Howdy,

I have a Chrysler 400B from 1974/75 bored over .30. I bought the engine for dirt cheap with the impression it was rebuilt. However on inspection I found kinks in the crankshaft and pistons. But the block and walls appear to have been recently bored/decked so the block it's self is in good condition.

I'm planning on doing some upgrades to this beast and since the crank needs to be replaced anyways. I'm stripping everything off the block and just building it from the ground up. My plans are for around 400-600hp performance build at a semi medium budget.

My original plan was just to purchase a 400 stroker kit. Such as one from 440 source. 400 >> 451 http://www.440source.com/strokerkits.htm however. These parts are way over my needs. The premium parts are rated for something like 1,500hp which explains why the kit is so expensive.

I was thinking of going in the medium level parts\performance to cost ratio, something along the lines of forged steel crank etc....

I have a few concerns about purchasing the parts separately such as. I can purchase a 440 crank to put in the 400 block but this would require some machining. I know this was done all the time back in the day, but from my understanding it wasn't a good idea because the amount you are machining to get it to fit, actually removes a lot of the hardening material on the crank and makes it weaker. Anyone know if this is true? Should I be concerned? The plan on using the 440 crank was to achieve a 3.75 stroke. I've checked a few articles and get basically get same results. Here is one of those articles I was basing my ideas on. http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/in...?topic=13311.0

I basically need everything for this engine, lifters, valves, intake manifold, rods, pistons, cranks and cam etc... what would you all recommend parts wise if I'm trying to get some performance on a budget going with a 400 stroker build mentioned above?

Thanks in advance!

 

Jonny -

While I can't speak to your budget, unless you have a lot of experience matching parts and building engines, I'd save up and go with one of the 400 stroker kits. Might save you a couple of headaches and headaches can = $$$

Archer

 

Thanks Archer. I was thinking the same thing but it just seems like I'm throwing money out the window for the stroker kits. Everything is using Steel 4340s cranks etc... that is all top end performance items at maximum costs rated for like 1500hp... I'm not going anywhere near that amount of HP. I was thinking around 400-600hp. I mean a 4340 crank alone is easily $800 while a forged steel 440 crank that can handled around the horsepower I'm going for, I can get used for like $80 and then bring it to machine shop for pretty cheap as well. Even brand new I can get it for $200...

I just feel like the items in all stroker kits I see if overkill for my needs and priced way higher because it's high end premium stuff for way higher horsepower then I'm planning on using.. :/

 

If money is a problem why not something like this: http://www.hotrod.com/articles/ccrp-...half-the-cost/