way too expensive to build, gas hogs from the start and why not the lighter 400?
2006-10-03 12:07:09 · 14 answers · asked by heavymetal19772005 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The 400 small block was not a performance engine.It was introduced in the 1970s as a larger engine to move full size cars and light pickups,as the smaller engines (350,307,305) were dropping in horsepower and the only tecnological way back then to keep some power was larger displacement.Chrysler did this to their former "hot" 383 and created the mild 400 to meet smog and future economy regulations.The 400 has no space between the cylinders for water jackets so the center 2 do without,this traps steam and makes the engine run hot.A warmed over 350 is a far better choice than the limited production 400. A 454 gives you cubes,but the old 396/402 were probably a better tradeoff between cubes and power.
2006-10-03 12:28:49 · answer #1 · answered by hpspeedster 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
like hpspeedster said, 400s tend to have head gasket failures because the cylinders are so close together. 454 is worth the effort if you re going to put one in. it will give the car an even torque curve if you re using the car to tow or race. You can make it more efficient with aftermarket carb, headers and mufflers. Even finding ways to trim the weight of the car you re putting it in. Aluminum wheels.
We live in the 21st century and it can be done
2006-10-03 19:32:52 · answer #2 · answered by sheepshanx 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
454 will blow a 400 sb the drag parts will be the same in price if you want it to run like a 454
2006-10-03 19:22:11 · answer #3 · answered by tweed801 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
unlike the 400 the 454 has thick cylinder walls that can safely be bored 60 thou. over. you can easily get forged pop up pistons to raise you compression. if you try that with the 400 you will blow up like a bomb. in short you can safely increase hpr. the big block can take it.
2006-10-03 19:49:31 · answer #4 · answered by kyrrin 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the 454 is a bigger peace of steel then the 400 so it is heaver. it has bigger calender then the 400 so it takes more gas to get it going
2006-10-03 19:15:50 · answer #5 · answered by Sir CJ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
400 what year?? 400 is a small block 454 is big block thats why :P
2006-10-03 19:10:40 · answer #6 · answered by CAR GUY 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want the lighter 400, go for it! =D
2006-10-03 19:08:44 · answer #7 · answered by Freinz 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
ya get more horse from the 454
2006-10-03 19:08:39 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
All you have to do is drive one just once. Then all the answers will come flooding to you.
2006-10-03 19:22:13 · answer #9 · answered by Pancakes 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When all is said and done there is no substitute for cubic inches.
2006-10-03 19:20:56 · answer #10 · answered by Nc Jay 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋