If it was your engine how would you build it ? Going in an 81 starting from scratch with a 400 block plan on useing a 700r4 trans. Thanks.

I can't wait to hear some of the answers to this !

Totally depends on what your intent is for the car. Also depends on the old " Money is no object " rule. Do you want carb or FI? Do you want a daily driver or a quarter miler or a good solid street machine to do double duty.
If you have bucks to burn: low compression pistons, fully ported heads with large valves, a good fuel injection unit and a super charger. Don't forget the rest of the drive train .
If money is an object, sell the 400 and buy a 383 stroker long block.

Vortec heads w/ Z28 springs, Crane H272 or Comp XE268 cam, 10-15cc cupped pistons for 9.5:1 comp, Performer manifold, Q-jet, Dynomax coated headers, true dual exhaust, or 3 1/2" single w/converter if emissions. Joe

Since you have gotten so few replies, I will add my 2 pennies. For a nice all around driver, and since you already have the block, I would do a 383 with Tuned-Port, Vortec heads, ask the cam companies about a cam. Will have to have bigger runners and throttle body with 383 or 400, C4 manifolds or shortie headers and true 2 1/2 inch dual exhaust. With the 700R4 you can do 3.55 or lower gears and still have reasonable RPM on the interstate. With fuel injection you can bump the compression up a little and still run 87 octane around town-maybe 9.5 or 10. Let us know what you decide.

Personally, I would probably get a 'crate' engine. I'd rather spend time driving that building... just a thought...

Found a 400 long block today,2 bolt,have to wait till tomorrow to see if it's ok and will clean up.$150.00

SAW AN ARTICLE ABOUT BUILDING A 400 SB WITH A 327 CRANK, FORD 300 6-CYL RODS AND 0.030 OVERBORE. THIS GIVES YOU A 350 CUBIC INCH WITH A FLAT TORQUE CURVE AND OVER 400HP. BECAUSE THE RODS ARE LONG YOU CAN RUN 11:1 COMPRESSION ON 87 OCTANE. THIS MOTOR MADE 400+ LBS OF TORQUE FROM ABOUT 2000RPM TO 4800 RPM. I COULD FAX YOU THE ARTICLE IF YOU ARE INTERESTED.

TREVOR said: SAW AN ARTICLE ABOUT BUILDING A 400 SB WITH A 327 CRANK, FORD 300 6-CYL RODS AND 0.030 OVERBORE. THIS GIVES YOU A 350 CUBIC INCH WITH A FLAT TORQUE CURVE AND OVER 400HP. BECAUSE THE RODS ARE LONG YOU CAN RUN 11:1 COMPRESSION ON 87 OCTANE. THIS MOTOR MADE 400+ LBS OF TORQUE FROM ABOUT 2000RPM TO 4800 RPM. I COULD FAX YOU THE ARTICLE IF YOU ARE INTERESTED.

I have seen something similar, I think it's a 352. Pretty cool concept, and I bet it revs to the moon! There are so many options here, this is just the tip of the iceburg! There is always a 427 small block....

On another note, Trevor, release the caps lock on your keyboard. All caps indicates shouting!

Thanks Trevor,But I would prefer not to have to admit that I had F**d parts in my engine if asked about how I built it.

phxraptor said: Thanks Trevor,But I would prefer not to have to admit that I had F**d parts in my engine if asked about how I built it.

I think the buildup I heard of used a custom forged rod from one of the bigger manufacturers. It was a 6.125, I believe.

Bryan