ok heres the deal, and yes i did search and got good info but really didnt pertain to my situation.

decided to do a 3rd gen camaro drag car. found the car 86 Z28 w/ a weak aZZ 305 HO in it. for the money and condition of the body it a perfect canidate.

been kicking around ideas for a engine. was palnning a 350 build, which i have a empty block already, i got info from a friend who had a 400 sbc laying around which he'll let go for 300 bones. but, it needs to be looked at by a machine shop. motor was built for a nova drag car but upon build completion and run had a low end knock. engine was pulled and planned to be fixed. well hurricane katrina hit and engine got some water damage.

was then pulled apart and left sitting. my friend says it is a strong engine but needs to see a machine shop to be 100% sure.

im going to pick up the engine and take it to a very good local machine shop and see what they say.

all costs will be split down the middle between me and another friend who will be doing this project. i have a TH350 already, which needs a complete rebuild. the total cost to me minus machining costs, if i get the engine and the trans rebuilt is 550, so say 1000 give or take w/ the machining and trans rebuild.

the original builder of the engine is available to speak to to know exactly what was used for the build.

if all goes well w/ engine and is cost effective the only drivetrain parts i will need is a shaft and a rearend, rear in the car will not hold up.

i guess what i am asking is, if anyone of you would be in this situation would you go ahead w/ this project?

 

Rebuilt at least once, meaning it's probably .030" over already. Lower end knock, 400 blocks are known for cracking. Been under water and rusted, probably needs another bore clean-up, .030" over is typically the max for factory 400 blocks.

Build the 350 into a 383.

 

Not sure if is was bored or not. pretty much why i want to take it to a machine shop and have them look it over b4 i buy anything. plus being able to talk to the guy who helped built it is an advantage. i was planning on building the empty block to something like a 383, but im on a budget and doing the 400 seemed more cost effective at this point in time. if i could build the 350 up cheap and make good power i would.

if i do go the route of the 400 is there anything else i need to consider for the swap?

 

For a drag car, a 400 fits just like any other small block chevy...

No big deal...

 

Make your decision after the machine shop tells you what's wrong with the 400. If it needs to be bored past .030", pass. The noise could be damaged bearings, damaged crank, damaged rods, or damaged block. Bearings or rods could be overcome, damaged block means scrap heap.

 

well i was suppose to look at the engine and pick up the block to take in to a machine shop today but it didnt happen. will do this monday hopefully...