOT over rev the engine more than 1,000 rpm over factory. 2. DO use Zinc in your oil. and / or a zinc oil like valvoline premium blue 15w-40. factory fill for dodge cummins diesel engine. 3. dont let it get out of tune.

VooDoo Solid Cam or a roller would be better. Depending on the funds.
Edelbrock rpm heads, gasket matched, lite clean up on the ports and gasket match.
Harland Sharp Roller rockers and shafts and hardware.
Victor or super victor intake.
Big's 850 CFM carb.

Just my 2 cents.... :)