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a quick 400 question

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Old Apr 13, 2014 | 05:25 PM
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From: Munger
a quick 400 question

I got a quick question I've dome some research and have read a few threads. I was just wondering about how much HP would my 400 be putting out if I ran headers weiand intake and either a holly 600cfm or edelbrock thunder series 600cfm I'm debating on cam if I really want to tear in to it
 
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Old Apr 13, 2014 | 11:03 PM
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You might gain about 30 hp over stock at the rear wheels.
 
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Old Apr 14, 2014 | 06:16 AM
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What would it take to get around the 300 mark?
 
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Old Apr 14, 2014 | 11:22 AM
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headers, cam, intake, carb....
 
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Old Apr 14, 2014 | 11:30 AM
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So throwing a can in there will make that much of a difference if the right one was chosen
 
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Old Apr 14, 2014 | 07:11 PM
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Two things kill power in a stock 400.

Low compression--fixable only with different pistons

Cam--fixable with a new cam and perhaps springs etc.

More:

351M/400 Performance Build Up

Bubba's M-Block Ford V8 Workshop

M-Block 351M/400 Parts Reference

Source for parts, especially pistons:

Ford 400

As for 300 hp, you will not get that with cam alone.
 
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Old Apr 14, 2014 | 07:50 PM
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From: Munger
I realize cam alone won't archive that I was saying a combo of 4bbl intake and good carb setup and headers would archive it
 
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Old Apr 14, 2014 | 08:13 PM
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From: Munger
What would be total HP with intake and headers around 200?
 
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Old Apr 14, 2014 | 08:14 PM
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From: Munger
What would be total HP with intake and headers around 200? Or would it be lower
 
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Old Apr 14, 2014 | 09:30 PM
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Horsepower = Torque x RPM.

To get more HP, all you need to do is to increase the RPM of the motor. Unfortunately most things that increase the RPM of the motor kill the torque. The worst culprit is the cam.

Torque is the result of volumetric efficiency and dynamic compression ratio. High RPM cams kill the dynamic compression ratio.

To use a high RPM cam you must first increase the static compression ratio, so the dynamic compression ratio is in the right area for the fuel that you are using.

You can increase the static compression ratio by changing pistons or heads.

A good intake manifold and headers, along with a conservative high lift cam is all that you can do without tearing the engine down. This is especially true on a 335 series motor because of the piston-down-the-hole problem. Even changing the heads without changing pistons won't produce a great benefit.
 
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Old Apr 14, 2014 | 10:42 PM
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I keep thinking it wrong I want to get at least 250 HP and I want neck snapping torque thanks for clearing my mistake. I just want to make my 77 project turn heads when I stomp the throttle it'll be mostly a weekend driver and mabey see a mud puddle or 2
 
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Old Apr 15, 2014 | 04:40 AM
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Originally Posted by buzzy613
I keep thinking it wrong I want to get at least 250 HP and I want neck snapping torque thanks for clearing my mistake. I just want to make my 77 project turn heads when I stomp the throttle it'll be mostly a weekend driver and mabey see a mud puddle or 2
It's hard to get what you want with bolt-on goodies. Your need to increase the compression first. A set of Aussie heads will help, but pistons & heads are the best options. A supercharger is another option.
 
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Old Apr 15, 2014 | 07:34 AM
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Is there even a supercharger kit for this motor? Well I'm kind of non a tight budget I just want a little more power like a good intake and headers. I might go with a cam also
 
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Old Apr 15, 2014 | 12:09 PM
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Originally Posted by buzzy613
Is there even a supercharger kit for this motor? Well I'm kind of non a tight budget I just want a little more power like a good intake and headers. I might go with a cam also
I have never seen a supercharger kit for a 351M/400 motor. I know that there have been some blown 351C motors built. I haven't researched superchargers, but I would look at Pro-Charger, if I were looking for one.

Start with a manifold, headers & a carb, if you are on a budget. That will get you some performance improvement, skip the cam until you can afford a serious upgrade.
 
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Old Apr 15, 2014 | 06:55 PM
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That's what I'm going to do thanks guys
 
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