Thread: New to Big Blocks

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I am the new owner of what i believe to be a 402 big block. I also have a set of what i think are 454 heads. I have done a little research and found that a stock 454 crank in a 402 block makes a 432ci. And a stroked 402 block with either a 427 or 454 bore sizes can make 489ci. or a 517ci. Now, i'm looking to go with a stroker motor but i'm not sure what combo of heads and crank or camshaft to use. Im think that if i go with the stock 454 crank im going to have to port my 454 heads and I'm not sure how much needs to be done. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Also, if you have a 402 give me a shout. I could use all of the help with building the motor that i can get. Thanks guys.

-Michael

Pat McCarthy is the resident BBC expert, so I'll defer to his knowledge. But before he shows up, get us a little help with casting and stamping numbers off the block and heads so he knows how to counsel you.

upon further inspection, im finding out that the heads arent for a 454 but the correct 400-402 heads. the casting # is 353049. Im figuring out that the years they were made were 70-76 with that specific casting # on them. the block casting number is 3969854. Im wondering what kind of heads will work best that are cast iron? (i.e. stock 454, 396, or the 402 heads that i have) I'm basically looking o build the 402 as a stroker, but i dont know exactly how big i want it yet. ( What are my options on sizes that i could bore over too) also, id like to know what heads and crank will work best for the bore and stroke that i pick. i appreciate any and all help i can get!!

-Michael

actually using the 402 block will limit you on bore size and off the shelf pistons will be hard to find, necesstating possibly custom pistons

I was thinking of just going .030 over and then superchrging it OR going .060 over and running all motor. Im not sure what the best combos are. Does anyone know of someone who has done either of these or something similar that can give me some pointers on what to check out? Also, Im planning on using the stock 402 heads but im not sure on how to have them ported (if they even need to be). Any help would be great! thanks for the advice so far.

-Michael

Also, what kind of crank and pistons would i want to look at if i went .030 over?

yep i built some of the 396/402 and you can put a 454 crank in one . the 049 heads will work good for the blower the trw /speed pro piston can be cut down to a flat top for a blower or customs pistons can be made as well .KB and wesico make pistons for just about any build. not much to build them just a small bbc pistons are some times more for the small 396/402. but can be built in to a hell of a runner