Low Deck 400 Builds

To be honest - I've owned 5-6 of them, but only ran 1 as a 400cid. All the others became either 451s or larger. Plus the few customers' ones that also got bigger. The on ei did run was a factory engine, with a cam, intake, and headers. I would treat the 400 like any 383 if the plan is a full rebuild. Replace the pistons, pay close attention to blueprinting the block and getting the basics or square, straight, & round. Get some compression into it and again - pay close attention to piston choice, deck height, and cylinder head choice. Just my opinion but I'd have it internally balanced - you might save some $$ by locating a 383 forged crank as it won't need Mallory and is a little stronger - but don't spend a lot because we're not talking much more $$ for Mallory, or much stronger - you won't break the 400 cast crank without really trying.