400 BB build

I bought your book Andy and I must say it's good. It has a lot of the latest/greatest comonents covered and some great advise.

As for a 400 build,for a mild street /bracket motor I'd use a cast crank to about 550 h.p and treat it like a really good breathing 383. It will have a slight edge over an identical built 383 as it has a bigger bore which will help breathing. Use 1/2 groove bearings and a 1/2" hemi p/u screen and tube for the oiling system. The block will need be drilled tapped for the larger p/u.

I dont know if mopar still offers the templates for big block heads,but it would be worth doing as would an upgrade on the intake valve size. 452 heads are just fine as are just about any other head as far as stock heads go.

I think certain casting # 400 blocks are rated higher as they can withstand more punishment. The casting # escapes me,but the better blocks are cold weather versions.