400 stroker or 440

[440outlawdart]

i built a 451 stroker,about 12 years ago,a 400 block,040 over,ross pistons,stock 440 rods ,440 steel crank,mains turned to fit 400 block,stock 915 heads,ported myself and oversize valves,850 holley,528 comp cam,on gas in a 68 cuda,with 456 gears,ran 10.60s,on alky ran 10.40s,never hurt anything,what does that tells ya,the 400 has a better rod rato too

 

[Ma Snart]

Very interesting thread. I guess 72ScampTramp went 440. That is probaly the best pick given his application and situation.

Some additional information on the webbing of B vs RB blocks I got from 440 source. There is a lot of detailed explaination of these photos at that site that I have not included if you are interested.

First picture is a typical 440 RB block
Second picture is a typical 440 RB block built after 1976
Third picture is a typical B block (a 383 in this case)
Fourth picture is the 4230 Special 400 B block built in 71

As you can see there are not big differences in the first and third. And the post 76 440 had more beef. But it is obvious that the 4230 block is in a different league. This is why bracket racers run that block stroked to 451.

Happy Holidays

Ma Snart

 

[pettybludart]

Nice detailed pics :thumrigh:

 

[Done Swimmin]

Anyone ever offset grind a 440 crank rod throws to the chevy size and use chevy rods. What would that net you in CI? 4in. throws?

just thinkin', thats all

 

[V-100]

I've saved 2 of the early 400 blocks for myself over the years; one from a truck and the other from a Newport, both '72 models if memory serves me correct. Best part? Cheeeeap- I didn't pay over $100 for either

 

[sr71mopar]

My machinist says he can do a 470 for a fair price. Chevy rods are by the bucketload. Pistons aint cheap, but neither is machine work. I'd hate to scrap these 440 blocks and cranks.

 

[YY1]

I'm glad someone posted a link to the "451 manifesto".

The advantages are:

slightly stronger
slightly lighter
slightly smaller
slightly more CID

all are small, but add up, and the big one-

more efficient.

That's why the Ford 302/5.0 (old, not new) was able to hang with and beat 350/5.7 GMs.

Contrary to popular belief, it's NOT all about displacement, although the 451 gives you that as well.

Don't get me wrong, I love 440s, but the 451 is just mathematically a better design.