400 build

i have read several different articles on building a big block 400 , using the 440 crank with either the 400 or 440 rods . Well what about using the 400 crank with the 440 rods . may sound goofy but what the hell everything else has been flip flopped . Will it work or destroy my block. and if it will work , what am i looking at as far as CIs or power numbers using stock components


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A 400 crank in what block (bore)? Whatever rod you use won't effect the displacement, you will need different compression height pistons with a shorter/longer rod. The cranks have different strokes, for instance if you used a 400 bore block (4.340) and a 440 crank (3.750 stroke) it will give you 444 c.i., regardless of what rod you use. The are small benefits realized with different length rods if you're squeezing a motor for every ounce of power, that's an ongoing debate which way to go.

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''Life's tough, Pilgrim, and it's even tougher if you're stupid.''---John Wayne

Midnight Sun Street Rod Association

If you were going to run a 400 B block, crank, and pistons, using 440 RB rods will have the piston sticking out 0.041" above the deck. So you'd need a different set of pistons to account for the longer 440 rods, and this might put the pin in the middle of the ring pack. And as said- the displacement would still be 400 cid.