Where are some good places that I can get a fully prepped 400 block from? I'm looking to spend around 800-1000 on a block. thanks. Oh and this deal with the "high nickel" blocks. Does that really make it any stronger or better?

 

ebaymotors.com

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=1874102200

 

How can someone sell a fresh machined block bored .030" over and not include the pistons?

When you bore out a block, the pistons are used to measure the final clearances. The cylinder wall finish is also done depending on what rings you use. Cast rings require a different finish than chrome-moly rings.

 

ask seller a question!

http://contact.ebay.com/ebaymotors/a...102200&frm=284

 

Go to the junkyard and get a blcok, and take it to the machine shop yourself and get the work done. It's kind of pointlessly stupid to eliminate all the 400 blocks on the planet that don't have fresh machine work (which is probably 98% or so of the total population of them) from your consideration.

 

Pave Tim, you have a P.M.

 

old chevy vans are a good source of good and many times untouched 400s! I have gotten many 350s from them were the head gasket blew and every thing else is good. one had a cracked head and busted rings still minor stuff.

 

I wish my 305 would have held up longer...I would have went and found a 400 and built it but I ended up with a brand new GM 350. Oh well its all good you can still make plenty of power with 350ci.

 

350s are good too

 

I just had this discussion with my machinist. I thought I'd have to get the pistons before he could bore it but it turns out that these days most all the pistons are engineered with very tight tolerances. The off the shelf pistons .030 over are already clearanced to a .030 bore. In other words 15 or 20 years ago if you bought oversized pistons the machinist would need to have those when he bored it to make sure the tolerances were in spec. Some machine shop still practice this and tell you that they need the pistons before they can do the work.

 

1986redbird what is a P.M.?

 

personal message

either that or email him

 

If you have a shop in mind to do your work, check with them. Preferably one that is into race engines for stock cars. Here in the Midwest, the shops keep some engines on hand and you can get one from them without having to run one down yourself. Some shops have blocks with rotating assemblies on hand for sale. Or you can spec out what you want and they will get it ready. The shop I use had several 400's in the racks ready for rebuild.