Upgrading a 400 pre-cat to a 430?

[MikeE]

Having failed to find a 430 pre-cat for the last year I think I'm coming round to buying a sensibly priced 400 which has had the major bits seen to (out riggers, suspension and brake upgrades etc), in a spec/colour I like and then upgrading the engine to a 430/450.

Whats the views on this and the likely cost to take a serviceable 400 and rebuild the engine/gearbox/diff to a 430/450 spec?

[griffdude]

I believe the diff & gearbox are the same on the precats.

My oil pump drive from the dizzy failed on my 430 8 years ago which damaged the block beyond repair so now have a 450 ish block (ok its 4552cc) that has cross bolted main bearings with a crank driven oil pump but the front end still has the pre serp layout. Take a look at V8 Deevelopements.

[Hoover.]

Hmmm can't think it would be cheap way to go........ power upgrade 4/4.5 to 5l for £6k + VAT

basically an engine rebuild and then some more

[MikeE]

Hoover. said:

Hmmm can't think it would be cheap way to go........ power upgrade 4/4.5 to 5l for £6k + VAT

basically an engine rebuild and then some more

Yes agreed but what's the choice when none of the 430 pre-cat guys seem to want to sell up!!

[Hoover.]

I see your point....... had mine for 10 years now.... it was hard to find back then

I think the other question you have to ask is if upgrading a 400 to a 430 would give the same characteristics as factory built 430..... I wouldn't be able to tell you that I'm afraid

[bluezeeland]

Why not find a 400, drive it (you might even like it) whilst you are looking for a 430 (you might make money, instead of spending it on an 'upgrade')

[MikeE]

bluezeeland said:

Why not find a 400, drive it (you might even like it) whilst you are looking for a 430 (you might make money, instead of spending it on an 'upgrade')

Thats a sensible suggestion but I've already had a new 400, two new Tuscans and until this summer a 500 that I bought because I couldn't find the 430 (or preferably 450BV) that I wanted. So I've promised myself the next one is the keeper and hence needs to be the right starting point!

[bluezeeland]

Hi Mike,

Just to deepen your misery, I've taken delivery of a 430, two weeks ago

(only, its a LHD.........and I'm deeply in love )

I'll keep an eye open for you on the continent, if thats helpful ?

Frank