Hello! i am just getting started in the world of mopar. As a long time ford fan everythin here is new to me, but i do understand engine dynamics and the sort.

My current project is a 1977 Chrysler Newport "Custom" with a 400 4 barrel, dual exhaust.

I want to build a fun street car with about 400-500 horsepower, with a somewhat mild compression ratio, enough to run 93 gas with (9.8:1 - 10:1)

I have a budget of $10,000. This is an all original running 400 with 40,000 actual miles. The car itself is in immaculant condition, with 0 rust whatsoever. The electronics hav been upgraded and for some reason the ac compressor was changed to run on the new style refrigerant.

Ive read up on 451 and 472 engine combinations, i really cant decide.

Ive seen a 400 in a dodge D150 that pulled a Ford F250 557 on super swampers in reverse in the mud (my convincing moment that a dodge is a decent engine)

I dont like the short stroke of the 400 it puts an engine build so high up in the rpm's i dont like the idea.

I guess my question is this: should i build a 400 with a 440 crank or should i offset grind the crank to a big block chevy rod? also is the .175" gained in stroke really worth it after the cost of offset grinding the crank?

 

oh by the way i plan to use 68 road runner 383 canted heads, a cross ram intake off a D-500 packaged car (383 engine), dual edlebrock avs 800 carbs, and the double hymp style exhaust manifolds off a 69 charger. piston and rod selection are undecided until i decide on a stroker combination, but likely a flat top piston with valve releifs. cam will likely be a comp magnum muscle 222/226 hydraulic flat tappet with .464 lift, 110 LSA, 106 ICL, 1.5 rockers.

the engine wont see past 5500/6000 RPM

 

does no one have any input on what crankshaft to use???