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Ford 400 Engine Budget Rebuild Article: Cam, Machine Work & Valve Job (Page 3)
Reference · 1975-1979 F-150All 10 brochures & literature
Magazine engine-rebuild feature describing a 406 Ford build using Silv-O-Lite dished pistons for 9.45:1 compression and a Comp Cams Xtreme Energy 268 cam for power/torque from 2,000-5,200 rpm.
Part of 1975-1979 Ford F-150 Brochures & Literature
This is one page of a multi-page magazine article (running head "DOWN & DIRTY") documenting a budget-minded engine rebuild. The page describes machine work and parts selection: a Comp Cams X-Treme Energy #268 camshaft with reduced overlap for smooth idle and power/torque from 2,000-5,200 rpm, supplied as a kit with timing set, lifters, springs, retainers, locks, and camshaft. Sheldust Crankshaft & Engine in Pacheco, California disassembled and inspected the engine, finding locked oil rings, five flat cam lobes, and worn valve guides, explaining a weak 65 hp dyno result. The block was decked (0.015-inch deck variance), bored 0.024 inch and finish-honed to 0.030 over; align-boring was unnecessary, saving $125. Photo captions note deep-dish Silv-O-Lite pistons producing a 9.45:1 static compression ratio, and a $125-$175 three-angle valve job (DIY head assembly saves ~$50). The heads received cast-iron valve guides, stainless-steel valves ($150), and gasket-matched ports; stock exhaust manifolds were ported over 16 hours instead of using headers. The crank was turned 0.010/0.010 undersize with polished journals; balancing was skipped ($175 saved) and press-fit wristpins used ($150 saved). A Melling oil pump and Canton 8-quart pan were fitted, with pickup set ⅜ inch from the pan floor. The page ends as assembly begins.
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Frequently asked questions
- What camshaft was used in this engine build?
- A Comp Cams X-Treme Energy #268 camshaft with reduced overlap technology, giving a smooth idle and maximum power/torque between 2,000 and 5,200 rpm. The kit included a timing set, lifters, springs, retainers, locks, and the camshaft.
- What compression ratio did the rebuilt engine end up with?
- With a 0.303-inch overbore and 0.025 inch removed from the cylinder head surface, the deep-dish Silv-O-Lite pistons produced a static compression ratio of 9.45:1.
- How much does a three-angle valve job cost according to this article?
- An average of $125-$175. Assembling the heads yourself saves about $50, and lapping the valves by hand before assembly gives a better seat seal.
- How was the crankshaft machined?
- It was turned 0.010/0.010 inch undersize, keeping the standard fillet radius on each journal. The journals were polished and the oil holes chamfered at no extra charge.
- Why were cast-iron valve guides chosen over bronze silicon guides?
- Cast-iron guides don't wear the valve stem like bronze silicon guides, are best for street use with unleaded fuel, and are far less costly.
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