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Is the small block 400 worth the investment?

jimbug

jimbug

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Ok so my mechanic friend has a standard bore 400 sb complete for $500

Is this a "good" motor? I want to replace the goodwrench 350 turd in the Sub.


I am also toying with boring it to 406 cubes and using a 5.7" or 6.0" connecting rods. wich would add approx $500 to build(rods and new pistons)

Oh I am building this as a DAILY DRIVER so I am looking for reliability and useful power. I often haul 500+ lbs or more so I am looking for torque over a high horsepower mill.

I also need recommendations for a camshaft, Drive train= 700r4, 205, 4.56 gears, and 35" tire, and a portly 72' Suburban
Any thoughts?
 
I have the 400SBC in my '72 and love it. If it is a daily driver I don't see a need to bore it to 406. I don't know engine building very well but mine was built by a guy who seemed to know what he was doing and it sure seems he did. So far has been very reliable and runs like a top.
 
I'm no 400 expert by any means but I remember that they have notoriuos problems with overheating. IIRC boring makes it worse.
 
Fabrimacator21 said:
I'm no 400 expert by any means but I remember that they have notoriuos problems with overheating. IIRC boring makes it worse.
Click to expand...

Most of the overheating problems are myths. If the heads have the steam holes, and the correct gaskets...then there shouldn't be any problem.

I wouldn't bore it over any if the walls look good. Most 400 blocks won't go past .030 (some won't even take that). A few can be taken out to .040...but that's pushing it. When you start boring it, it can lead to cooling problems. But that can be said for any SBC.
 
For somewhere around 1500-2500 you can have a 400 horse ready to install aluminum headed 6.0 in there..

Swing by my house sometime and i can show you the ls motor in the buggy. My frame is a k5 frame so it should lay it all out for you on how easy it is.
 
Big Blzn said:
I have the 400SBC in my '72 and love it. If it is a daily driver I don't see a need to bore it to 406. I don't know engine building very well but mine was built by a guy who seemed to know what he was doing and it sure seems he did. So far has been very reliable and runs like a top.
Click to expand...

x2. ive had a 400 for about 4 years. it kicks ass over any 350 i ever owned. i was running a 6000lb suburban with 373 gears and 38s and it would tweak the tires taking off straight. never had one problem with it

Fabrimacator21 said:
I'm no 400 expert by any means but I remember that they have notoriuos problems with overheating. IIRC boring makes it worse.
Click to expand...

i was fed that too when i got this engine. ive been offroading during 100 degree days. towed with it. drove on the highway with it. everything you can think of and never came close to overheating... i got all new stuff though new radiator, new waterpump and a high cooling clutch fan
 
You can't argue with cubic inches. You could drill and tap the rear water passages on the back corners of the intake, and run water back to the radiator from there also, that cools off any V-8 more then the stock set-up.
 
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Two words.... Tom Cherry.... ORD if stephen will let you talk to him he is the Guy to ask. I know I say that a lot but He has built his and studied and talked to more people in industry that know. He is running a 406 Multi point fuelinjected beast under the hood. But he knows enough to tell you everything in between the numbers. If that dont work I'll get you his personal # after I ask him if thats cool. Knowledge has power and he has the knowledge and he is willing to share it.
 
Thanks everyone.... Looks like the 400 won't be a reality unless whomever would like to purchase my Burb wants me to get the motor for them... I have to sell it now mama's pregnant and I have been ADVISED that I need a more resposnible vehicle
 
well that blows, i hate to hear anyone has to sell their rig...goodluck! ..would your buddy make a crate & ship the 400? if he will ship it, i'd like to see what it would cost to get it to 72143.
 
I dunno he owns a shop and the topic came up that he had it.... He has been sitting on it for years. I am pretty sure if he wanted to sell it he would just post it on craigslist? He runs a very busy shop I think he was just throwing me a bone, ya know what I mean

Thanks for the SIMPATHY!
 
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