aluminum heads

[GMan69]

Actually, I was mistaken. From the info I've found, with pre '87 blocks you'll need to use aftermarket lifters. If your block is '87 or newer, the OEM lifters will be OK. GM used a stamped metal piece in the lifter valley to keep the lifters aligned.

[68w/sbc406]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

You'll need a cam button of some sort to prevent the cam from 'walking'

compression ratios or you'll have to run on super unleaded.

already have one and already do

Originally Posted by GMan69

Actually, I was mistaken. From the info I've found, with pre '87 blocks you'll need to use aftermarket lifters. If your block is '87 or newer, the OEM lifters will be OK. GM used a stamped metal piece in the lifter valley to keep the lifters aligned.

thats what i thought too, just needed clarified

[68w/sbc406]

OBTW i picked them up today and thursday they are going down to the local head shop and getting tanked, seals, and steam holes. 70 bucks doesnt sound steep does it

[robertwb]

there's a way to make the factory roller lifters work in older blocks-some guy sells instructions on ebay for it-but I'm sure most of us could figure it out just like he did...

robert

[68w/sbc406]

ok so i took them to the head some monday and got them back today (wednesday) they ran them though the washer, checked all the valves to see if they were seeling fine (and they were) and drilled the seam holes. i got out of there only spending 40 bones. next i got to by head bolts, intake, head, and exhaust gaskets, and i am going to do a carb spacer too. i am stoked
the valves are red cause they were on a motor with NOS, but they will clean up

[Dick Dale]

Have you calculated CR? It might be hard to run those with even Premium. I would look into maybe a dished pistons to run at most 10.5-1 compression. I forgot the site but I know there is a site that you can figure CR.

[68w/sbc406]

if you look at the first page, there is a picture of my pistons. they are dished. it would be cool if you could remember that site

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by 68w/sbc406

if you look at the first page, there is a picture of my pistons. they are dished. it would be cool if you could remember that site

I've used this calculator before for basic numbers . . ...... http://www.kb-silvolite.com/calc.php?action=comp.

[68w/sbc406]

linkie no workie on my end

[bigjimzlll]

http://www.timmcamis.com/engine_size_compress.html

[jamis]

Originally Posted by Randy70C-10

You bottom end should be fine. The 1:94 valves are actually better for low-end torque plus you'll be gaining compression, but I thought the ZZ-4 have 202 intake valves, my ZZ-3 does.

my ZZZ had 1:94 and so did my ZZ-4. But I do know Salee Chevrolet had an option for the hot cam and the 202 and I think that was 420hp but I dont know if was a dealer or factory upgrade.

[68w/sbc406]

does anyone have a guess on the ccs of my pistons pictured on the first page are? trying to figure out my compression

[bigjimzlll]

I would guess around a minus 18cc dish. It will add 18cc's to your chamber size when figuring the ratio

[68w/sbc406]

k so the bore is 4.126 (found on nastyz28) and with it being bored .030 over then it would be 4.156
and the stroke of a sb400 is 3.76 (found same place)
8 cylinders (didnt have to look that one up)
58cc combustion chamber
-18cc pistons
.039 compressed thickness on the gaskets i ordered from summit
came out with 408 CI (6.69L) and a compression ratio of 10.870586901017782
compared to the 9.3 that i have now (74cc combusion chamber)
Thanks for the help BigJim

[bigjimzlll]

well...the bore for a 406 is 4.155 and the stroke is 3.75. The stock bore is 4.125, then add .030 for overbore. You listed the BBC 400 dimensions(402CI) which is a .030 over 396CI

[68w/sbc406]

10.846879439180027 off the numbers you gave me

[68w/sbc406]

so fedex showed up today christmas in april i also got a carb spacer but it is being shipped from ohio so maybe monday on that.
in the pictures the last two are of the gasket fitment. i dont see why i couldnt trim where the red line is, but just asking before i do it.

[Dean23]

are you sure they are the correct side up.....? if they are down the wrong way they wont match up properly to the head

[68w/sbc406]

i am pretty sure i had them right. i will check before i put them together. but if i was right can i trim that? i checked all the holes and everything lined up.

[jamis]

I wouldn't trim them, you wont see that after the exhaust is on, cant give you a good reason why not to....just my paroniod mind at work. better go get my meds.
Dont forget to to use headbolts with washers. These also use spark plugs with washers and use some antiseeze on the plugs as well. I'm sure you already know that, but you would be surprised on how many people dont and mess the heads up.

Almost forgot you have to use self aligning rockers or aftermarket guides. If you use the stock guides with the factory self aligning rockers the guides are marked for a certain position. some of them will have a number stamped in the corner and they only go on certain cyls.

I have some thrown somewhere and can take a pic if you need

[68w/sbc406]

Originally Posted by jamis

I wouldn't trim them, you wont see that after the exhaust is on, cant give you a good reason why not to....just my paroniod mind at work. better go get my meds.
Dont forget to to use headbolts with washers. These also use spark plugs with washers and use some antiseeze on the plugs as well. I'm sure you already know that, but you would be surprised on how many people dont and mess the heads up.

Almost forgot you have to use self aligning rockers or aftermarket guides. If you use the stock guides with the factory self aligning rockers the guides are marked for a certain position. some of them will have a number stamped in the corner and they only go on certain cyls.

I have some thrown somewhere and can take a pic if you need

i was just thinking for cosmedic reasons, but i wasnt thinking about the headers covering it. i have new ARP headbolts with washers, and i have some anti-sieze i can use(didnt think about that, never used aluminum heads before) i do have self aligning rockers that came with the heads. they were never used cause the guy i bought these from had roller tipped ones. thanks for all of the input guys. hopefully i can tackle this this next weekend. all i need is valve cover bolts for the new style valve covers and exhaust gaskets (i forgot to order them with the rest of the gaskets)
thanks again
Ben