In the middle of one right now. A "long rod" 408 CID, Edelbrock D-ports, Comp solid roller. Anticipating around 550 HP, as stated above. This one is for a road racer, though, so the cam specs are a little different, narrowing the band some and reducing low-end so he can "come off the corner".
The real advantage of a 400 over the larger engines is the ability to rev (IMO). We like to use the 6.8" Eagle rod (BBC specs), a light piston and spin 'er on up. One iron-headed version in NJ makes power to about 6,700 (pump gas, 6Xs), but with "more" head and 6 more degrees duration, he'd go to 7,200, no sweat.
And let's not forget what Vinnie has managed with 406 CID and KRE High Ports (6.35 @ 214). I've always said a 400 is "no punk". It can be built into a seathing monster and hold it's own against larger engines.
So go ahead. Gear it "down" and spin it UP!
Jim
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