my 400
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
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my 400
how much would a better camshaft, timing set, and possibly headers help my engine, it already has edelbrock intake and carb, if i add the other stuff will i be able to tell a difference hp/trq or will i just be wasting my money? thanks for any help
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Joined: Apr 2003
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well i got a 400 that is bored .40 over, 268h comp cam, edelbrock intake and holley carb. still has stock timing chain and exhaust manifold. i havent really tested it out yet but it has good power down low. you would definately feel the gains but make sure you goto a good local mechanic and talk to him about everything especially the camshaft. pry not bad idea to call the manufacturer and get there opinion on the camshaft. i have heard that there are better camshafts than the 268h comp cam but i am happy with it.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2001
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From: Delaware
Headers will help. A zero degree timing set will improve your low end torque. A camshaft will also help. These motors like dual pattern cams. The cam you use should be based on where you want the power improvement, but without raising the compression ratio you are limited. The Compcams DEH255 should be OK. The 268H will produce a little more HP, but less low end torque.
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Joined: Apr 2002
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From: KC Metro
For headers, you have several choices, depending on your application. If you have a 4x4 Ford truck then you can even get the very nice cerema-coated headers, as opposed to just plain steel ones, or ones painted with high-temp paint. Mine come from Dynomax, I also know that hooker and several other companies make headers for the 351m/400.
Cam, agreed with above statement. You have to go with a dual-pattern cam, or you would basically tear everything apart and put it all back together for nothing.
These engines are low end powerhouses, if you know how to build them properly. I would not recommend a cam used for higher horsepower applications. Crane cams makes a 252DEH cam. Comp cams makes a 256/268 cam, that I have. But you have to call and specially ask for it, because they don't seem to have it on their catalog as of yet.
I would strongly recommend getting an entire cam set from Lunati, Comp, or Crane cams. This will come with your cam, new timing chain (get the true double roller set), new valve springs (which will match your new cam), and hydraulic lifters. That is what the comp cams kit comes with. Get all that set up and you will be ready to rock and roll.
As I said before though, be sure to get a cam that is good for the low end work, you don't want to sacrifice any of that monsterous torque for high end HP.
-Pentekno2
Cam, agreed with above statement. You have to go with a dual-pattern cam, or you would basically tear everything apart and put it all back together for nothing.
These engines are low end powerhouses, if you know how to build them properly. I would not recommend a cam used for higher horsepower applications. Crane cams makes a 252DEH cam. Comp cams makes a 256/268 cam, that I have. But you have to call and specially ask for it, because they don't seem to have it on their catalog as of yet.
I would strongly recommend getting an entire cam set from Lunati, Comp, or Crane cams. This will come with your cam, new timing chain (get the true double roller set), new valve springs (which will match your new cam), and hydraulic lifters. That is what the comp cams kit comes with. Get all that set up and you will be ready to rock and roll.
As I said before though, be sure to get a cam that is good for the low end work, you don't want to sacrifice any of that monsterous torque for high end HP.
-Pentekno2
