Thread: Best Build Idea For a Chevy 402

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I have a Chevy 402 Complete motor already torn down. I'm looking to rebuild it for a mud bog racer. What i am asking or looking for is idea's and suggestions on the best way to build this motor to have a high red line and large torque. And a list of best suggested part combination to use. Any input is appreciated. There is basically no price limit on what i am willing to spend on this motor. Thanks

If I had a "no price limit" kind of budget, I don't think I'd be starting with a 402.

save the distributor and throw away everything else--get a dart 4.6 bore block and a stroker crank, some alum heads

Originally Posted by techinspector1

If I had a "no price limit" kind of budget, I don't think I'd be starting with a 402.

Great advice; if there's no price limit, start with a better foundation. 402s are decent street motors and nice for a nostalgic application but I wouldn't invest a pile of money into one trying to make big power. They stopped making them in the early 1970s for a reason.

NO PRICE LIMIT ??it could be built. but your not going to keep up to any thing big ` you could put a 4.000 crank in it with KB pistons but for what your doing go up to a forged piston. that will get you a 427 with good heads would work ok. but not a world beater.they are great engines for there size better then a sbc 400 in stock form .i would build and start at a 565 4.600 bore 4.250 crank if you stay at a 9.800 deck or 581 4.600 by 4.375 and 9.800 deck. if you can go 10.200 deck then you can go to 632 4.600 by 4.750. smaller engines can be built off a 454 stock block like a 496 them can be built with out alot of money .the 4.000 is a 454 crank and forged pistons will get you to 427 or so with your 396/402. you did not ask to build a 565 cid but you will have abit more money in that build but a hell of alot more engine . you did say no price limit ? what is that ? 2800. 20.000 . just tell any one that ask what size is it tell them it is a 396/402