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Thoughts on a 400 sbc

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Old Oct 21, 2000 | 02:01 PM
  #1  
Ace_Murdock's Avatar
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From: Peoria, IL
Car: 1985 Z-28
Engine: a big one
Transmission: 4 spd auto soon to be a 6 speed
Thoughts on a 400 sbc

I have a 400 chevy that I am wanting to use in my 85 camero Z28. now I know that if I want any power I need to go to 4-bolt mains to handle power. Other than that has anyone had any problems with a 400 sbc?
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Old Oct 22, 2000 | 04:08 PM
  #2  
ede's Avatar
ede
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From: Jackson County
make sure the heads have the steam holes drilled in them. i wouldn't worry about the 4 bolt mains unless you're making over 450 HP. if you do buy the splayed caps.

------------------
-=ICON MOTORSPORTS=-
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Old Oct 22, 2000 | 10:35 PM
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From: SoCal
400s can get thin cyl. walls towards the bottom. You might want to consider partially filling the cooling passages to strengthen it some. The amount of fill depends on how much HP you plan to make and how large the bore size is.

Don
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Old Oct 23, 2000 | 10:13 AM
  #4  
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From: New Britain, CT, U.S.A
Car: '87 IROC
Engine: LT1 350
Transmission: 700-R4
Actually, I hear that the 4 bolt sbc 400s are the ones to stay away from, it's something about it cracking or so. My friend built 2 sbc 400s and they were both 2 bolt producing over 800 HP (on spray) and they held up fine. He never had cooling problems either. Just make sure to get the steam holes drilled, and you have a good airflow to the motor and radiator when in the car. Those sbc 400 blocks are great motors, just don't use the stock sbc 400 heads, those are a mistake, lol, good luck!
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