i want to build my self a 400HP motor. What blocks should i look for at the junk yard, would the years 71-92 fit my 84 camaro with the T-5 tranmission? and can the 82-92 cranks be able to handle 410ftlb?????

 

blocks with the last 3 digits ending in 010 are nice. i bought a engine with the casting number 3932386 that ended up being a 4 bolt main 350 with a forged crank.

 

Hes right...010 blocks are the pick for a good hi-perf. buildup...thick walls, stout block.

 

Look hard for a 3951509 block (preferably a 4 bolt) or a 3951511 (only 2 bolts), both 400c.i. small block engines and all you need to adapt to the T-5 is a $15 balance plate for the stock T-5 flywheel, that can be found at your local performance shop.

I thought the big deal with the 0010 blocks was the fact that they had a higher nickel content in the block for better cooling.
Tell me if I am mistaken on this.
Later, Garrett

 

The higher nickel was in 1971. The 010 blocks came in trucks most of the time. Back in the day, the cars and truck had different motors. Cars had 2 bolts. The 010 is supposed to be more of a heavy duty block. I have one. 4 Bolt main. anywhere from 185-300hp stock. It came in trucks and I think the Vet!! Just find a good block, I have yet to hear somebody blowing out the bottom of the block. If you have that much of a concern, get the 2 bolt splayed.

 

one of the 010 blocks i have which is in my car currently is a 2bolt block out of a 75 chevelle. the stamping numbers right over the passenger side water pump outlet will tell you exactly what year and vehicle the block came out of. just call a dealer with those numbers and they can tell you.

 

010 is the way to go!! I got mine out of a 72 chevy 1 ton truck. It came with a forged crank too!! even better of a block is the one that says 010 but also has a tube that runs all the way to the manafold for the distributor unlike the stub that is normal. These are very rare and sprint car racers pay big bucks for them so dont count on finding one. I have seen one in 5 years at a junkyard with over 300 small blocks.