Thread: Is a sbc 400 worth time or a waste

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The speed of acceleration and deceleration of a motor is determined by the static compression ratio and weight of the reciprocating assembly (crank, rods, pistons, damper and flexplate/converter(auto trans) or flywheel(stick shift).

Lightweight parts such as flyweight cranks, aluminum or titanium rods, flyweight pistons and such are necessary if you are competing against others who have these parts and there is money involved, such as in the professional ranks of motor racing, but would be an unnecessary expense in a street or street/strip motor.

There are guys who run aluminum rods on the street, but you must inspect them often for signs of failure. They don't have the fatigue resistance of a steel rod. I have heard from several sources that Bill Miller makes an aluminum rod that will survive on the street, but I have no first-hand experience with them.

Hope this helps.

When you go shopping for heads, consider these from Air Flow Research. 74 cc chambers will give you 10.5:1 c.r. with your flat-tops, zero deck and 0.039" gasket.
AFR 195cc SBC Street Cylinder Head
The Ultimate Bolt-on Emissions Legal Street Weapon
The AFR Emissions Legal (versions from 1969-94 with heat riser, CARB EO #D-250-2), 195cc intake port small block Chevy cylinder heads are available in your choice of straight or L98 angle plug versions. These heads feature a 74cc or 68cc combustion chamber with a 64cc exhaust port and a 3/4” thick head deck (ideal for nitrous or blower applications). The 68cc chambers are designed for flat top or dished pistons; domed pistons will require additional machining. Standard valves are 2.020 intake and 1.600 exhaust with AFR’s hardened ductile iron interlocking valve seats. The exceptional flow characteristics, ideal operating range of 2000 rpm to 6500 rpm, 23º valve angle, and standard valve spacing make this the perfect street head for 350 cid to 400 cid engines from 1955-86. Available for 1987 to present engines with center bolt valve covers and 2 center intake bolts at 72º angle. No special parts are required.