Alright, so I don't know much about engines, all i know is that the stock 305 just doesn't have as much power as i'd like. I'm in the market for a 350 TPI (anyone know of any lemme know) and came across a 400 chevy small block. This engine was primarily used for drag use in his 66 camaro. He just rebuilt the internals and put on 78 miles with them (pistons, hydraulic cam, polished/ported heads)...the works.

Now for my questions. He told me that the engine will bolt right into my car and work with my tranny but also said i should get a 2600 to 2800 stall. He also told me that the C/R is about 13:1, which i'm under the impression would require high octane gas, but i'm not sure if premium would be enough or if its even practical. I've had a couple friends tell me that the engine will not in fact bolt in and that i will have problems with the tranny not bolting up.

I was just wondering if he is lying to me when he says it'll fit and when he says it'll run on pump gas. I know this might be overkill for a daily driven car but for the price (he's getting a divorce so he must sell) its a STEAL. Can I use this in my car (85 T/A)?

 

Uhh... a '66 Camaro?.... first year ever was 1967.

13:1 is WAY too high for pump gas.. you need race gas for that. Since your '85 Trans Am did come with a 305, the 400 will bolt in pretty easily, so should the trans.

I'd stay away from this one though... its way to race-preped for any kind of street use.

 

hmmmmm i was afraid of that. but i figured i'd do some asking just to make sure, it is a good deal.

suppose i need to do some more lookin.

 

If it is a race engine though, it might have some good parts in it, like aftermarket crank and rods, good heads, etc... but you'd have to rip the engine apart to know.

 

hmmmmmmm thats a very good point. i'll have to get more exact details on it.

 

How good is a good deal.

 

Less than you'd have to pay by doing it from scratch or with what you've got.

But only if you "need" it. You can go broke on good deals.

 

five7kid makes a very good point. i could make it work, but i would end up spending more money to get my car ready to handle something that i really don't "need"....but would love to have.

 

everyone is wrong.

there is no 66 camaro.
a 13:1 compresson motor would require race gas.
a badass racing motor(what i envision a 13:1 400 should be) would probly need more stall then that.

your friends are wrong, it bolts in perfectly... the only diff being that the dipstick might be on the other side.



i would look into it deeper... how did he get 13:1?? because if they're flattops or mild dishes (and not popups) you could just swap the heads for some larger chambered ones, and swap cams..

then you'll have a much better, streetable 400.

but all that only if its worth it to you..


like five7kid said... you can go broke buying good deals... heck i know what he means.

i have a 2 car garage filled with stuff i couldnt pass up. half of it will probly just be resold later on.

 

if it's a good deal and you can spare the cash...i'd buy it and then resell it for a higher price.

 

yeah i thought about that as well. or maybe buy it, sell the heads and crank, and get new ones that would make it more streetable. i dunno, i have to get a hold of the guy yet to get more details if i'd do go that route.

 

find out how he got that CR defently, you may be able to just sell the heads off it and buy new heads with larger chambers, or buy it and swap out the pistons for some dished pistons, depends on how cheap it is if it would be worth it or not. Keep in mind with an engine that makes that kinda power your probably gonna want your tranny built stronger, subframe connecters, and a stronger rear end like a 12 bolt or a ford 9 inch. Not to mention suspension/traction mods.

 

The 400 bolts right in and fits to your transmission as well. Dipstick will be on the drivers side. You should be able to transfer several items from your 305 to the 400 if you get it. Belts, pulley system, alternator, starter etc etc. I have a 400 now bored .030 over and I love it. I already have my next 400 waiting in the wings with a .060 bore, forged pistons,crank, bigger cam and all the goodies etc etc. You should stick with a 2 bolt main 400 tho instead of the 4 bolt 400. Its a nice engine to have in a thirdgen.

 

just wanted to thank you guys for all the info. right now, i'm still debating on just how much work i want to put into this, but at least now i have a better understanding on all of this.