Just found out that my piston rings are shot and have hardly any compression in at least 1 of my cylinders. By the way the car is running, there's more than likely a couple more. So I will have to get another block and instead of a 305, I want a 350. But not if I can get a 400 in there.

So what year 400 should I get and is it worth it? Worth it meaning, how much more of a price are we talking here over a 350 block? I'm talking complete 400 block, minus intake and heads.

As far as performance, I don't care about redline. I want torque, gobs and gobs of torque.

 

There hasn't been a factory 400 block since 1979 and they're getting hard to find. Externally, the 400 is the same as a 305 or 350 or any other V8 SBC.

 

The 400 was made from 1970-1979 from 1970-1972 they were 4 bolt blocks and from 1973 on they were two bolt blocks. The two bolt blocks are more desireable to people who are knowledgable since they are less prone to crack in the lifter valley. This is also true of all the other sbc engines. 400s have a 3.75 stroke and a shorter odd ball rod. they are also externally balanced like a 454. They are prone to run hot since they have siamesed cylinder walls and water can't get all the way around the cylinder and cool it like a 350. You can spot by looking for three freeze plugs in the side of the block or also looking for a externaly balanced flywheel or harmonic balancer. A very few 400s have two freeze plugs like a 350 which are ideal for making cheater motors especially if you purchase a internally balanced rotating assembly (like I did). All 400s have steam holes between the cylinders and you have to drill your heads for them if you are going to street drive it to prevent overheating. The crankshaft journals are larger than a 350 so a 350 crank will not bolt right in. You have to get bearing spacers for this build. Prices are about the same as a 350 or anyother sbc you just have to purchase the appropriate part. I have a 406 that kills everything else and my block has two freeze plugs and the guts are internally balanced. My 350 runs real good.

 

[QUOTEAs far as performance, I don't care about redline. I want torque, gobs and gobs of torque.[/QUOTE]

Displacement does that.....Stephen87 seems to be a big fan too!...

"469 BBC (454 +.070) alcohol engine (Now has a 540 for the 2006 season)
All engine. No power adders!"