wtf?

[neonracer01]

@yelo69

Did you plastigauge the mains and rods, and did you check your ring gap as you were assembling this?

@SixSpeed454SS

How was the end gap on the rings? Were they file fit, or exact fit? Typically around .008"-.010" compression ring endgap is acceptable, but up to .015" will work, but it might use a little oil @ .015".

What kind of bearing clearence do you have? I think on a 350 chevy, you need around .0025 max on the rods, and like .004 max on the mains. I am not sure if the 400’s are the same, as they have different journal sizes.

When you turn it over by hand is it really hard to turn over? Is there any noises that would sound like contact between the valves & pistons?

Do you have a 168 or 153 tooth flywheel? 400 small blocks typically had 168 for better mechanical advantage for the starter. What kind of compression does it have? If you got higher compression & 153 tooth flywheel, you may have issues.

Ring gaps were .011" -.013" They were exact fit.

clearances were .0025- .003 on the rods and .003 on the mains.

stock compression, and a 168 flywheel, I think i got it at advance and the part number was 04315.

I pulled the torque converter bolts from the flywheel, and pulled the plugs again, now it will turn over, but not as fast as I would think a normal engine does, it seems a little slow to me. No noise like valves wacking piston tops though.