Building a Pontiac 400 engine to its absolute peak performance level of 400 horsepower is a task that requires skill, knowledge, and patience. It is not something that can be achieved overnight, and it is certainly not something that can be done without the right parts and expertise. For those who have the resources and dedication, however, building a 400 horsepower Pontiac 400 engine is a rewarding experience that can add a great deal of power and performance to your vehicle. In this article, we’ll discuss the various steps and components necessary to build a 400 horsepower Pontiac 400 engine, such as selecting the right camshaft and crankshaft, head porting and polishing, and other performance modifications. We’ll also discuss the benefits of building a Pontiac 400 engine and tips for getting the most out of your build.
Mike Semchee’s entry in the AMSOIL Engine Masters Challenge was a true Pontiac, with the engine builder representing the faithful. This high-performance engine was well-known for its street-driving prowess, and it helped to establish a legacy that still exists today. We built this engine with a genuine Pontiac foundation while increasing the ante for modern-day horsepower. Scat H-beam rods and JE flat-tops with valve reliefs come in the OEM version, as do the pistons. The crankshaft is the original crank in the block, and it is a nodular iron unit. Aftermarket products are more durable and perform better than stock components. Charlie’s Oil Pans’ full-length oil pan is also included in the engine.
Aftermarket products and modifications are available to the top end of the engine. There really is no trick to OEM oiling systems; I’ve never had an issue with them. The heads are smaller than those of a large iron castings manufacturer such as Pontiac Ram Air IV, but they provide a wider range of motion. The engine was originally intended to use an EFI combo on a single-plane intake manifold, but the fuel delivery system was not yet configured properly. Semchee: “We lost 60-70 horsepower, but the issue was the control box.” With a stepped primary configuration, a set of custom headers were fabricated with 1 – 1 inch-long primary tubes. The headers were equipped with a pan evacuate system, which allowed crankcase pressure to escape into the collector.
The Poncho’s engine was equipped with an MSD ignition system, as well as an MSD 7AL-2 Plus control box, in addition to a full MSD ignition system. The torque curve, with a capacity of 408 ci and a fuel efficiency of 436 lb-ft, displayed tire-frying twist at 2,500 rpm. The engine generated a healthy 546 horsepower, with a rpm of 5,800 and a usable street power output of just under 500kw.
How Much Hp Can You Get Out Of A 400 Pontiac?
It’s easy to see why it’s a package that looks deceptive; a 400 from Pontiac had 370 horsepower (), which is certainly a lot more than 512 horsepower; however, the 400 from the company was considered to be the most powerful, so 370 horsepower is certainly more than 512
The eau de parlantin 400’s powerplant was rated at 650.4 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 596 horsepower at 4,900 rpm. The Chevy Camaro 396 had a larger block than the Pontiac Firebird 400. There were a number of large blocks in the automotive industry, such as the Buick and Oldsmobile 455s, but none in the industry were as powerful as the Pontiac 455. The G8 is now the most powerful engine in the Pontiac lineup, thanks to a 415-hp 6.2-liter V8 driving the rear wheels.
The 400 engine of the iconic Pontiac Trans Am was one of the reasons it was such a huge hit in the 1970s. In 1975, only 857 455 HO Trans Ams were built. Despite this, the 400 engine was still available through the 1978 model year, and even in 1979 cars were powered by engines developed that year. This 2-barrel engine‘s basic characteristics included 290 horsepower and 428 ft-lbs of torque, making it one of the most powerful engines ever built. By using this engine, the Trans Am became a symbol for power and performance, which can be found in the vehicle today.
Is A Pontiac 400 A Good Engine?
The Pontiac 400 engine is a popular engine choice for many car enthusiasts, as it is known for its reliability and power. It is an ideal engine for someone looking for a high-performance engine with good fuel economy. The Pontiac 400 is also relatively easy to maintain and offers plenty of aftermarket parts for upgrades. It is an ideal engine for classic muscle cars and hot rods. Overall, the Pontiac 400 is an excellent engine option for those looking for a reliable, powerful and efficient engine.
When a valve opens or closes, the air flow associated with it must start and stop. To maximize volumetric efficiency, ensure that the cylinder is fully filled with air and fuel mixture. It is possible to optimize for more than 100% VE at a camshaft’s peak torque range. Peak horsepower and peak torque are determined by various RPMs. To achieve peak horsepower, the cylinders must be filled and emptied in the most efficient manner possible, releasing more energy into the atmosphere as a result. Peak Torque occurs at or very near the peak efficiency level (VE) of a vehicle. The valve for Peak VE is open, allowing the gas flow to stop and reverse.
A pontiac engine produces massive torque, making it difficult to drive low. A small block Chevy, regardless of the cam’s rpm, will not produce much Torque. They have a lot of torque in their rpm range, so they have to move it up to get all of it. The only thing I can do right now is build a 400 stroker for my 1969 GTO, with peak horsepower of 492 at 5800 rpm, and it should be done in under six months. I’m using 3.40 gears in my 3.50 rear gear and a 3200 stall converter in my 3300 stall converter, both of which are very streetable even on the weekends. It should also run mid 11 second quarter mile et’s, possibly low 11s with slicks if I can hook it (which will be a challenge with that much torque). If I’m going to put a bigger cam in it to move VE higher in the rpm range, it will primarily be because I want to remove some low end torque from it.
The Semco Performance 409CI Pontiac, built for the Jegs Masters Engine Challenge, demonstrates the technological and engineering advancements that have occurred in the automotive industry over the last few decades. This engine was rated at 561 horsepower in pump gas, making it nearly double the power output of the most powerful, 370 horsepower, Pontiac 400 (Ram Air IV). Despite the fact that the engine looks deceptively stock, it generates an impressive amount of power. This package demonstrates the progress that has been made in the engine building industry, as well as the power of street engines that can be built with the same technology.
Is A Pontiac 400 The 455 Block The Same?
Except for the PN 500557 casting from the late 1970s to the early 1980s, the remaining 400 blocks of the Pontiac brand are functionally identical. There are also 455 blocks from 1970 to 1976 that are functionally identical.
There are two blocks in each of the 400 and 455 sizes that are of the same size on the external surface, but differ on the internal surface. If you’re attempting a 400 or 450 stroker, go for a distance of 4.18″, and if you’re attempting a 600 or 700 stroker, go for a distance of 060. In general, the SD engine in Pontiac was the same block internally for everything from the 326 to the 455 (the internals were constant as Geno observed). As the aftermarket matures, it becomes easier to develop blocks that can provide more power and torque than the SD block. Don’t buy SD parts from your local mechanic; instead, invest in high-quality aftermarket parts. Keep us updated on how the engine runs, as Charlie suggests, so we can learn a lot about it. Charlie 1979, et voila! (
21 years and counting). A 400 horsepower power goal with a 400 or 455 stroker would normally consist of a right cam, head, induction, and exhaust. I also built a 305 w/ported no.64, Crower 60919, 1.65 roller rockers, a Torker II with 850 DP, three pipes, a TH-350 with 2500 stall and a 3.08 posi, and a You could run those ET’s with 450 HP, if not more. The number would almost certainly be greater if the aftermarket heads were deeper breathing. I’m currently looking at building a 400/455 stroker with a 4.21/3.0/6.225 crank, 455 pistons, and six-inch-tall Pontiac rods. Mr. P-Body has a 2.25/3.0/6.6 combo because of the rod/stroke ratio (for the 455, it is 1.57 for the 395), as well as the smaller rod and main bearings. Because I am fairly obsessive about engines, I believe I would have to spend more on a forged crank, 4340 I-beams, and lighter race pistons if I were to build one. Furthermore, if I could afford a KRE and a roller cam, I might be able to make a better shortblock.
The Ford 332 (litre) is a 5.4-litre vehicle. This powerful engine provides excellent performance and power to the Interceptor big block V8. Its high performance, low cost, and impressive capabilities make it a popular choice among car enthusiasts. It’s not the only big block engine available on the market, but it’s one of the best. It should be noted that each of the four major brands – Chevrolet, Buick, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac – produces a large block engine, each of which has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The Chevrolet Camaro 396 and the Pontiac Firebird 400 both have large blocks. Similarly, the big blocks on the Buick and Oldsmobile 455s are different from the ones on the Pontiac 455. The Chevrolet 348, on the other hand, is a large block, while the Chevrolet 350 is a small block. Despite the 400’s smaller size, the larger diameter bearings provide less friction and leave more material in the bulkhead; additionally, the 400 is the smaller of the two bearings, so maximum performance may be obtained with it. It’s difficult to argue that the Ford 332 (5.4 litre) Interceptor big block V8 is one of the best vehicles to purchase if you’re looking for a powerful and reliable engine. In addition to the other big block engine options, a wide range of other manufacturers offer them. The engine should be evaluated based on its individual characteristics and capabilities as a matter of personal preference.
Are All Pontiac Engine Blocks The Same?
While all Pontiac V-8 blocks from the 287 to the 455 are the same size and weight, this makes it difficult to distinguish 11 different engine displacements that were built between 1955 and 1979, as these engines are nearly identical. There was also a problem with multiple block codes, which can be used to date codes for up to 30 years.
Powerful Pontiac: The 400 & 455 Engines
The Pontiac 400 engine was a fierce competitor in the 1970s. The most powerful version, the Ram Air IV, produced an impressive 370 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful engines available at the time. The engine was featured on the Pontiac GTO, making it a true muscle car. For today, the Pontiac 400 engine has been upgraded to produce 512 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful engines ever built. Despite the fact that its power has increased dramatically, it retains its stock appearance, making it a fantastic option for those who want to keep their vehicle deceptively stock. General Motors made three 455 cubic inch V8 engines available in 1970: the Pontiac 455, the Chevrolet Z-10, and the Volkswagen R1. The other two engines were available in a variety of GM vehicles, but the Pontiac 455 was the only one available in a variety of vehicles. The Pontiac 455 has been popular among classic Pontiac enthusiasts due to its scarcity. Despite its popularity, this engine remains one of the most popular in the market due to its combination of power and dependability, making it ideal for those looking for a reliable muscle car engine.
How Many Cubic Inches Is A Pontiac 400 Bored 30 Over?
A Pontiac 400 bored 30 over has a total displacement of 455 cubic inches. This is achieved by increasing the bore size from 4.125 inches up to 4.350 inches. The extra 0.225 inches of bore size increases the displacement of the engine by an extra 30 cubic inches, bringing the total to 455 cubic inches. This provides a significant increase in power, torque, and overall performance.
