Ok guys i picked up a 400sbc shortblock, fresh rebuild on it.. Now that i got that main part, I need help with the little $hit. For heads I can get a set of sportman 2's i guess all I would need is steam holes drilled in them, also the cc's on the heads are 76cc.... Im guess this will drop my compression, but I dont know... I know nothing about the 400sbc other then its a torque monster... I got the shortblock for a nice price. As for cam. I got a brand new roller cam I have sitting around that i got for my 305, that i would like to use in the 400. I would be at a lose if i didnt use it because the cam cost more then the shortblock, LOL. Im assuming all I would need in the retrofit kit from like compcams or crane.... Intakes I have a performer that I am using that i will just reuse... What else is there guys? Can I reuse my old oilpan, etc.... Just trying to make this swap as harmless as possible.. But man I got a 400sbc this rocks.

 

You might think about selling the roller cam if your trying to save money. The retrofit roller lifters are nearly $400 new and you'll need the correct pushrods to go with them. Another $80. Then there is the fact your 305 cam has a step on the front of the cam that requires cutting off the ears of your cam retainer from your 305 and using a special timing set for the application. Another $80. I doubt the specs you chose for your 305 will do the same job with respects to performance now that you're feeding 100 extra cubes. Why don't you look at a complete cam kit from Comp Cams Extreme Energy series? Complete I believe it's about $150 complete with cam and lifters.

Are the pistons dished? If so, what cc? That will determine what head cc you need. If pistons are flat tops, you will definetly need a head with 76cc if your plans are for pump gas.

 

The heads sound like a good choice. They'll need the steam holes like you said. Only question is what pistons are in the shortblock, since that will really determine what chamber size you should shoot for. If the pistons are flat tops (with valve reliefs, of course), 76cc is good for streetable compression.

You're in more trouble with the cam, though. Cams for factory roller blocks are different than retrofit cams. Putting a factory roller cam into a pre-roller block isn't straight forward. You'd be better served selling that cam and getting one specifically designed for a 400 - retrofit roller if you like (base circle is another issue to be addressed).

I doubt the oil pan will work, either. The 305 will be one-piece rear main seal, the 400 2-piece. The pans are different IIRC.

 

Looking at the block this afternoon... I beleive i got ripped off... Looking at piston I do not notice the 2 5/8 steam holes... Im going to look up the block #'s i think i got F*cked. If so then im stuck with 305, and im gonna order the 335 kit... Stupied RedNecks.

 

steam holes are in the heads and on the blocks deck.... not the pistons.... and they arnt 5/8"

 

from what ive heard regarding the 400 sbc , if you get
high flowing heads like "pro action 220" ?, HP will follow up
but if you just put vortecs on (not a bad choice ),
then yes it will be a Torque monster.

 

in otherwords

the engine is bigger, so it needs more air to goto the same RPM.

 

The casting numbers for a 400 sbc are 511 and 509. There could be others too though.

Measure the bores. If they are 4.125" or bigger, its a 400 for sure.

 

since the heads are off, id measure the bores too.

 

the casting #'s on the block bring to light that its a 327..... Dammit. I dont want no 327.... Rednecks are getting this shortblock back.... Back the drawing board, unless the 327 is worthwhile... I dunno. AHHHHHHH

 

327's are coveted by many restorers, especially the small journal variety. Sorry you got burned on your quest for a 400. I would advertise it for more than you paid for it to see if something pans out. If not, then return it.