Francis44

i just purchased a nice 91 z28 i was thinking of removing the engine and replacing it with a small block 400 carbureted that we had built for our 80 camaro that i no longer have does anyone know of problems i might have doing this swap will the trans still work also its the 700r

Johnny Blaze

iTrader: (15)

Unless your 400 makes over 500 hp, you're much better off sticking with TPI.

Francis44

The 400is about 480 hp the motor in it now is stock

Johnny Blaze

iTrader: (15)

What are your plans for the Camaro? Usage?

What are the specs of the 400?

Francis44

Mostly a weekend driver every now and then down the track just curious if the 400 would b easy to install since I would have to eliminate the computer and everything thx for ur input

Johnny Blaze

iTrader: (15)

Well, depending on the specs of your 400 you may or may not have to eliminate the computer.

With the right cam, you can keep the tpi and will have a great drivable car.

Perhaps consider a cam swap and a stealth ram intake for a great set up.

Or course you could yank out all the EFI stuff for a carb, but that is just going backwards in technology

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Let's see, "problems" putting a 480 horse carbureted 400 in a car that originally had TPI:

- Not emissions legal
- Will need to regulate fuel pressure down to a carb-friendly 4-7 psi
- Stock TPI pump probably not up to the task of supporting 480 HP
- Will need to figure out some way to turn on the fuel pump if you remove the ECM
- Exhaust inadequate to handle 480 HP - can we assume headers?
- 400 uses an externally balanced 2-piece rear main seal 168-tooth flexplate. Many 168-tooth starters interfere with 3rd gen headers. Mini starter typically solves this problem.
- TH700R-4 not up to the task of handling 480 HP stock. Some upgrades, or a complete rebuild, to be expected.
- Stock stall probably not friendly to a 480 HP 400 SBC.
- Without the input from the EFI system to the ECM, and/or without the ECM, the torque converter clutch won't lock up when cruising. Can be fixed with a simple switch, or one of several kits available.
- Typical carb throttle arm not compatible with the TH700 TV cable. A geometry corrector bracket available for most popular carbs (Holley, Edelbrock).

That's for starters. The rest depends upon the details of the 400.

D&S 85 IROC

WOW ya shot a big hole in that

Francis44

Thx for ur input were pulling the trans today was going to send it out for the rebuild I was told tht a th400 trans would b better to install in the car what's ur opinion on using tht instead if the 700r

ninetyone

iTrader: (2)

Your gonna need steam holes drilled into the heads for a 400. Unless you use the 400 heads and in that case you would have to go carb.

Johnny Blaze

iTrader: (15)

Trans, really depends in engine and use.

For a street driven car, th700r4 is way to go.

Th400 will require a cystom crossmember, custom torque arm mount, drivesshaft, different shifter, and you'll be losing overdrive.

Francis44

Sounds like the 700r is gonna b the easiest install the converter lockup kit should b good

Johnny Blaze

iTrader: (15)

So, no hopes of keeping the efi?

Danny350

Can the 700r4 hold up to 480 hp if not what do I need to do too it or what is a good 4 speed trans to buy I need to know Bc I'm putting a ls3 in my 91 camaro plz help