[jerry meadors]

I have a 1974 nova it has a 400 smallblock 4 bolt main and a 350 turbo trans. i was thinking of making a 406 but a friend told me it would be weak compared to a 383 stroker and they are a piece of junk because of the steam holes and i should use it as a boat anchor

[barnym17]

I got a boat, send me your anchor please.Your friend is dead wrong a 406 is usually reliable up to 550 h.p. 13.0 to 1 comp. about 7200 rpm with stock crank, 5.7 rods, good pistons and a good balance job. it is true that some crack around the steam hole but after 32 years I would say the block is ok.

[barnym17]

Forgot, a well built 406 compared to simular 383 will eat it alive the larger bore further unshrouds the valves promoting better breathing with equal heads. plus cubes is still cubes.

[nitro_baller4692]

a 406 is a rocket you can make alot of power,no substitute for cubic inches. maybe your friend is not a good friend and just wants your 400 for himself.