Big Block 400 Build Series: First Start, Break in, and Pre-Dyno Checks

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

Looking good Mopar Joe. Sounds good, no offense, do not car for those big HEI distributors. Keep it Rocking

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks brother! It was perfect the run stand. This will be my first dyno trip! Wish me luck!

[@DragBoss351Cleveland]

@@JustMoparJoe you got it my friend good luck 🍀.

[@ClintsStreetMachines]

Don't forget us little people Joe! Now that you're famous and all. I'm lovin this build.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Haha! Thanks Clint!

[@55gaser26]

Music of our people, gasoline and freedom.✌️

[@JustMoparJoe]

Awesome! Thank you

[@raysimon1368]

We don't worry about the haters they will get over it always a great video keep up the good work 99% of us appreciate it thanks

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks brother!

[@Scarlet_1971_cuda]

Set the horses free!!! Rev that Big Block Mopar!!!!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks John! I didn’t go too crazy. I’ll turn it up to 7,000 on the dyno 👍🏼

[@JorgiPorgi-b4b]

Hey MPRJ this is one of your mopar people watching, and I have subscribed to your channel from down under Australia. Thanks and wanting to complement you on your complete solo efforts, in every respect.. detailing commentating, video coverage, editing. I have realised your dedication in responding to all your subscribers. A major achievement how you completed a solo project on your rebuilds , and let alone how you installed the motor in the Cuda. Your a superstar mate!!💫 Keep up the magnificent works mate. 👍

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks brother! I needed the boost after the day I had today. Check out my community post after todays races!

[@richporter3776]

Let’s go I’ve been waiting for this 😅

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Rich. Getting closer to the real deal!

[@erniesandoval7524]

awesome big block right there !!! got 400 in my 1964 dart, fun car to drive

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Ernie!

[@soonerlegendspodcast]

Joe let the haters hate. They are just jealous because they don't have the know how to build an engine. You do awesome work brother

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Mike! Lots of builders out there. But I can only afford my own money! 😂

[@edsmachine93]

You did well Joe. Good video. I think most of the people liked it.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Ed! HBD Donna!

[@2HacksGarage]

Thump thump thump! Let’s those ponies roar!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Just an old smogger 400 build. Hope she turns up well!

[@tomdamon7208]

Awesome , good luck on the dyno

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Tom. The exciting part is coming soon.

[@donaldhalls2189]

You must be achieving more than them for them to hate you, I recon it's great, personally I recon your doing a great job, keep it up, you pass on a lot of things the average person could do, and be able to get out there, all the best to you and your loved ones

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Donald. I appreciate the support.

[@terryschnereger8531]

Not a h8r here, I have a 400 in my 74 Charger that I really plan to do a good rebuild on someday. Thanks for bringing light to the 400's. They have potential! 👍🏁

[@JustMoparJoe]

Right on! I really like this engine. It’s in my blue truck now.

[@tims72demon]

Very nice work all thru this build. Sounds borderline rowdy ! Nice Mopar Music 👍👍👍

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Tim! She will be rowdy town when that new carb gets on!

[@chrisprice4420]

They are just envious.

[@tomcrosby6332]

no haters here, Buddy. Can't wait for the dyno.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Tom! Doing the best I can with what I got

[@johnelliott7375]

Going to start calling you Just gapped em hard Joe! Glad I have been around for the ride for a good while now and you have come a long, long way. Thanks for sharing your work and time with me and I will continue to keep tuned in. Thank you for sharing, great evening to you and glad I found your channel onec upon a time ago. LOL, I hope that you have a great evening!

[@JustMoparJoe]

I appreciate it John!

[@johnelliott7375]

@@JustMoparJoe We appreciate you also , you are teaching a guy that slings wrenches on classic cars and newer high dollar rides. I would rather do what you do and I hope that I get a chance to before I get to old and wore out. Thanks for sharing your work and time! Priceless my friend.

[@timhateley]

Love me or Hate-ley Joe! 🤣 Can't wait to see the dyno results from the tunnel ram!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Haha! Right on, Tim!

[@318willrun]

Sounds healthy !!! Good job !!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Tim!

[@BigMikesHooptyBarn]

Great as always Joe! What would we do without haters? Lol Like Junk Car Willie says "Keep Being You! "

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Big Mike!

[@johnelliott7375]

Great job and congratulations, and I will say that haters are going to be there it is unfortunate but the way that life is!

[@JustMoparJoe]

True that

[@scotthay1486]

Its a great success Joe, you sure should be happy with how your knowledge and ability has created a strong engine that runs and sounds like a solid performer. I'm impressed with your methodology and dedication to the task at hand has reaped benefits. Stay safe.

[@JustMoparJoe]

I definitely appreciate that! Too much negativity in the world. I’ll keep on keeping on!

[@firstrespondergarage]

Thanks Joe for the premier.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks for watching and the support!

[@dinadaughtry8993]

Sounds awesome can't wait to see it in a car (or truck) and see it setting the track (or street) on fire!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Dina! Laying down numbers this week!

[@slowg8701]

I think its a perfect build, a nice reasonable budget build even a novice like myself could do at home in his garage. Not every damn thing needs to be the latest and greatest stroker no budget considered balls to the wall build.

[@JustMoparJoe]

You summed it all up perfectly! Thanks brother

[@johnelliott7375]

Lovely picture of the first good shakedown of the work that you have put in the motor!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thank you very much!

[@aaronbarnes8938]

Here we go one awesome 406 Mopar.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Yea buddy!

[@rodhendrix5973]

When are we going to see that mopar run

[@johnelliott7375]

She is a great sight on the stand! 🧐👍

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks John!

[@johnelliott7375]

@@JustMoparJoe thank you and I can't wait to see you and the Dyno! Enjoy your hard work!

[@stevehamilton9418]

Hey Joe, nice look’n engine and i understand why your using the GM dist. and those raggedy looking headers for initial start and check so it’s all good bro, you’re on the right track…good luck 👍

[@JustMoparJoe]

Haha! Thanks Steve! I may clean and coat these headers, if they will fit in the car. But the big distributor has to go! 😂

[@brianandglendaharkin9457]

Ma MOPAR you keep on giving. This 400 will run hard down the track . Will be hard to pass 😀👍🏻💯🇦🇺

[@JustMoparJoe]

We shall see! Thanks for the support!

[@markallen1413]

Great job Joe, that thing sound great.....should be really mean 👍👍👍👍👍✅✅✅✅✅ Mopar man

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Mark! It’s a bad street engine that I’m asking to step up to the racecar plate!

[@richporter3776]

Good job I love your work I think you’ll be happy with it. I know I would

[@JustMoparJoe]

I appreciate that. I won’t be upset if it doesn’t make 500. Gotta aim high!

[@UnityMotorSportsGarage]

Great job brother!

[@JustMoparJoe]

I appreciate it! And thanks for the help!

[@getwrenching]

So happy to see and hear your beast run on the engine stand. keep up the great work and looking forward to dyno day.

[@JustMoparJoe]

More to come! Thanks brother

[@TheMoparman1978]

Fantastic pipe organ you played

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks for listening

[@bradhoward8950]

Brother. I absolutely love watching you. I am a die hard MOPAR JUNKIE. Keep doing what you're doing. Wish you were around 20 years ago when I was building cars. Thank you for your time and knowledge.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Brad! I’ve got a lot of cool stuff this year. Several engines!

[@mrpurcountry]

Beautiful looking engine Joe, hope she dinos as good as she looks.

[@JustMoparJoe]

I hope so too! Anything over 450 and I’m thrilled

[@dumpsterchicken6287]

Looks and sounds good. Another success.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks brother! I appreciate your support

[@ericwilson2585]

Beautiful. The hard work's starting to pay off.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Eric! Getting close to showing numbers!

[@moparnut6286]

400! Awesomeness!!!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks John!

[@JonnyMopar]

Oh yeah! Sweet sweet music.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Jonny Mopar

[@mikecrowley6487]

Awesome build Joe that motor is singing a beautiful song 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Mike! The fun part soon’

[@218422100]

Here we go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Hoping you made it! Fun time soon!

[@218422100]

@@JustMoparJoe wouldn't miss it man!!!!!!💯😎

[@paullittle2037]

she sounds pretty strong, good job joe

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Paul. New carb is on the way!

[@Umwee63]

New carburetor thats coming is definitely in order. You can see it has a slight vibration like a cylinder isn't hitting all the time. Probably fuel problems with the carburetor. Maybe too lean with a passage that has some debris in it. Although the plugs look well the off idle doesn't have enough fuel. Excellent Videos Joe. New Holley for the WIN

[@JustMoparJoe]

Got it here! Thanks brother. That carb did the same on my barracuda 408. I knew it may be rough.

[@hayneshvac2]

Looking good...I am excited to see those Dyno results...Thank you for the content.

[@JustMoparJoe]

You and me both! Thanks for the support!

[@everetmauiman5321]

awesome job and sounds good keep up awesome work and videos brother joe aloha from maui hawaii 🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks! Will do brother!

[@larrysaltz6227]

Dont worry about the haters Joe World is full of them Great video!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Larry!

[@johnelliott7375]

Oh yeah getting ready to go! 😉

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks buddy

[@johnelliott7375]

@@JustMoparJoe Always welcome my friend!

[@johnelliott7375]

That is great on the oil pressure at start.

[@TonysHotRodGarage]

Looks great and sounds even better! Awesome build Joe 🏁

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Tony! I’m excited to show what it can do this year

[@GodandGears]

Cool video Joe! It sounds really good 👍🏽

[@JustMoparJoe]

Glad you like it! I’ve got a sound clip coming up that is much more exciting!

[@desertmopars3336]

Another gem brother! We all appreciate your excellent work, and the builds you bring us!! You know who you are... let the haters hate...

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks brother

[@johnelliott7375]

It does look really good.

[@erikturner5073]

Build is going nice! I'd say run that distributor but since you have solid roller lifters it's going to be hassle than it's worth. Thought in the end you were lining up with Uncle Tony's Slaghammer😆. Until I looked closer.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Haha! Hope I can line up with bottle rocket this year!

[@dannyskaggs6587]

Looking good Joe

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Danny! Happy New year!

[@dannyskaggs6587]

@@JustMoparJoe you too

[@chrisprice4420]

Lol Joe I'm ok with it. I used a small block distributor on a 383 and the engine builder looked me in the eye and asked me if I put my thinking cap on 😂.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Haha! There you go!

[@bradsrestorations1085]

Excellent 1st startup! Can't wait to see the dyno! Good job on the build and thanks for sharing it with everyone!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks for the support!

[@BigBlock402]

That thing sounds great. Very nice build can't wait to see it in action.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks, Steven! It’ll be interesting to see on the dyno.

[@joshsiegle1229]

Very very nice work and sorry it started when it wasen't supposed to :) I guess that's how good it runs. Don't sweat those haters - they just drive slow Fords or Chevys and their souls will forever misfire accordingly. On to the dyno!!!!😎

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@robertcook8408]

Looks good man can't wait to see Dyno numbers

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks buddy! I’ll have to do a prize for closest guess!

[@dtruth5769]

Congrats bro! Nice job!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thank you!

[@MyKARSShop]

Good stuff. Can’t wait to see the Dyno video.

[@JustMoparJoe]

You and me both! Thanks buddy!

[@1563smb]

Sure does sound good to me, it looks good too, I can't wait to see what you put that into . 😁

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Shane! So far so good

[@terrancemckee9141]

Love your Mopar Show brother! I'm picking up a lot of helpful tips while building my 512ci hydrolic roller

[@JustMoparJoe]

Right on! I have to build up a 440 source stroker kit soon. Will share what I find 🫡

[@icetech6]

The motor sounds good, i wish i had my old 400 still :) I wish 440source would start doing small block stuff..

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks brother. I agree! We need a 360 source!

[@jasonfalk7696]

Great build Joe. If you want to drop that in my 66, that'd be great! 😅 (gotta try).

[@JustMoparJoe]

Hah! Thanks for the offer!

[@big3fan916]

Good job Joe , I break mine in a little different , my friend Dan sets my timing on the stand - i put it in - I start it - pull it out on the road ( in Mexico of course ) drive it about a mile and make a hit then bring it back to the garage before boarder patrol shows up lol

[@JustMoparJoe]

Haha! I like that! This one will get the completed break in on dyno

[@somebloke13]

Congratulations mate, nicely done and sounds great! 😎

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks a lot! I appreciate you sharing and your insight. I learn something with each build

[@somebloke13]

@@JustMoparJoe The internet doing what you'd hoped it would for once! 😁

[@johnelliott7375]

Nothing like a great first fire of your hard work and time! Thanks for sharing this with us JMJ! 😉

[@JustMoparJoe]

You got that right! Thanks John!

[@johnelliott7375]

@@JustMoparJoe I appreciate your time and dedication to keeping your channel updated and the best part is that you seem like you live just a couple of blocks away instead of half a nation away. Thanks again for replying and that is why you grow and I share and watch everyone as always and make sure that I do my best to help since I can't walk down the street. Thanks again and hopefully you have a great evening!

[@brianandglendaharkin9457]

Nice work Joe as always 👍🏻💯.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@paulcabezola3559]

Congrats on a successful first fire up ! Best of luck with the dyno testing, hope this engine provides you with many years of excellent service ! Cheers !'

[@JustMoparJoe]

Fingers crossed! Thanks Paul!

[@timothyballinger6280]

What's up Joe. It's been a while since I've left a comment but you mentioned someone having a problem with running a hei distributor in a mopar and if they can't get over it go somewhere else. I agree totally! Seems like there's always that person who thinks their the do it their way critics! As always another enjoyable video! Thanks for sharing 👍

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Brother. Happy New Year! Got a lot of new stuff coming this year.

[@timothyballinger6280]

@@JustMoparJoe awesome! And happy new year to you too

[@lautburns4829]

Damn nice wear pattern on those valve stems, compression is great. Let her rip on that dyno.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Laut! Not stopping until it’s rpm’s out or broken!

[@rayowens4355]

Sounds great! Bring on the dyno!

[@JustMoparJoe]

It’s in the works. I’ve been in daily contact with the dyno guy for the last week

[@Comet-hn3gm]

That's always exciting, and nerve wracking at the same time. Looking forward to seeing the dyno runs and data. I only read a few of the comments, why do you think you are getting haters ? We all do things differently to some degree, some will getcha. When that happens, learn from it. I'm thinking they are jealous.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks for following along!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Hopefully it all works out and this thing performs like a beast.

[@kurtmccarthy6733]

Hey the hell with the hater’s Joe.!! Just do what you do cause you know what.? They Can’t Do It Buddy.!!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Kurt! More to come with this one!

[@mikestackhouse9001]

She fired right up, good compression, snorts really good. Very excited for your Dyno pulls. BTW, I always had names for my cars/engines so I dub this one "Esmeralda". 👍

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks for the info! Hope she’s a good one! Lol

[@mikestackhouse9001]

@@JustMoparJoe darn spell check. It's Ezmeralda. Sounds better.

[@TsGoodTimesGarage]

Love this combo and I enjoy the channel Joe. Got a couple 400s sitting and I'm hoping a stroker build is in the not too distant future. Really looking forward to dyno day with yours and more so, to see what this ends up going in!

[@JustMoparJoe]

I appreciate that! Good luck with your builds!

[@DragCadRacing]

Sounds great, Joe!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Brother!

[@slowg8701]

I'm looking forward to seeing how the rockers hold up. I'm considering doing a build similar to this with a 440 from an rv.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Awesome. I will report

[@musclecarmitch908]

Awesome!👍

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Mitch!

[@MuscleCityMadness]

Vroom Vroom 💪 🤘

[@JustMoparJoe]

Yea buddy! We will see the payoff soon

[@chrisprice4420]

Great running engine Joe, congratulations!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thank you very much!

[@ninjapumkin]

Awesome Joe! Hope to start on my second 400 build this spring

[@JustMoparJoe]

Good luck! Thanks brother

[@Mopardude]

Sounds healthy.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks brother. Next video with it will sound a bit different!

[@frankvottiero8704]

What’s up, Mopar, Joe? Quick question when you were away motors did you ever weigh a 400 block with aluminum heads? What does it weigh?

[@slantfish65sd]

Sounding awesome sir. Great work now I'm a little worried. I think you might be able to take me with my 318 in my barracuda hahahaha lolol 😂🤣🤣 just joking. Hope to see you at the no name nationals though I'd love to see that car that Barracuda of yours running without engine in it. It should be really kick ass

[@JustMoparJoe]

I appreciate that! It will be alot of fun. I guarantee it’ll be faster than last year!

[@terrysholar7007]

I don't hate you,...you're great and famous..be good.

[@JustMoparJoe]

I’m not famous yet! 🫣

[@jasonnewman1823]

Love it!! I have a question for you about a pilot bushing in a la360 and np435 transmission if you have a second to maybe give me your opinion!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Shoot me an email [e-mail]

[@stuffsuchmotors9092]

That’s awesome! Just curious on some of the stock parts you had left from the build. I talked to you briefly about my own 400 I’m starting to build. I was wondering on a 4 barrel intake as mine is a2 barrel. Thanks

[@JustMoparJoe]

I should have a few around! Shoot me an email [e-mail]

[@thomasward4505]

What is wrong with Champion spark plugs? I've used them in almost all my Dodge engines never seem to go bad or wear out for me

[@JustMoparJoe]

My dad advised me against it. He was a champion bracket racer before I was.

[@SteveP-vm1uc]

I knew that dizzy was going to be in the way of pulling the VC off, but I like the idea of the larger dizzy cap as there is more space between contacts, so there should be less chance of fire jumping.. When you first fired the engine it sure looked like the distributor was jumping around!! And yes, 1-wire to fire the engine is damn nice!!! She sounds pretty good, Joe. Now, what's it going in???

[@JustMoparJoe]

In the purple barracuda! 406 vs. 408! Which will be faster?

[@SteveP-vm1uc]

@@JustMoparJoe Though I love small blocks, especially with great heads, I have to say the big block as long as your car keeps traction. My .02.....

[@JustMoparJoe]

@@SteveP-vm1uc The car is back halved. Traction wont be an issue 👍🏼

[@andrewelliot5516]

sounds great and good cylinder pressure - what did the mechanical compression ratio end up at?

[@JustMoparJoe]

I will recheck compression after dyno, but static was 10/1. Dynamic was around 9/1

[@dang5553]

I’m jacked about the solid roller on the hydraulic cam. Like how long does the lash stay where it should. Durability of the valve springs n the durability of the 440 source rockers.

[@JustMoparJoe]

All key elements. It’s my first time with this setup. They expanded to .012-.014. I reset and check again after the dyno. The springs are heavy for a hydraulic cam, but less than a solid roller would usually be.

[@garryhatchett775]

Haters for building a 400? 🤷‍♂️ you’re doing great. I’m curious to see how it compares to the 408.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Garry! I will be a fun comparison

[@dregsdiesel]

All the haters behind a Keyboard need to shut up or line up with the Mopar this engine is going in!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks brother! Mopar to the front

[@terryboothe2309]

You said from the start it was going to be a cheap build . It sounded good . About how long did you run it before draining the oil ?

[@JustMoparJoe]

Total run time was around 15 minutes. It will break in on the dyno, under load.

[@smallengineexpert6607]

Hey nice project! Just wondering what the C.R. to get your 170PSI? Thanks

[@JustMoparJoe]

I’m right at 10/1. It may not be fully broken in yet. The dyno can load the engine and help that out

[@smallengineexpert6607]

Thanks for quick!.