400SBC swap
#1
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400SBC swap
I am going to be swaping my 3.1L for a 400sbc and have a few questions.
1.) Can I retain my T5? I know I will need to swap the bell housing, but will the input shaft match up? I don't want to swap over to an automatic.
2.) Head choice. I want trq. and plenty of it!!
3.) engine mounts. what am in for when comes time to blot this baby in. Do I need to make custom mounts?
4.) Exhuast. what size pipes, and what headers will be best.
5.) Induction. I need to keep it looking stock. 5a.) will a 350 TPI setup bolt up. 5b.) if yes will it choke this poor engine so bad I would be better of with the V6?
Thanks!!!
1.) Can I retain my T5? I know I will need to swap the bell housing, but will the input shaft match up? I don't want to swap over to an automatic.
2.) Head choice. I want trq. and plenty of it!!
3.) engine mounts. what am in for when comes time to blot this baby in. Do I need to make custom mounts?
4.) Exhuast. what size pipes, and what headers will be best.
5.) Induction. I need to keep it looking stock. 5a.) will a 350 TPI setup bolt up. 5b.) if yes will it choke this poor engine so bad I would be better of with the V6?
Thanks!!!
#2
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Re: 400SBC swap
Originally posted by BitchinRS
I am going to be swaping my 3.1L for a 400sbc and have a few questions.
1.) Can I retain my T5? I know I will need to swap the bell housing, but will the input shaft match up? I don't want to swap over to an automatic.
2.) Head choice. I want trq. and plenty of it!!
3.) engine mounts. what am in for when comes time to blot this baby in. Do I need to make custom mounts?
4.) Exhuast. what size pipes, and what headers will be best.
5.) Induction. I need to keep it looking stock. 5a.) will a 350 TPI setup bolt up. 5b.) if yes will it choke this poor engine so bad I would be better of with the V6?
Thanks!!!
I am going to be swaping my 3.1L for a 400sbc and have a few questions.
1.) Can I retain my T5? I know I will need to swap the bell housing, but will the input shaft match up? I don't want to swap over to an automatic.
2.) Head choice. I want trq. and plenty of it!!
3.) engine mounts. what am in for when comes time to blot this baby in. Do I need to make custom mounts?
4.) Exhuast. what size pipes, and what headers will be best.
5.) Induction. I need to keep it looking stock. 5a.) will a 350 TPI setup bolt up. 5b.) if yes will it choke this poor engine so bad I would be better of with the V6?
Thanks!!!
Last edited by CaptPicardsZ28; 05-31-2004 at 06:57 PM.
#4
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Car: 1966 El Camino Custom
Engine: 350
Transmission: 200R4
Axle/Gears: 3:73 12 bolt with Brute Strength
You want to retain the V6 T5 AND you want plenty of torque...OUCH!!! Kiss the T5 goodbye. It is rated at something like a dismal 200 ft/lbs. A bone stock 400 has twice that much torque!! A World Class T5 would be your least expensive alternative. Then grab a pair of V8 frame mounts. You should already have the appropriate holes already in the frame. They are the holes closest to the front of the car. Here's a good recipe for a torquer.
http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/te.../148_0306_406/
Full length headers are best but more expensive. Shorties will kill a little torque but your going to have your share.
A stock 350 TPI can barely keep up with a stock 350. Plan on some upgrades.
http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/te.../148_0306_406/
Full length headers are best but more expensive. Shorties will kill a little torque but your going to have your share.
A stock 350 TPI can barely keep up with a stock 350. Plan on some upgrades.
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Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
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Emissions testing and inspection - yes?
Your best bet is to abandon the 400 idea and go for an LT1 with six-speed. Smog it as if it's the car the engine/tranny came from.
Your best bet is to abandon the 400 idea and go for an LT1 with six-speed. Smog it as if it's the car the engine/tranny came from.
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Car: 1966 El Camino Custom
Engine: 350
Transmission: 200R4
Axle/Gears: 3:73 12 bolt with Brute Strength
Can't argue with that. GM actually considered a run of 602 LT1 powered third-gens for the final 1992 year that used mainly parts from the factory parts bin. The GM Race Shop built one from a 1991 Z28 before the project got scrapped because of cost considerations. It was featured in several magazines including Super Chevy March 1995. There are a few third-gen owners on this site with the Lt1 swap that can offer advice.
#7
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Yeah just did some reading on emisions laws regarding engine swaps in Calif. Has to be same year or newer. I figured I all ready had the 400 and would go with it, but I gueess thats out of the question now. DAM!!!.
I didn't know there was a difference between the world class T5 behind the V6 and V8 other than the bell housing. I want to stick with at least a 5 speed. I would like the 6 speed but it may be out of my price rang after doing the engine swap. May have to wait a while for the 6 speed upgarde.
Thanks!!!
I didn't know there was a difference between the world class T5 behind the V6 and V8 other than the bell housing. I want to stick with at least a 5 speed. I would like the 6 speed but it may be out of my price rang after doing the engine swap. May have to wait a while for the 6 speed upgarde.
Thanks!!!
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#8
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Originally posted by wesilva
A stock 350 TPI can barely keep up with a stock 350. Plan on some upgrades.
A stock 350 TPI can barely keep up with a stock 350. Plan on some upgrades.
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Car: 1966 El Camino Custom
Engine: 350
Transmission: 200R4
Axle/Gears: 3:73 12 bolt with Brute Strength
This article should help. It addresses the intake or base manifold issue somewhat but sounds like a pre 87 base manifold or complete TPI is the easiest route to mount the 400 heads. How about modifying the 92 Z heads to use on the 400? Is it a 305 or a 350?
http://www.sethirdgen.org/tpi1.htm
http://www.sethirdgen.org/tpi1.htm
Last edited by wesilva; 06-11-2004 at 09:52 AM.
#10
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Originally posted by wesilva
This article should help. It addresses the intake or base manifold issue somewhat but sounds like a pre 87 base manifold or complete TPI is the easiest route to mount the 400 heads. How about modifying the 92 Z heads to use on the 400? Is it a 305 or a 350?
http://www.sethirdgen.org/tpi1.htm
This article should help. It addresses the intake or base manifold issue somewhat but sounds like a pre 87 base manifold or complete TPI is the easiest route to mount the 400 heads. How about modifying the 92 Z heads to use on the 400? Is it a 305 or a 350?
http://www.sethirdgen.org/tpi1.htm
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