sbc 400
#1
Member
JOURNEYMAN
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 31
sbc 400
I have a 511 block i would like to know all the ways to prep this block while i have it torn down for all the cooling ideas, as we know stock 400 have heating problems, i never owned one maybe i can get lucky
#4
Senior Member
DYNO OPERATOR
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: central Illinois
Posts: 459
400 block
If you can find the old Bill Jenkins book on SBC engines it has a very detailed descripton with pics of deck surface modifications.
There are extra holes to drill and holes to tap and plug besides the steam holes. The big water jacket holes also get tapped and plugged with 5/16" holes in the plugs if I remember right.
One block I did from that old article lasted 7 seasons racing every weekend. 377" @ 600 HP
There are extra holes to drill and holes to tap and plug besides the steam holes. The big water jacket holes also get tapped and plugged with 5/16" holes in the plugs if I remember right.
One block I did from that old article lasted 7 seasons racing every weekend. 377" @ 600 HP
#8
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JOURNEYMAN
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 31
#9
Senior Member
DYNO OPERATOR
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 496
Re: sbc 400
Originally Posted by chubbyx1
Hi, jeff what did you do to it to make it strong
#10
Wow .060 on a stock SB block of any kind, better have it sonic tested for sure. I think how much HP you are planning to make would guide you one way or the other about using a stock 400 block. The last one we built made 700+HP, two bolt w/splayed caps added. NEVER again. Too much money in machine work compared to buying an aftermarket block and less strength.
Curtis
Curtis