I've always heard that 400 SBCs overheat. And they would overheat even MORE if you don't drill out the steam holes in the head. Well, I have one without the steam holes drilled out. It was a race block so whoever had it before plugged the holes. I didn't drill them because I was afraid I might damage the block. Now in intense Nevada heat (106-110 degrees) my engine runs at 180 all the time. Goes up to 200 WITH the AC on. That's not bad considering our cars run at 220 most of the time. This is with two fans running all the time. In the winter I have to keep the fans off to get it even go up to 160.

Just a little FYI for people that are scared to put a 400 in their car because it might overheat. I'm sure if you drill the steam holes out it would run even cooler. Now go look for a 400 and make your ride faster TODAY!

 

i would if i had the money

 

Thanks Blacken:
YOU INSPIRED ME....
I went out today and bought a SBC 400 for $50.00. What type of setup are you running? i.e. Heads, Piston, Compression, Carb, and Intake.

 

i 'm rebuilding a 400 also. not sure which 400 heads i've got, but i'm not sure if the steam holes have been drilled out yet. any pics of what im lookin for? thanks. cant wait to get that beat old 305 out and this baby in......

 

Hey DTL504...kind of looks like you could take the components you have on your 283 and swap them directly onto your 406 (You should do steam holes on a street engine...no matter what) and have a pretty good setup.

Lots of torque...something you don't have now.

 

$50? where can i get one of those deals!