I found a 509 casting 400 block that has been bored 30 over and it needs bored again from the look of it 40 or better, it has splayed caps installed, The guy wants $500. Does this sound fair and is this pushing the stock block limits? I dont want to pay to have it sonic checked if it pushing the block limits anyhow.

 

You mean total 40 over, or 40 more? You MIGHT be able to get away with total 40 over, but I wouldn't push it any more than that, especially with siamese bores that were used in the 400 block, it makes for less cooling capacity, and would be easier to warp those cylinders.

 

it would be 10 over or better than what it is he said you could go 60 over total on that block but I am not to sure I would try it. I think $500 is a bit high for it. On a side note the guy runs sprint cars $40,000 all aluminum smallblocks really impressive, he said the newest thing they were doing was shortening the rod length from 6 inches to 5.85 and making the intake runner a little smaller (still over 320cfm) to increase the port velocity and make better power. They get 12 to 15 nights on a engine and have to have it refreshed for $3000 to $5000, and these are basically just local guys.

 

where i am from i've heard that a four bolt 400 is weaker than i two bolt because of where the bolts are located so you might want to find a two bolt cap i can get a good four bolt for 150 bucks but they always wnat three times that for the 2 bolt

 

It originally was a 2 bolt they had the 4 bolt splayed cap installed which is the strongest was to go I am more concerned with the bore limits of the block.

 

Hi Griff I had the same problem as you when I was looking for a block. After pruchasing 3 400 blocks and paying for Magnafluxing and then trying to get my money since they were all cracked, I found this company that I heard about from a local racer. www.competitionproducts.com, 800-233-0199. I bought a block from them last summer. At the time a 400 with splayed billet caps, magged, decked(if you want it), cleaned, new freeze plugs installed, the whole works out the door for $899. I know that they also sell blocks with stock caps which should be fine for under 500 HP applications and all other nessecary machine work done for $599. I recieved a great block that I am still using today within 5 days of my order right to my door step. Give them a call and get a price. After you spend $500 for that block, get it magged cleaned and bored you'll have $800 in it, if it's still useable. I just don't want anyone to go thru what I had to go thru just to get a good block. Good luck in your quest!!

Bryan