[nthogdog]

Need some info for a good combo that will be in my 57 gmc. Truck weighs 4200# with a full tank of gas and me in it. Running th400 with 12 bolt truck 411 gears, 29 inch tires. I have already ordered a profler 195 set of heads. 64cc with 650 roller springs. So far that's all I have ordered. What are yalls thoughts abut a short block build that would have at least 400# of torque and somewhere about 400 horses? I do want a roller cam. Howard's cam rep recommended a 110265-12. I prefer either an isky or howard's camshaft. I personally don't see it on a drag strip. At least with me in it. This pickup will eventually end up being my oldest daughter's. So dependability and running on around 91 octane is a factor.

[vinniekq2]

Thats a good cam.It would make way more than 400 hp with good heads
for a truck,go bigger engine,depends on budget.
I would build 406/420 but not for my daughter.That engine will make closer to 500 hp than 400 with good aluminum heads 10:1
for my daughter I would probably put a stock LS-5.3
better mileage and 300 hp plus or minus
and anyone can work on it
or 5.3 LS with a carb for old look

[nthogdog]

Originally Posted by vinniekq2

Thats a good cam.It would make way more than 400 hp with good heads
for a truck,go bigger engine,depends on budget.
I would build 406/420 but not for my daughter.That engine will make closer to 500 hp than 400 with good aluminum heads 10:1
for my daughter I would probably put a stock LS-5.3
better mileage and 300 hp plus or minus
and anyone can work on it
or 5.3 LS with a carb for old look

I may bite the bullet and get a dart block and start from there. Since the heads are already ordered, I am just looking for options. I like the bigger cubes also. Another option on my mind was a 377. I have a few months to start getting serious.

[496CHEVY3100]

With the weight of the truck gearing,tire size a 406 would be a great engine with lots of torque and good horsepower will work good with th400 with those 64 cc heads you need dish pistons,dont forget to drill steam holes in heads for 400 block,.when and if you give it to your daughter you can install a rev limiter and or ajustable throttle stop, Ben there done that,

[nthogdog]

Originally Posted by 496CHEVY3100

With the weight of the truck gearing,tire size a 406 would be a great engine with lots of torque and good horsepower will work good with th400, .when and if you give it to your daughter you can install a rev limiter and or ajustable throttle stop, Ben there done that,

Thanks for the reply. When my daughter gets the truck I will be an after thought.

[vinniekq2]

The 420 would be the most practical in a dart block.I have a 434 in my car,it makes torque,quite a lot actually.You pick the size,,,??? 420 is 4.155 bore x 3.875 stroke
434 is 4.155 bore and 4.o stroke
398= 3.62 stroke and 4.185 bore( very fast revving)
377= 3.48 strokex4.155 bore ( very fast revving)
352= 3.25 strokex 4.155 bore (crazy,nascar style revving)

[nthogdog]

Originally Posted by vinniekq2

The 420 would be the most practical in a dart block.I have a 434 in my car,it makes torque,quite a lot actually.You pick the size,,,??? 420 is 4.155 bore x 3.875 stroke
434 is 4.155 bore and 4.o stroke
398= 3.62 stroke and 4.185 bore( very fast revving)
377= 3.48 strokex4.155 bore ( very fast revving)
352= 3.25 strokex 4.155 bore (crazy,nascar style revving)

Thanks, let talk about the internals. Any remarks on howards cranks? Need some sound advice for rods and pistons.

[bigdog7373]

I second the 5.3 Ls. Especially if you're giving it to you daughter. Gotta love fuel injection.
Otherwise just build a basic 383. Good set of heads, 9.5:1 compression and a mild cam for torque. Plus you can run on 87 octane with that compression.

[vinniekq2]

Its all about budget. crower rods,callies cranks etc are higher quality items.manley severe duty valves Vs chinese 2 piece valves,they start out as 1 piece valves

[bigdog7373]

I like eagle or scat for internals. Reasonable prices too. You can pick up a cast steel eagle 383 crank for under $200

[Mr. P-Body]

It's a GMC! Put a Pontiac in it so it "looks right" and will drag that small block backwards down the street... (:- I always liked those trucks. Wanted a '59 since high school, when a girl I was "chasing" had her dad's with a 370 and 4-speed "Hydro" in it. Stock as a rock, and a VERY strong runner.

In any case, build for torque and low-speed power, due to the weight.

Jim

[vinniekq2]

another thought,if you just want a nasty mouse(mild build) use a dart tall deck and build a 472
thats 4.200 bore and 4.25 stroke
with moderate 200 cc heads and a hydraulic roller cam
you could get close to 600 pounds torque and same with hp
even the pontiac guys would like that

[nthogdog]

Originally Posted by vinniekq2

another thought,if you just want a nasty mouse(mild build) use a dart tall deck and build a 472
thats 4.200 bore and 4.25 stroke
with moderate 200 cc heads and a hydraulic roller cam
you could get close to 600 pounds torque and same with hp
even the pontiac guys would like that

I have already ordered the 195 heads. I would like to budget a build to out run a ferrari but, that's won't happen. My initial goal was something I wouldn't be ashamed to hide the foot pedal. All the way down and no numbers. I thought about the poncho to be period correct. Too much money to build horsepower, plus I have too much sbc stuff laying around. To be exact I have a 57 gmc cab mounted on a 59 chevy chassis. The short fleetside bed will make the 57 gmc boys scratch their heads. The buckets are from a 69 chevelle with the lock gate shifter console. Hence the th400 turbo. I am 65 yrs in the making and wanted to go for alittle more power before I run out of power. My daughter will have something to have some fun in also when I am the after thought. Bear with me and keep sending in the options.
thanks!

[1Gary]

The Howard's stuff is very very nice pc's for what you pay for and what you get:

[nthogdog]

Originally Posted by 1Gary

The Howard's stuff is very very nice pc's for what you pay for and what you get:

Thanks, I just happened to venture off into the howard's stuff and found the crankshafts. Now I know they are a very good quality piece!