Budget Rebuild

[CEET400ex]

What are the best options for rebuilding my tired 400's engine? I am leaning toward the 416 because I like the idea of a lighter piston, quicker revs, and reliability, but I'm not sure about the details such as compression. Can I run premium pump gas with octane booster and have 11.1 compression? Wiseco or JE? Hot cam or XR400 cam? Gaskets? Timing chain? Any expert advice would be appreciated.

[jersey devil]

As far as your question about premium gas with 11 to 1 compression you should be fine.
Good luck with your build.

[CEET400ex]

What's the reason behind people using the CRF timing chain? Stronger? What is the XR400 cam like and how would it compare to a hot cam. Do I use the xr400 head gasket to get true 11.1? Also, what am I looking for when trying to determine if my valves are good. Do the springs and valves have to be replaced or just the seals?

[CEET400ex]

ttt

[3or4HONDA]

im using the CRF timing chain on my build because it is the same as a HD chain but a lot cheaper, i think i got mine for about 35 bucks or so. im not sure about the xr cam ir the head gasket but im goin with the HC stage 2 for my 416. you can check your valve by doing a solvent test and your springs shouldnt need to be changed just your oil seals.

[CEET400ex]

Well thanks for saving me a few bucks there! Can anyone explain the differences in the powerband with both cams? What are good gaskets to get, stock? Are HD studs necessary? (it's a 2000)

[CEET400ex]

Oh yeah and where's a good site for parts besides like rocky mountain?

[Honda#4]

Magic Racing

[quad97]

You should be able to run 12:1 on pump gas. You might want to get stronger studs to keep the head gaskets from leaking, that was a problem with some but I know of three guys with 440 kits that never had a problem. One of them broke the stock cam chain and they all used hot cams. Look at CP pistons as well.