10-07-2013, 10:53 PM
I think one of the issues would be oil pan clearance. With the nice aftermarket parts available for the gen 1 small block engine there are many neat options. I considered a stroker kit for the 400 cu in block I based my 377 on, with a .030 overbore the result would have been 421 cu in.
However, that would have required a lot of machine work with some very close cam to connecting rod clearances. Also would have required using pistons with the wrist-pin hole under the rings. OK racing stuff, but maybe not the best for the street.
Instead I de-stroked the 400 using a 350 cu in steel crank and bearing spacers. I did have the machine shop tack the spacers and line-bore the block to be careful. I used stock 5.7 rods but beam polished them and had them and the pistons balanced. Vice forged items I went with an aluminum/silicon alloy piston that allows ~0015 piston to cylinder clearance.
However, that would have required a lot of machine work with some very close cam to connecting rod clearances. Also would have required using pistons with the wrist-pin hole under the rings. OK racing stuff, but maybe not the best for the street.
Instead I de-stroked the 400 using a 350 cu in steel crank and bearing spacers. I did have the machine shop tack the spacers and line-bore the block to be careful. I used stock 5.7 rods but beam polished them and had them and the pistons balanced. Vice forged items I went with an aluminum/silicon alloy piston that allows ~0015 piston to cylinder clearance.
