Supercharger on a 400

[apollotwo]

Just picked up a 400 sbc.  Its complete, carb to pan, but unsure on mileage.  After checking it out somewhat I've found its for sure a 400, 2 bolt, with 76cc smog heads.  Its out of a 77 Suburban according to p.o.  Its an orange motor.  I thought '76 was the last year for Chevy orange?  Would this motor have come factory with forged pistons?  How can I find this out?  Assuming the stock rotating assembly is fine,how durable is the stock bottom end to handle mild boost from a Weiand baby blower?   Although this 400 is listed as  " heavy duty ", its still got the smog heads which have low compression like eight and a half to one I believe.  My little Weiand and 750 Holley are begging to bolt onto this 400 and make some low buck power.  How realistic are my expectations with this set-up?

[1976Scottsdale]

I owuld think it would have cast pistons, but I cannot be sure.  I would add new rings, bearings, gaskets, timing components etc. before boosting it.

[VileZambonie]

Well you don't want high compression with a blower. My motto is do it right the first time. Go through the whole engine. A rebuild kit from summit is cheap enough so start your tear down and know what you've got in there.

[1976Scottsdale]

Summit is good.  I have also used the kits from northernautoparts.com

They include everything, the cam, pistons, rings, bearings, gaskets, lfters, oil pump, freeze plugs, assembl lube, all of it.

[apollotwo]

Yes low compression is a must for this set-up.  After spending quite some time surfing the 'net I have not found anything to indicate if any of the 400s came stock with forged pistons.  

[roundedline]

They had cast pistons.  I wouldn't mod it without going through it.  

Chris Lucas
www.73-87chevytrucks.com
www.captkaoscustoms.com
Project Su
Jimmy 2WD Project