400 bottom end
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: The Shop
400 bottom end
Thanks, I thought I was going to have to shell out $1500 for rods! Well, it looks like this project is taking shape! Where can I find 4 bolt main caps, and what do I have to do to make them fit?
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Joined: Dec 2001
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From: space city
400 bottom end
from what i've read, converting to 4-bolt caps isn't really worthwhile on a 351C, and all you have to do on those is get a set of caps and drill&tap the holes...
on a 400 it's going to be harder. 351C caps won't work, and 351W caps are all 2-bolt. that leaves aftermarket 351W caps. they have the advantage of splayed bolts, but you'd need to take a good look at what you'd have to drill into for the splayed bolts - you might end up weakening the block, which would make stronger caps pointless.
here's how i see it - Shazam uses the 2-bolt caps (with ARP studs and a modified 351W girdle) and he's making a lot more power than i ever will! also, i figure if there was a good way to make a 4-bolt 400 he would have done it already...
that's not to say it can't be done though - someone has to be the first!
if i wanted to try it, i'd start with aftermarket 351W caps for #'s 2,3,4. #1 might work too. i think for #5 you'd need to do some cutting & welding on the oil pan though.
on a 400 it's going to be harder. 351C caps won't work, and 351W caps are all 2-bolt. that leaves aftermarket 351W caps. they have the advantage of splayed bolts, but you'd need to take a good look at what you'd have to drill into for the splayed bolts - you might end up weakening the block, which would make stronger caps pointless.
here's how i see it - Shazam uses the 2-bolt caps (with ARP studs and a modified 351W girdle) and he's making a lot more power than i ever will! also, i figure if there was a good way to make a 4-bolt 400 he would have done it already...
that's not to say it can't be done though - someone has to be the first!
if i wanted to try it, i'd start with aftermarket 351W caps for #'s 2,3,4. #1 might work too. i think for #5 you'd need to do some cutting & welding on the oil pan though.
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Joined: Jun 2002
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400 bottom end
At minimum, the block needs to be align bored if you change caps. Stock 351C caps can be fitted if they are bored out to accept 3" bearings.
The 351W caps would be tough to modify because the bolts are closer together.
Aftermarket angled bolt caps are available for 351W, 351C and 429/460 from, http://www.milodon.net/main.htm
Billet Main Support Girdle, Windage Tray And Adjustable Crank Scrapper
for 302C, 351W & 351C are available.
http://www.f-p-s.com/
The 351W caps would be tough to modify because the bolts are closer together.
Aftermarket angled bolt caps are available for 351W, 351C and 429/460 from, http://www.milodon.net/main.htm
Billet Main Support Girdle, Windage Tray And Adjustable Crank Scrapper
for 302C, 351W & 351C are available.
http://www.f-p-s.com/
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: The Shop
400 bottom end
Okay, I'll cross that bridge when I get to it! I think if Shazam can keep his crank in there with 2 bolts, I shouldn't have a problem!
I do have some plans for this motor, I want to run a propane conversion and some heavy forced induction!
I do have some plans for this motor, I want to run a propane conversion and some heavy forced induction!
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 829
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From: Porterfield
400 bottom end
>Okay, I'll cross that bridge when I get to it! I think if
>Shazam can keep his crank in there with 2 bolts, I shouldn't
>have a problem!
>
>I do have some plans for this motor, I want to run a propane
>conversion and some heavy forced induction!
Hey's my 2 cents. APR Studs ...........Well keep it together , it does mine.. the Stud Girdle is just insurance...
>Shazam can keep his crank in there with 2 bolts, I shouldn't
>have a problem!
>
>I do have some plans for this motor, I want to run a propane
>conversion and some heavy forced induction!
Hey's my 2 cents. APR Studs ...........Well keep it together , it does mine.. the Stud Girdle is just insurance...
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 887
Likes: 1
From: Jax FL
400 bottom end
from my experience, shazam's route is the way to go. i have never had a bottom end failure of the mains on a 2 bolt amin. the only true failure i have had was a conn rod snapped the bolts. but that was over stress.
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