Chevy 400 engine
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: Santa Barbara California
Chevy 400 engine
I went to look at a 79 today and owner said it had a 400 in it now. The car is a 4 spd with a good body and frame but needs paint and cosmetics. My concern is what I have recently read about the 400 engine and overheating issues because of the heads. The car drives great and has much more torque than my 80 with a 350. He wants 6,000 but seems negotiable. Any info on this engine would be greatly appreciated and what I should offer him for his car. Sorry, no pics. Jay
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,565
Likes: 2
From: Sparta Mo.
As long as it has all of the 400 parts it'll be just fine. 400's have siamesed cylinders. Meaning that there are NO coolant passages between the cylinders. Coolant has to rise through steam holes in the head to get to the other side of the bore. They work just fine. I would say go for it as long as the engine isn't built too radically. If it is, understand that it'll be a blast to drive, but parade duty and heavy traffic are out of the picture.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,545
Likes: 3
From: 406ci SB, AFR 180 Heads - 490 HP @5,600 RPM 529 lb-ft @ 4,100 RPM
406ci in our 79, and love it. Rebuilt the L-82 to 379hp drove it for one year (sitting in the corner) and built the 406 and find it much better to get higher hp & torque. You will like the 400. 
Racer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 497
Likes: 0
From: Streator Illinois
Shouldn't be a problem as long as your cooling system is in good shape and the lower part of your cooling air intake is not full of leaves, trash, etc.
Terry
