I'm contemplating my upcoming build of my 400 HO which is stock at 10.75:1 compression ratio. I know this is too high for todays fuel, and there are recommendations (good ones) to reduce the compression ratio and quench area with dished pistons and other good stuff, and either modify the 670 closed chamber heads I have or get some open chamber heads. I have also read other places that running E85 can save a whole lot of modifications if the carb gets set up richer, and care is taken to ensure the fuel pump has enough capacity for the extra volume of fuel that is required, and ensure the gaskets and seals are compatible. The 105 octane rating of the E85 will be helpful in eliminating knock. Does anyone have any experience with this?
Have a look at my 400HO on the test stand I built. This is the 1st time we started the engine after engine was reconditioned.
This engine is completely stock. 1st rebuild done some time ago but engine is still very stront. All I needed was a valve reseated.
Pistons were not dished but cam was a special grind,. Not sure how it was modified to allow for pumped gas but you can here it... sounds great on pumped gas!
