Cam timing

[wrench459]

Popular Hot Rodding mag.
ie engine masters challenge..
This guy took a 400 modified and made over 400lbs torque @ 2500 rpms.
Its a 1.5 rod ratio engine...but look where he's opening the intake valve at!
92 degrees CRAZY....

[jeff denton]

I'll have to check it out. The 400 small block is my favorite, I have a few of them, the best one is in my S10. The 400 is different, all right, there are some things they like that 350's don't, and the camshaft that works in a 350 doesn't work in a 400, which the grinders know, hence their "400 Special" grinds. It is that rod length/stroke ratio.
When you know about this and factor it in, the 400 really likes .020" extra stroke when you grind the crank. It likes more even better, but when using stock rods .020 is all you dare. Aftermarket rods fixed that problem, which is rod bolt head/cam lobe clearance.
The 400 also enjoys the Edelbrock RPM head/intake combo, but they aren't quite "just" a bolt-on. Stock 400 heads are the worst.
Great engine! The aftermarket, namely World Products, has taken it to extremes with their new block, which has the camshaft moved up higher. 454 cubic inches is popular.
Mine's good enough at 412. Scary. My wife won't ride in it.

[wrench459]

RPM TQ HP
2500 478 228
2700 516 266
2900 531 293
3100 526 310
3300 507 319
3800 506 366
4300 593 486
4800 608 555
5300 614 628
5800 594 656
6200 559 660
6500 527 652

Jon Kaase Racing

The rules state pump gas and max. of 10.5:1 CR
Most of the guys ran a 1150 dominator.
This is with an LSA of 98 degrees with the cam advanced to 92 degrees
intake center line.
Food for thought for the 2.4L guys.