**Rebuilt 400 CID small block**

[1985K20]

Gonna need new engine soon, start to knock when oil gets old and warm....

Just wandering if 400 CID rebuilt engines are as easy to get than a 350???

I was gonna go with the 350 but i like the idea of the extra torque of the 400

 

[pismorat]

I just broke my 400 and was thinking the same thing. The 400's are out there, but more expensive and not as reliable. I am going to a 383 instead.

 

[boz42]

the 400's are A LOT harder to get in these parts, all the dirt track guys have about got them all. cost is much higher due to this. & usually they will have cooling problems when bored .060" or more.

no offense, but i am not a fan of the 383 either, u are putting a 400 size stroke in a even smaller engine. i am sure they are out there, but i have never seen one get beat regularly that lived that long. they have the same inherent problems a 400 has: poor rod ratio. just my $.02 & something to think about

 

[rjfguitar]

Gonna need new engine soon, start to knock when oil gets old and warm....

Just wandering if 400 CID rebuilt engines are as easy to get than a 350???

I was gonna go with the 350 but i like the idea of the extra torque of the 400

I had the same idea. i have a built 406 and the torque that it produces over a 350 is amazing, for a small block. I'm building only about 300-320HP but am building nearly 400 ft lbs at a lowly 3500RPM's. I can out pull our C30 dually with a 454, 4.10 gears and I have the equivelant to 3.42's in my K5.

The problems........... First off good luck finding a fresh core that is original bore. I got VERY lucky finding one, and had help finding it by a motor builder. The second is overheating. I am .030 but have had a terrible time trying to keep mine cool over the last few years. I have a new 4 core and dual Flexalite monster fans and it is just enough to keep it cool for moderate driving. Running the A/C on during 100* weather will pull it to nearly 220*. If I pull on something and run hard with it at 3/4 throttle plus for an extended period....it shoots up on the guage..... Still love the power though.

Long story short....build a 350 cuz it's cheaper and less hassle.