72 400 ford CR

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Feb 17, 2003 | 06:45 PM

kopfenjager

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Laughing Gas

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From: In the woods of Oregon

72 400 ford CR

I just got done reading some old posts, and a came across some info.
"The "early 400" pistons were used in cars from 1971 to 1974, but they were not flat tops. They had an 8cc dish and 1.672" compression height. Advertised compression ratio was 9.19:1. "

Is this true? If so what would the benefits, if any, of going with the ertyl 9:1 flat tops with the 4cc VR? The bores are good with this 72 400 so I was going to do a basic rering and add a cam and manifold, ect. Any thoughts.

Feb 17, 2003 | 08:32 PM

garypettengill

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From: USA

72 400 ford CR

I had the same thoughts a while back. The problem is you can't get those pistions anymore and anything you find in a salvage yard will need a rebuild which will require the block to be bored to make it true again and therefore the old pistons will no longer fit.
I've been reading and re-reading all the info on this subject I could find lately and have come to the conclusion that there are basically 2 ways to get the compression up in the 9.0-9.5 area for good horsepower and streetability. #1. Get a set of Aussie heads, good for about 9.0-9.2 with stock dished 400 pistons. #2. Have you machine shop rebush to small end of the rods to fit the 351C cleveland pistons. There are numerous pistons available for the 351C engine.

Feb 18, 2003 | 10:09 AM

kopfenjager

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Laughing Gas

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From: In the woods of Oregon

72 400 ford CR

Thanx for the info, but I already knew that. I have the 72 400 and I was just wondering about the CR. I will measure it today, to find out. I already have a set od .020 ertyl pistons, I ordered them last week and got them last week from Brian in Texas. Look up some of my old posts and find the #'s to call. I got the # from billy Freeman. Don't take no for an answer, there still are some flat tops around.

Feb 18, 2003 | 04:01 PM

hellraiser

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72 400 ford CR

I think the higher comp pistons were for only the '71 year. All other years have somewhere between 16-18cc's including the dish & valve reliefs.Also, a very high deck clearance of like .070. The 400 & 351C share the same comp height of 1.647. Books vary. I may be wrong. Never personally measured. Most aftermarket pistons for these engines are 1.647 that I have found. Only posted this because you'll need acurate figures when computing your Comp Ratio.

Feb 18, 2003 | 04:46 PM

kopfenjager

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Laughing Gas

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From: In the woods of Oregon

72 400 ford CR

Yeah.I read in a old post in this forum that the comession ratio was higher. Like 9:1 or something. I pulled my numbers off of my new block and according to Bubba's website it is a early 72 ford 400. #'s are DIF/F3/D1AE-A1/2j146457 for the block and D1AE-A1C/DIF for the heads. the bores look good so I need to measure and if I can I'am going to re-ring it and save some many. Of course bearings, gaskets, ect. If this is the case I will either sell my 9:1 flat top ertyls or keep them for my next engine. Thanx for the posts yall.

Feb 19, 2003 | 09:55 AM

Bill_Beyer

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From: PacNW

72 400 ford CR

That's cool...you got 1 of the DIF blocks so hopefully your cracking issues won't be a problem anymore. I didn't know they cast heads at the DIF also. Learn sumthin' new everyday!

Feb 19, 2003 | 10:35 AM

kopfenjager

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Laughing Gas

Joined: Feb 2003

Posts: 1,234

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From: In the woods of Oregon

72 400 ford CR

Thanx. Going to pull her apart today and check the rings, bearings, and start measuring. I pray I can get away with a overhaul, if not I have the pistons.

Q- What kind of hp&tq will the edelbrock 272/282- 204/214-486/510 make with a the perm. manifold, headers, 650cfm carb, and mildly ported heads on 9:1 compression? Any body thrown this into DDK2000? Thanks for all the replies.