[Danspeed1]

Hello,

I hate to even sound like this, but I can't find the words to say it any differently. The guy I was purchasing a 455 block from sold it out from under me. Cringey statement but totally true. He got to looking at the numbers on the block and I'm assuming it was an SD block and that was the end of our deal.

My formula was a 400 anyway, and there are a number of good blocks in my area to choose from. Based on my research the 400 has more parts available; and aftermarket cranks give you the ability to use BBC rods which I like.

I always love a good deal (as long as its actually a good deal), I found this online. Pontiac 400 DG3-455A4375
https://rpminternationalinc.com/cran...80-stroke.html

I found one other thread where a bunch of you guys were purchasing this but not much on how it worked out. I am thinking this would be a great base for my build and I love the price.

Thoughts?

[steve25]

So your building a stroker?
Why don't you get a whole recipercating Assy from Butler because your gonna need the the Rods Pistons, rings and a balance job to be done away.

[Danspeed1]

Originally Posted by steve25

So your building a stroker?
Why don't you get a whole recipercating Assy from Butler because your gonna need the the Rods Pistons, rings and a balance job to be done away.

Yes I think I want to build a stroker. My local machine shop will be balancing the rotating assembly. I can get a good set of BBC rods real cheap locally. I will need pistons however.

[steve25]

The 1970 thru mid 75 blocks are great to build with.

[Danspeed1]

I have a lead on a 70 stick shift block.

I'm not going with a 557 block

[steve25]

In 1970 a 4 bbl motor that had a manual transmission behind should then be a 4 bolt main with upgraded Armasteel caps.

[unruhjonny]

Originally Posted by steve25

In 1970 a 4 bbl motor that had a manual transmission behind should then be a 4 bolt main with upgraded Armasteel caps.

not true.

Although I have heard that a few WT (1970 400/4bbl - NOT RAIII) motors had four bolt mains, this is the exception, not the norm;
Much like a few YZ (1970 RAIII/at) blocks apparently were built with two bolt blocks - again, the exception, not the norm.

A 1970 4spd block carries a premium - but in my opinion, a 70-WT ('914) block should should be left for people who need one;
The 1970 through early 1975 '988 block is every way discernable perfectly equal to pre-1971 400 blocks.
I believe that the post-1975 (resurrected '988 casting) is also in every discernable way an equal.

[Singleton]

Pistons for the 4.375 stroke
https://dssracing.com/collections/po...0-4-375-stroke

[Danspeed1]

Originally Posted by Singleton

Pistons for the 4.375 stroke
https://dssracing.com/collections/po...0-4-375-stroke

Damn, you made that way too easy for me. I've used DSS before, solid piston.

Thanks!

[performerrpm]

i bought this exact crank for 550, or 600....next day it was 649...but no sales tax n free shipping. i have this crank and a 4" that they discontinued

[Danspeed1]

https://www.speedmaster79.com/I-Beam...-BBC-454?gQT=1

[Mr Twister]

Originally Posted by Danspeed1

https://www.speedmaster79.com/I-Beam...-BBC-454?gQT=1

There is not a lot of speedmaster love on this board. But that is a cheap price. I bought that crank when it was on sale too. I plan on using Molnar rods because they are good and I can drive over and pick them up locally. Thanks Singleton for the piston lead. Still looking for a block. I was hoping to find an MR-1 iron block but no luck so far.

[performerrpm]

i been eying those dss pistons for a minute....i think theyre 1100 bucks if you buy the full kit w upgraded pins.....i like the speedmaster heads in bare form....i think i draw the line there though....i would skip the speedmaster rods especially since the crank from rpm uses bbc rods anyway that are fairly cheap

[Danspeed1]

So I already have a set of speedmaster loaded heads I got for literally half price, I'm going to check those out and definitely run them, they are 72cc.

I agree on the rods. I am not trying to build something overkill, we did a N/A LS for a C4 Corvette, the bottom end will hold like 1500hp, and the engine makes about 500 on a good day. I'm really trying to keep the budget low.

I noticed even Butler is uses a lot of the eagle stuff which I lump into the same category as speedmaster imo.

The thing actually holding me back from those rods... are the rod bolts. I really like to use ARP or factory whenever possible. By the time you pay to resize the rods you've exceeded the cost for a better set of rods with ARP bolts.

[Danspeed1]

Well, the crank is on its way, $649 no tax, no shipping.

[Formulas]

Product pictures dont always reflect reallity, ... but that oil slinger is extra wide on that crank