400 sbc
#1
400 sbc
guys-i just got a 400 sbc in on a trade in very nice shape--the block numbers are 330817
IT WAS COMPLETE-TOP TO BOTTOM CARB/AIR CLEANER/PANS/PUMPS/STARTER/AND AUTOMATIC FLYWHEEL
i have not pulled the pan or valve covers yet[it was running before it was removed
??? good to build and ideas[street and strip]
the good/ the bad /and the ugly?????
thanks LIVELY
IT WAS COMPLETE-TOP TO BOTTOM CARB/AIR CLEANER/PANS/PUMPS/STARTER/AND AUTOMATIC FLYWHEEL
i have not pulled the pan or valve covers yet[it was running before it was removed
??? good to build and ideas[street and strip]
the good/ the bad /and the ugly?????
thanks LIVELY
#2
Senior Member
RACING JUNKIE
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: austin texas
Posts: 729
Its Junk! No good! Let me know your address and i will come take it off your hands free of charge
Good find to make a hot rod engine out of. Add a set of 5.7 rods, better pistons and a nice set of heads and it will be a stout street cruiser
Good find to make a hot rod engine out of. Add a set of 5.7 rods, better pistons and a nice set of heads and it will be a stout street cruiser
#3
Senior Member
RACING JUNKIE
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,137
The good is they are torque monsters for a stock small block.
The bad is the blocks are prone to failure at higher power levels.
they have cast iron cranks and short rods.
They make fun street engines. As was said if you are gonna run it hard buy pistons for the 5.7 rods. The stock rods are 5.565. The 5.7 rods are the "regular" sbc rod length. Many people will say they run hot but I have never had a problem at all with the 2 that I had. My dad has one in his el camino and it doesn't heat up either..that's a myth.
The bad is the blocks are prone to failure at higher power levels.
they have cast iron cranks and short rods.
They make fun street engines. As was said if you are gonna run it hard buy pistons for the 5.7 rods. The stock rods are 5.565. The 5.7 rods are the "regular" sbc rod length. Many people will say they run hot but I have never had a problem at all with the 2 that I had. My dad has one in his el camino and it doesn't heat up either..that's a myth.
#4
Senior Member
RACING JUNKIE
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: La.
Posts: 2,890
They are o'k i've got one in my Malibu (377") also got one on the engine stand 406" flattops 5.565 rods, street motor, all forged both engines, i've ran them for yrs., (BAD) weak cylinder walls, i'm running 14 to 1 6"rods in the 377" and i've done that many times. My choice would be a Dart blk, but i haven't had any problems with the 400 blk.
JMO
Zip.
JMO
Zip.
#5
I ran a 400 block in my Vega. It was a 377 with 6 inch rods and 12 to 1 pistons. Never had a problem after I found a good block. The first one I found had a crack in the lifter valley. I'd recommend that you have it magna-fluxed to be sure it is good. The machinist I use said they tended to have more probems with cracks when compared to the other SBC. If you keep them filled with coolant, they will live. There is a little grinding required on the pan rail when you go with a longer rod. I think they are a pretty solid foundation for up to 700 hp. I later went with a 400 crank and it felt better at the bottom end from the additional torque.
#6
Member
JUNIOR BUILDER
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 87
Built that 422 C.I with the same block.Making about 658 fly....4 years still going.matter of fact this past winter it was just finally freshened with a set of rings and bearings.
This is my old wagon with 422 I built still in it and running on the stops.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XT_S...eature=related
It was splayed capped ,filled with crete to the bottom on the water pump holes and the usual machine work,line bored hone,square decked with plugs,etc..
I'd build another. :wink:
This is my old wagon with 422 I built still in it and running on the stops.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XT_S...eature=related
It was splayed capped ,filled with crete to the bottom on the water pump holes and the usual machine work,line bored hone,square decked with plugs,etc..
I'd build another. :wink:
#8
Member
JUNIOR BUILDER
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 87
Originally Posted by lively
GREAT VIDEO OF A GREAT LITTLE VEGA :lol: :lol: :lol:
Not bad for someone who desnt know how to adjust valves.. :wink:
#10
Junior Member
SHOW GUEST
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 1
The 400 small block is a great motor if a few things are done. You with out a doubt need 5.7 rods, and little grinding is needed, but not much. You also need to drill steam holes in the heads, this is easy though, just line up your gasket, mask, take gasket away, and drill. you can get really good power down low, with a good, smart cam, head combo this thing will make crazy power>