SB Chev 355 or 406
 

building a street and strip engine and was wondering on the pros and cons on these two engines . I was told to stay away from the 400 . any comments ?

Re: SB Chev 355 or 406
 

400 externally balanced,and do you see many out there,,i dont ,so that tells me enough ,,,,

Re: SB Chev 355 or 406
 

There is nothing wrong with the 400, with some minor upgrades that Chevy could have done. I ran one for years in my 67 Camaro, with small valve heads and cam from a 350. The car weight was 3100 and with 4.56 gears, ran 11 flat in ugly air and low 10.70's in good fall air.

Re: SB Chev 355 or 406
 

I'll add to the mix. How about a 383?

Re: SB Chev 355 or 406
 

Have had a ton of 355's very reliable low maintenance motors. Roller cam Brodix track 1's and 13.5 to 1 comp 10.30's all day long in a 3400 pound camaro . Had a tunnel ram and splits on one in my 70 camaro back in the 90's ran. 9.80's at 3400 pounds ! Yiu can buy everything reasonable for one .

Re: SB Chev 355 or 406
 

i have some parts in stock for the 355 and the 406 but none for the 383 such as the stroker crank to fit the 350 block , i believe the rods are all 5.7

Re: SB Chev 355 or 406
 

If you build a 383, you must cut the mains, of the 400 crank, to 350 size. Then you use standard pin height 350 pistons with a 400 rod. Good torque engine for the money. The 350 block seems to have better head gasket sealing. But nothing beats cubic inches.

Re: SB Chev 355 or 406
 

I hate the 400 blocks have seen them crack just bolting a toque plate on. The the only block when it comes in the shop I get paid 100% up front. Pretty frail block compared to a 350 block.


Using stock 400 rods in a performance 400 build in really not the hot set up !!!

Don't wast your time having some one grind an old 400 its some times a waste of money as when grinding a crank that much the oil holes do move closer to the radius.

I don't recommend using a externally balanced crank in a performance build.

If your building a budget build you can buy a Scat 9000 series crank for around 200.00 That will internally balance and they have one for a one piece seal block that will internally balance no problem , Scat 6.0 I-Beam rods with 7/16 bolts 300.00, Pistons Wiseco has a good deal on there Protrue series pistons and rings for about 425.00

If you can find a one piece seal block and use GM Hot cam 234/242 and buy there roller lifters as kit makes for a cheap roller cam and lifters. The Dart SHP 180 CC runner heads 64CC chambers.

I have done that build many times with very good results.

Re: SB Chev 355 or 406
 

Street,strip, bracket build a 350. There is no engine better for the buck, with incredible durability. If you want to build a 400 buy an aftermarket block now...or later when you waste a lot of time and money.

Re: SB Chev 355 or 406
 

X10000000000000 I have seen a lot of guys spend good money on bad when it comes to OEM 400 blocks !!!