400 sbc 2 bolt main suggestions?
#1
Senior Member
MASTER BUILDER
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: IN
Posts: 176
400 sbc 2 bolt main suggestions?
I recently picked up this standard bore block for next to nothing. I have heard the horror stories about these 400's, but am curious as to what others think before I possibly waste my money. This motor will be a circle track motor so filling the block won't be an option. Is it worth the time or should I stay with another 383-388 combo like I have now? Any help is appreciated.
Thanks, Dave
Thanks, Dave
#2
Are the aftermarket blocks available now better? Yes. Did the stock stuff work for years when the aftermarket stuff wasn't available? Yes. Personally, if I had the stock block, I would install the splayed caps and run it. I have a production block in mine now, and just got a heck of a deal on a little m crate motor that didn't live. I ain't pulling the motor out just to change the block...
#3
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EXPERT BUILDER
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: NORTHEAST
Posts: 290
Re: 400 sbc 2 bolt main suggestions?
Originally Posted by hambone82
I recently picked up this standard bore block for next to nothing. I have heard the horror stories about these 400's, but am curious as to what others think before I possibly waste my money. This motor will be a circle track motor so filling the block won't be an option. Is it worth the time or should I stay with another 383-388 combo like I have now? Any help is appreciated.
Thanks, Dave
Thanks, Dave
#4
I got one in my 84 Chevy 4x4 and right now I am having a hard time keeping it cool. I dont know if that is a problem with the 400s or not. I know that the one in my 4x4 has a mild cam and around 10:1 compression. I didnt build the motor or have it built so I cant tell you everything that has been done to it. I do have a set of Hooker Headers with 2 1/2" exhaust into dual flowmasters. It sounds good and runs good jsut need to figure out my overheating problem.
#6
Senior Member
RACING JUNKIE
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,137
I never had one iota of trouble keeping an 11 to 1 compression 406 cool on the street. Ran 180 in traffic. I've had 3 different 406's in street cars none of them ran hot. I think that is just a myth.
x2 on the 509 being the best one. That's what they say.
x2 on the 509 being the best one. That's what they say.
#7
Senior Member
RACING JUNKIE
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: austin texas
Posts: 729
If your runing a imca class that is using a stock block, you will have no troubles, the engine will tear up of other reasons, before you should worry about the block or mains. Put a some arp studs and go racing!
#8
Junior Member
SHOW GUEST
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 2
i ran a 434 in a 511 block for a few years, the 400 blocks like to crack from the upper head bolt holes to the larger 1/2 inch circle water passages, i seen this in bone stock 400's,check yours, would almost bet you will find a crack.