Big Block 400 Build Series: Installing Heads, Cutting Pushrods, and Installing 440 Source Rockers

[@CCR414]

Good job Joe! Them pushrods are sure time consuming to make, but worth the effort. I have a tool, that I actually have no idea what it was originally for, but it is great for pulling the cup tips out of p-rods. I can't wait to see your 400 screaming!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks buddy! Have you ran the 440 source rockers on anything? I have heard exactly the amount of good and bad things about them

[@CCR414]

@@JustMoparJoe I haven't run the 440 Source rockers. I have messed with a few of their stroker kits, and had no problems. For my personal stuff, I haven't grown up into Big Blocks yet.

[@318willrun]

@@CCR414 LOL..... Sam 😂😂

[@tubbed68cuda]

I’m at this very stage in my 471 low deck rebuild. Time to get it done. Thanks again Joe.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Good luck!

[@roby14]

Never saw a pushrod cut like that before. Awesome.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks,brother. The hardened metal versions won’t work cut with that wheel. I will probably send my next set out to cut

[@stannelson2582]

Merry Christmas

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Stan! Merry Christmas!

[@claudiodelcastillo893]

Got the DUI in my 83 Ramcharger, great distributor!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Awesome! I’ve had a handful of people hating on it for it’s size. I actually used mine on the dyno wit this engine and had great results.

[@deanmoser5907]

Watched Eds machine but never really paid much attention to you. I watched this video and I am impressed. Great video good knowledge. Cheers.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Dean. Ed is a good guy and answers a lot of my questions. Using his machined parts really ensures a nice finished product.

[@copperaudio9664]

Slick work on those pushrods Joe. Thanks for sharing.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks brother. I actually found a complete new set that I needed and saved these for spares. I’m really liking the low deck mopars!

[@Mopardude]

Coming together nicely, Joe.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Mopardude!

[@erikturner5073]

The DUI distributors were popular back in the day. It's based on the GM HEI (high energy ignition)design. Which is a great self contained design that was used by GM for MANY YEARS! Good thing you made the final checks with clearancing and such! The devil is in the details!👍

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Erik. I got that distributor basically for free. I’ll probably use it on my run stand and maybe dyno. It’s my first dyno, and I want the fewest issues possible.

[@subwoofer8865]

Your way about cutting the pushrods is pretty cool. I went with PRW rockers so I could use ball to ball pushrods. The kit came with the cheapest length checker but can make it into any size which was nice. Also when coloring the valve tip to check it an Expo/dry erase marker works great. Easy to see the line from the roller, and wipes off easy if you have to make multiple test fits.

[@JustMoparJoe]

I appreciate that! I will probably go prw’s if these happen to fail. I should have an expo around somewhere

[@subwoofer8865]

@@JustMoparJoe I got my set from Summit, the part number is PQX-3244012. I just wrote a review for the kit on Summit which should be up in a few days once it's approved. Bit of a mouthful of a review so it's easier to read about it there. Hope it helps.

[@pwpt6]

You sir are a true engine builder. Most would never catch the small imperfections that you did. Excellent build. I look forward to seeing what it makes.

[@JustMoparJoe]

I appreciate that. I really enjoy the process. I finally made time to get out and work on this. Hope to hear it run soon, then dyno in the new year!

[@UnfinishedProjectDartSport]

‍ 🎄 Merry Christmas Joe!!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Merry Christmas! Stay warm and safe!

[@johnelliott7375]

Killer catchy blues tunes for Christmas engine assembly.

[@JustMoparJoe]

thanks buddy

[@johnelliott7375]

@@JustMoparJoe always welcome my friend

[@artjones2498]

I Like how you did the push rods.....cool

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Art! They actually turned out nice, and were very close in length.

[@1563smb]

Sure is looking good Joe can't wait to hear it run

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Buddy! Y'all stay warm!

[@MRobichaud99]

Wow, waaay back when I built a 327 chevy (30 odd years ago) Knowing what little I knew compared to how little I know now, It's amazing to see what an actual engine builder goes through to make them perform pass after pass! Excellent eye for detail Joe!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks brother. I wouldn't consider myself a builder, but I hope to be one when I grow up!

[@garryhatchett775]

Looking good. What was the mls compressed thickness. Should be sweet when it’s done.

[@JustMoparJoe]

@@garryhatchett775 thanks Garry. MLS gasket was .027 advertised compressed thickness.

[@donaldhalls2189]

Want be long before she will be running, all the best to you and your loved ones, hope you had a great Christmas and wishing you a prosperous New Year

[@JustMoparJoe]

Happy New Year, Donald!!

[@allhailinternalcombustion]

The DUI was the go to for people who wanted a GM HEI style ignition on other applications. I've never heard a bad thing about them other than the fact that they take up a lot of space, which is the nature of the beast for a HEI style. But I love the one wire hook up and having everything in one area. Plus all you have to do is pull the rotor to replace advance weights, which is sweet. I have HEI units on our Dodge W250 and both of our Ford F150's.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks for sharing! I got this one on a trade, and it worked instantly in the other engine. Maybe ideal for my run stand and maybe even dyno.

[@DuddiesAdventure]

Nice Work Joe! I had one of those DUI distributors on my 440 in my 1977 M880. Great distributors that are easy to setup. I sold all that to the Dodge Whisperer. I don't remember it having such a long body on it though. I will have to go look at it. This engine is coming together nicely! Great Detail

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Duddie! I remember you mentioned Thor’s hammer before

[@johnelliott7375]

35:30 is a perfect example of what I have been talking about in my rant, you are a very good engine builder for what you do in you home, garage, or old work shop! Professional quality and finicky precision for perfect condition of doing the job correctly. Great Thursday to you all!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks again! Stay warm out there

[@johnelliott7375]

@@JustMoparJoe you also.

[@gregtough9055]

Great video as always!! The DUI distributors are great, albeit the ugliest distributor known to modern man.

[@JustMoparJoe]

No doubt! Merry Christmas!

[@edsmachine93]

Very nice job on the pushrods Joe. However, I know it was alot of work but you did very well. Professional results! Thanks for sharing. Take care. Ed.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks for the support! looking forward to next year!

[@joefrieson5100]

Merry Christmas Joe

[@JustMoparJoe]

Merry Christmas, Joe!

[@HoosierRooster]

Nice music Joe I'm impressed and very surprised

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks brother

[@vincentjones8849]

Merry Christmas. Great Info. And No Permatex Needed

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Vincent. Merry Christmas

[@Mynextproject_74]

That's another great informative video! I especially liked the push rod cutting. That was great!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks, Cley. It may not be true precision, but they’re all very close.

[@edsmachine93]

Looks very nice Joe, good job. Take care, Ed.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Ed! Merry Christmas!

[@318willrun]

It's coming together and that's exciting!! Great work on the push rods!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Tim! They really were very close in length. I don’t have a doubt in my mind about them working well. Saved a few bucks and did it at home.

[@andrewfrisard8960]

Another great video! In the home stretch, run stand is just around the corner!! Merry Christmas

[@JustMoparJoe]

Merry Christmas buddy! I appreciate the support!

[@mrpurcountry]

It's a Mopar Joe Christmas, fantastic!!

[@JustMoparJoe]

It sure is! Thanks for the support!

[@johnelliott7375]

As the man says it is imperative to get the head gasket surfaces as clean as you are painting a car. This will leave you with a perfectly good and clean surface go seal, mount , and clamp around each cylinder when you torque the head studs or boots to your spec's in 3 rounds. We will see how JMJ does his not all are able to be done the way I have said. Instructions are great even though 99.7% of men will not look at them. LOL, Merry Christmas to you all! 😉

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks John! And Happy NewYear!

[@johnelliott7375]

@@JustMoparJoe and also to you JMJ Happy New Years!

[@kurtmccarthy6733]

Hey good catch on the pillar /rocker clearance Joe !! 🎅🤶🎄🐾✌️

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks brother! She will run soon!

[@dinadaughtry8993]

A lot of Armalite type of lower receivers have been milled using a drill press, awesome idea use what you got true definition of hot rodding, like it!

[@JustMoparJoe]

You’re singing the song of my people. Thanks Dina!

[@bradsrestorations1085]

Merry Christmas and God bless you Joe. Thanks for all the great videos!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks for the support! Merry Christmas

[@cjm5002]

I knew it was gonna take me a day or three to get through this video but man was it worth it!!! Now those were solid rollers or hydraulic roller? Ive been pestering you about this stuff for several videos now I know, but you're teaching and I'm soaking this up. I want to do some rollers one day pretty badly. I have a bad feeling my 68 383 interceptor/super commando build is eating a lifter right now and I know Im not going to be able to get a reliable set of lifters now adays. Nonetheless, man this is in my top 3 of your vids!

[@JustMoparJoe]

I appreciate that. These are Solid roller lifters on a hydraulic roller cam. First time I’ve ever tried it, but I’ve heard of guys having good results. I believe Isky is still selling hood cams and lifters. That’s my call for flat tappet stuff.

[@dennisrichardson2577]

Awesome video! I run a stock lean burn distributor so I don’t have the issue of the heads hitting it , Like how you cut down your push rods , I haven’t got to that point yet , but I will . Excellent excellent advice, details Keep it going Thanks

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks, Dennis! It’s definitely the backwoods way of doing it. The last set of pushrods we did for the 512 was beautifully cut down on a lathe at Mr. Rick Seeman’s. They were all within .001 length of each other. The ones I cut here had more variance 😂

[@dennisrichardson2577]

@@JustMoparJoe we just did a set for friends 512 we put together they also had some variance too , even done with a lathe I think the the blade we cut them with changed lol 😂

[@JustMoparJoe]

@@dennisrichardson2577 that’s gotta be it! 😂

[@lautburns4829]

Merry Christmas Joe! Yup I had to change my Felpro gaskets to the cometic . The fire ring on the felpro was two close to the bore and a few runs and away she went. Smoke, missing,no power. How embarrassing. 528 cub 673 hp 741 torque , 5400. I used 440 source parts also . Nice kit rockers ,heads, crank, rods, pistons and rings. Street driven ,10:1 with a 5 speed. 3500 miles this year going to shows and road racing in the Catskill mountains. Keep up the good work.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks for sharing! I hear mixed reviews on the rockers. I want to run them and fully strip test them. Your engine sounds like a beast! I’m building its runt of a brother 😂

[@Comet-hn3gm]

Nice video Joe. I am really glad to see you repurpose good used parts on your own build. Push rods like that will help to get as much valve lift as you can. 5 or more years ago I built a 496 BBC for a client with hydraulic roller cam and put solid lifters on it, set them to .002 cold and once the engine was up to operating temp they were rechecked and all were found to be .008 this is a drag only car that by the client's request was to be very low maintenance. It is. Building a 505 BBM now and am doing the same thing. As of now the plan is to set the lash at .002 after a few heat cycles it may change ? It is going to be street strip. From my experience small blocks with aluminum heads grow about .004 and big blocks with aluminum heads .006 I am looking forward to see how that big bore gets your Barracuda down the track.

[@JustMoparJoe]

I appreciate that! I was wondering where to start with these rockers. I have heard anywhere from .004-.010 cold. Rechecking hot, I can set them up.

[@edward-x3s6f]

Merry Christmas J and Family

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks brother! Merry Christmas!

[@dannychiguina3962]

Awesome 👍 job guys

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thank you 😁

[@johnelliott7375]

I had to come back and add to your great videos about a statement that you made that was kinda bothering me about your remark. The reason that you have people that are skeptical of everything that you do during your processes and what they think of you is irrelevant and you shouldn't apologize for anything that you are showing people, that this is how you can save hundreds of dollars. They are mad for the reasons of, they didn't think of it, or why would he do that, just spend the money, that isn't right and will not work. It will work, it is just as good, it saved you at least two or three Benjamin's, and they spent money that they didn't have to! When I see you grenade one on your run stand , which I am confident that you are not going to with the care that you put in your work with anything motor related, or anything with that being said. Great work and thanks for showing us things that most people who do this keep hid so they don't lose money and brag up for some reason that they can and you can't. Sorry about the rant, but some people just erk me and keep poking and yanking my chain! Good morning my friend and I hope that you have a great day today.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks John. Always need some perspective 👍🏼

[@frankparks4900]

Excellent video Joe! Loved your pushrod cut and fab... A Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Frank! Merry Christmas!

[@Scarlet_1971_cuda]

Merry Christmas Joe. The video is great. Loving it!!!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks John! Merry Christmas to you and yours

[@218422100]

More progress.....I'm get'n excited man!!!! Merry Christmas 💯🎄😎

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks brother! She will blow or go soon!

[@MidnightOilsRestoration]

Merry Christmas to you and your family brother! Thanks for all the great content.😊

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Ryan! Merry Christmas and thanks for the support all year!

[@stevehamilton9418]

Merry Xmas! You’re starting the new year off right, can’t wait to hear it run, good luck Joe👍

[@JustMoparJoe]

Merry Christmas brother. Thanks for the support!

[@tims72demon]

Another excellant video. Just impressive expertise and experience you share. Thank You for sharing with us. Merry Christmas to you and your family Joe. 🎄 👍👍👍

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks brother! Merry Christmas 🎄

[@MyKARSShop]

Good catch on that rocker to pedestal Great episode. Merry Christmas bro.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Mike! Merry Christmas!

[@johnelliott7375]

It's the way I'd do it and I have all 3. Quarter, 3/8,& 1/2" ones they come in handy for a ton of uses!

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks John. Merry Christmas 🎄

[@johnelliott7375]

@@JustMoparJoe Merry Christmas to you and your family from mine! Have a great night JMJ!

[@jackwells1452]

If my memory is correct Ed Hamburger sold a push rod kit that came with rods and cups to make DIY push rods but that was in 70's and 80's

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Jack. Indy still sells a kit that has the ends that press in. I have to have some cut for the stroker build I have coming up.

[@jesse75]

Back in the 70's every one said the 400 was junk. The problem was it was a lean burn. Just switch heads intake cam and Wham-O.

[@JustMoparJoe]

I love mine! Check out the dyno videos on the channel

[@Sergio-ih6lk]

Excellent idea for cutting the push rods and red lock type never hurts Just saying

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks brother. It takes a careful eye to get them close.

[@ericwilson2585]

If you had access to a lathe you could maybe possibly make a spacer to go under that distributor and and an extension for it's drive shaft.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thansk Eric

[@brianandglendaharkin9457]

Correct on the Thermostat 👍🏻💯🇦🇺

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks brother. Merry Christmas!

[@Moparornocar]

Don't worry bout the haters Joe your doing a great job

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Brother! Merry Christmas

[@karlsracing8422]

I learned from examining a buddies blown up 505 after a valve stuck open while starting do not put the shims washers next the rockers, his pulled one in and locked the rocker in the open position and destroyed his engine.

[@JustMoparJoe]

I think there was more problems there. Not sure exactly where the shims would go if they weren’t touching a rocker. I would imagine if they were shunned too tight, it would cause excess binding in the rockers, and lose HP, but with heavy spring pressures, I would imagine a lack of lubrication during high rpm would do it. Maybe valve float after a spun cam bearing, that didn’t allow oil to continue to the rockers?

[@rodneybyrd9516]

@@JustMoparJoe Also a valve can stick in the guide due to incorrect clearance, lack of prelube, or varnished gas (unlikely in this case).

[@ericwilson2585]

Good eye Joe

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Brother

[@SteveP-vm1uc]

Nice catch on the lack of clearance. Tape, File and Shop Vac will get that job done nicely!! Joe, do these heads have thread-serts in them for accessories? I was trying to see in the video, but couldn't tell..

[@JustMoparJoe]

I don’t think so. I will have an electric water pump, but will probably run an alternator.

[@SteveP-vm1uc]

@@JustMoparJoe If not, I'd look at putting them in, myself... At minimum I'd stud everything needed.. Stripping out aluminum is quite easy and a PITA when it is!!

[@rickseeman5679]

Good work

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks Mr. Rick! Rockers should work nicely 🫡

[@michaelwilcox6669]

Nice looking heads. Were they flowed???

[@JustMoparJoe]

No sir. I have 4 dyno videos of this engine. Then the heads swapped over to my 512 stroker.

[@55gaser26]

Joe for what it’s worth , I had trouble with the roller tip starting to bind and also the inner roller bearings wearing some , that was with only 130lbs of seat pressure in a mild 12.0 car, switched over to comp steel ultra pros , the Mancinis I believe are reboxed harlands? I do enjoy your channel.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks for Sharing! You are correct on the Mancini’s. I verified that with HS. I bought a set from them directly for my 408. I will check these out after engine break in and before it goes to the dyno.

[@ericwilson2585]

Yep. The guy that owned my old 383 before me took out the thermostat of it but still couldn't figure out why it was over heating.

[@JustMoparJoe]

I've seen it before and wondered the same. Definitely better than a stuck thermostat

[@timmolinari5420]

Hi Joe, I hope you had a good Christmas holiday. I missed what cam your running, and what are the specs? Thanks.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thank you and Happy New Year! It’s a comp. CCA-23-712-9 Here’s the video of specs and degreeing. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYuVdaOhisyfpNk

[@Scarlet_1971_cuda]

Joe, have you covered what oil you are going to use in this 400 build once done? I'm looking at running Lucas Hot Rod & Classic Car Motor Oil SAE 10W-40, It has a zinc value of 2100 PPM which seems good to me. What are your thoughts?

[@JustMoparJoe]

Hey John. That sounds like good oil. I have some comp 10w30 break in oil to start and run this engine on my my run stand. The rings will be wearing into the cylinders for that. I want the protected for sure. Lucas makes great stuff!

[@dkbug22]

Hey Joe, did you go 1 full turn past 0 lash on the rockers? You said 60 thousands cold. Just curious what you did.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks for asking. So these are different than your standard rocker setup because the lifters are solid. They have to have lash, like a solid roller or mechanical flat tappet would. That distance is dependent on the expansion of the heads and block. I first started this engine with .006 lash. We figured out on the dyno that it needed to be .002 cold. The distance expands as the engine heats up. But we can’t go to zero and then add any amount, as it would slightly hang the valves open.

[@smilsmff]

seen before the Valve covers wont clear that HEI style cap

[@JustMoparJoe]

I’ll definitely check! Thanks for sharing

[@johnelliott7375]

Do you have a old Uni-light around they are smaller and should work great if you got a good one.

[@JustMoparJoe]

No sir I don’t. It’d also have to be shorter shaft for the low deck.

[@johnelliott7375]

@@JustMoparJoe I used to have one for a 400 Mopar engine that my neighbor had in his car and got a stock one and put in it before he got rid of his car for his first child and hís wife gave it to me when he passed away. I will dig around for you and see if I can find it. Hopefully from sitting around for a few years it's still in good condition. TTYL! Merry Christmas

[@roby14]

Hi MPJ. Someone mentioned to me that a MOPAR 400cid Big block is a board out 383cid. True?? Are a lot of part interchangable?

[@JustMoparJoe]

Same stroke, rod length, and journal sizes. 400 has a wayyyy bigger bore. It’s even larger than a 440 bore. That’s what makes them great stroker engines. Many guys swap in the the 383 cranks because they were forged. Hope you check out the dyno vids o this 400 build 👍🏼

[@MoparMan-ff8fb]

I did the best of both worlds = mopar performance distributor with the GM 4 prong HEI module . 318 in D150 runs great & can gap .045 on the plugs . The mopar big block coming together great. so once you red them and press the caps in and they wont pop out once they're warmed up ?

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks for sharing. That’s correct. They are press fit from the beginning. When you start with the newly cut pushrod, it is tight again.

[@MoparMan-ff8fb]

@@JustMoparJoe cool 😎🔧

[@roby14]

Hi Joe. Do you build engines for sale?

[@JustMoparJoe]

Yes sir. I’m building engines and restoring old Mopars for a living now.

[@rodneybyrd9516]

Oil hole DOWN on the shafts on final assembly...

[@JustMoparJoe]

Exactly! I’ll weld up the top side oil holes

[@rodneybyrd9516]

@@JustMoparJoe Haha! Premature commenting got me once AGAIN!!

[@joshsiegle1229]

"its an ol' dress...not mine..." LOL

[@JustMoparJoe]

Im glad someone picked up on that😂

[@TheProchargedmopar]

👍💪

[@JustMoparJoe]

Thanks brother. See you at NNN 23’

[@eddiegarcia9657]

If you were to not shim enough between the rocker arms , would that cause ticking or clatter? I cant seem to quiet down my rockers on my 383, they are speedmaster brand.

[@JustMoparJoe]

Shimming only helps move the roller location on the stem. I would ask what your valve lash is, or how much preload you have on a hydraulic lifter. Too much or too little preload will cause extra noise.

[@eddiegarcia9657]

@@JustMoparJoe Okay , good to know. I have it set at 3/4 of a turn from zero lash. I have the speedmaster rocker arms with roller tip. Ive heard theyre not the greatest. Would going a full turn be risky?

[@JustMoparJoe]

@@eddiegarcia9657 definitely go by the lifter recommendation

[@eddiegarcia9657]

@@JustMoparJoe thanks for your advice! Great channel btw, alot of good information on here!

[@JustMoparJoe]

@@eddiegarcia9657 thank you!

[@moparnut6286]

🎄😎👍💪🌟

[@JustMoparJoe]

THanks John! Merry Christmas

[@dumpsterchicken6287]

Merry Christmas Joe

[@JustMoparJoe]

Merry Christmas, brother. Thanks for watching and sharing !