401 build recipe ideas
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FSBOB
- Posts: 23
- Joined: Fri Jun 23, 2017 6:30 pm
- Location: Minnesota
Re: 401 build recipe ideas
I apologize. Just thought 85 wag and I could gain something since we're talking about similar builds.
1976 Jeep J20 401, T15, Dana 20, Holley Sniper EFI, Hedman Headers, MSD Ready-to-Run Ignition, 33" Cooper MTP's 
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Grand_Wag_85
Topic author - Posts: 1792
- Joined: Sat Aug 27, 2011 8:46 am
Re: 401 build recipe ideas
Lots of good info here!
On a side note. The current trans in this truck is the T176. I NEED a MT with OD. I was thinking AX15 or NSG370 but I'm worried the 401 might destroy them, especially one that's been mildly warmed up. NV4500?
On a side note. The current trans in this truck is the T176. I NEED a MT with OD. I was thinking AX15 or NSG370 but I'm worried the 401 might destroy them, especially one that's been mildly warmed up. NV4500?
82 J10
77 J10 Golden Eagle 401
88 GW
You know it's bad when your car is on the EPA's 10 most wanted list!
77 J10 Golden Eagle 401
88 GW
You know it's bad when your car is on the EPA's 10 most wanted list!
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FSBOB
- Posts: 23
- Joined: Fri Jun 23, 2017 6:30 pm
- Location: Minnesota
Re: 401 build recipe ideas
Personal opinion, I'd get a T18a. They could be found on certain jeeps with amc bellhouses and have a granny first gear of 6.32 to 1. I think they can be found with quadtratrac and dana 20 transfer cases behind them. Not 100% sure but T18's were used in manual 4 speed jeeps in the 70s through maybe early 80's and f250/f350 trucks until I think 91. I wouldn't quote me on dates though.
1976 Jeep J20 401, T15, Dana 20, Holley Sniper EFI, Hedman Headers, MSD Ready-to-Run Ignition, 33" Cooper MTP's
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Cecil14
- Posts: 727
- Joined: Mon Oct 01, 2012 6:40 am
Re: 401 build recipe ideas
Skip the T18. It's a great transmission, but it's literally a dump truck trans. If you really like driving that F350 dump truck all day, go for it. I did not. lol
I've had an NV3550 in mine for a long time now and love it. I've never had any problems with it behind my stroker. You'll definitely have more power than I do, but as long as you're not doing hole shots or towing a million pounds, it'll probably be fine. I had the opportunity to go with the NSG370 at the same time I picked up my NV3550, but the shift points in the 6 speed suck. The gearing in the 5 speed has been pretty decent for me.
The NV4500 or NV5600 are really about your only other "HD" modern manuals available. Ford was using a ZF 6 speed, I think. Not sure what it would take to swap that in, though.
aa
I've had an NV3550 in mine for a long time now and love it. I've never had any problems with it behind my stroker. You'll definitely have more power than I do, but as long as you're not doing hole shots or towing a million pounds, it'll probably be fine. I had the opportunity to go with the NSG370 at the same time I picked up my NV3550, but the shift points in the 6 speed suck. The gearing in the 5 speed has been pretty decent for me.
The NV4500 or NV5600 are really about your only other "HD" modern manuals available. Ford was using a ZF 6 speed, I think. Not sure what it would take to swap that in, though.
aa
1983 J-10 - 4.6L(MPFI)/CS130D/Hydroboost/NV3550/D300/44/44/3.54/Disc-Disc/32s/42 gallon 'burb tank
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Grand_Wag_85
Topic author - Posts: 1792
- Joined: Sat Aug 27, 2011 8:46 am
Re: 401 build recipe ideas
Looks like my last reply did not go thru. The T18 is a great trans, have one in my Gladiator but this truck will be mostly a pavement pounder so I NEED OD-desperately.
82 J10
77 J10 Golden Eagle 401
88 GW
You know it's bad when your car is on the EPA's 10 most wanted list!
77 J10 Golden Eagle 401
88 GW
You know it's bad when your car is on the EPA's 10 most wanted list!
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440sixpack
- Posts: 332
- Joined: Sun Jul 31, 2016 6:31 am
Re: 401 build recipe ideas
What compression ratio you can get away with for any octane rating depends on several factors.
Performance cams will bleed compression, at the cost of drivability and economy.
Combustion chamber design.
Ignition timing. operating elevation. and so on.
With the smog age lots of things changed, starting with lower compression pistons and open chamber combustion chambers normally with a higher cc capacity.
There is no free lunch if you want power you need compression and compression lives on octane. assuming you have a stock type 401 expect 9 to 1 compression to be the absolute limit on regular unleaded if you set your timing right, super would be better, and that may be optimistic. under 9 would be best. if you plan on towing or heavy use I'd stay lower for sure. on super unleaded 10-1 is marginal . in all my 10-1 builds it requires 25% AV100 or race fuel mixed in to run good.
Don't let anyone try to snow you into believing you can run high compression on cheap gas if you're as smart as they are. it's simply not true.
Performance cams will bleed compression, at the cost of drivability and economy.
Combustion chamber design.
Ignition timing. operating elevation. and so on.
With the smog age lots of things changed, starting with lower compression pistons and open chamber combustion chambers normally with a higher cc capacity.
There is no free lunch if you want power you need compression and compression lives on octane. assuming you have a stock type 401 expect 9 to 1 compression to be the absolute limit on regular unleaded if you set your timing right, super would be better, and that may be optimistic. under 9 would be best. if you plan on towing or heavy use I'd stay lower for sure. on super unleaded 10-1 is marginal . in all my 10-1 builds it requires 25% AV100 or race fuel mixed in to run good.
Don't let anyone try to snow you into believing you can run high compression on cheap gas if you're as smart as they are. it's simply not true.