400ci available?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 526
Likes: 1
From: Millington TN
400ci available?
So for a winter project I'd like to start building a motor. I'd like to stay with a small block and I'm reading a book called 'How To Build Big-Inch Chevy Small Blocks.' They had an interesting build-up on a 400ci block. After some surfing I can't seem to even find one other than eBay. Is it possible to buy a new 400 short block anywhere?
-CR
-CR
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
Likes: 630
From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
Originally Posted by C_Reichow
So for a winter project I'd like to start building a motor. I'd like to stay with a small block and I'm reading a book called 'How To Build Big-Inch Chevy Small Blocks.' They had an interesting build-up on a 400ci block. After some surfing I can't seem to even find one other than eBay. Is it possible to buy a new 400 short block anywhere?
-CR
-CR
http://www.jrmotorsports.com/product...ductID/210.cfm
more$http://www.jrmotorsports.com/product.cfm?productID=248
world products, dart & GMPP have NEW aftermarket bare 400 blocks.
I have a good used 400 block ... not cheap.
Last edited by jackson; Aug 7, 2006 at 10:27 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 3
From: Wildwood IL
Stay away from GM production 4 bolt 400 blocks. Most are 511 casting. (I've seen 2 bolt 511's though!!) For high HP applications the 4 bolt is weak. Because of the increase bore size, that fourth main bolt weakens the webbing between cylinders. If you must have a 4-bolt, machine it for splayed caps. They're strongest. The 509 block casting with a 020 and or 010 cast into the front by the cam bearing is the high nickel high tin content block which was the strongest. Also has two feeze plugs on the side making it look like a 350. Nothing wrong with the standard 817 casting though. That's what I have and others as well.
Lot's of good inexpensive blocks on ebay. Just have to know what your looking at and ask specific questions. Here's some things to look for. Check how well centered the front casting for the cam bearing is. (Perfectly centered is best!) NO RUST in the bore. Original main caps. Standard 4.125 bore. Never decked.
Good Luck
Eddie
Lot's of good inexpensive blocks on ebay. Just have to know what your looking at and ask specific questions. Here's some things to look for. Check how well centered the front casting for the cam bearing is. (Perfectly centered is best!) NO RUST in the bore. Original main caps. Standard 4.125 bore. Never decked.
Good Luck
Eddie
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,838
Likes: 10
From: Austin TX
Finding a good used standard bore 400 block is becoming impossible these days. No way would I purchase a block off e-bay. There's any one of a dozen problems that could render it useless.
And you have to start with a standard bore block,..400's can only be bored .030 once then you'll need sleeves for future rebuilds.
I would call your local engine builder,..see if they have a good core they'd sell. Then if there's a problem, you could take it back.
Then there's the aftermarket,..Dart had one in the $1500 range at one time.
GM Performance makes an aluminum 400,..now we're talking!...about $3000 as I recall.
Good luck!
And you have to start with a standard bore block,..400's can only be bored .030 once then you'll need sleeves for future rebuilds.
I would call your local engine builder,..see if they have a good core they'd sell. Then if there's a problem, you could take it back.
Then there's the aftermarket,..Dart had one in the $1500 range at one time.
GM Performance makes an aluminum 400,..now we're talking!...about $3000 as I recall.
Good luck!
Last edited by 73, Dark Blue 454; Aug 8, 2006 at 12:23 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
Originally Posted by 73, Dark Blue 454
Finding a good used standard bore 400 block is becoming impossible these days. No way would I purchase a block off e-bay. There's any one of a dozen problems that could render it useless.
And you have to start with a standard bore block,..400's can only be bored .030 once then you'll need sleeves for future rebuilds.
I would call your local engine builder,..see if they have a good core they'd sell. Then if there's a problem, you could take it back.
Then there's the aftermarket,..Dart had one in the $1500 range at one time.
GM Performance makes an aluminum 400,..now we're talking!...about $3000 as I recall.
Good luck!
And you have to start with a standard bore block,..400's can only be bored .030 once then you'll need sleeves for future rebuilds.
I would call your local engine builder,..see if they have a good core they'd sell. Then if there's a problem, you could take it back.
Then there's the aftermarket,..Dart had one in the $1500 range at one time.
GM Performance makes an aluminum 400,..now we're talking!...about $3000 as I recall.
Good luck!
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 659
Likes: 0
From: Flower Mound Texas
Originally Posted by C_Reichow
So for a winter project I'd like to start building a motor. I'd like to stay with a small block and I'm reading a book called 'How To Build Big-Inch Chevy Small Blocks.' They had an interesting build-up on a 400ci block. After some surfing I can't seem to even find one other than eBay. Is it possible to buy a new 400 short block anywhere?
-CR
-CR
.You're right, they're getting a little difficult to find, but not impossible. I got a pretty good price for the one I sold. You might try craigslist for your area.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,504
Likes: 139
From: Butler Pa
Originally Posted by Edzred72
Stay away from GM production 4 bolt 400 blocks. Most are 511 casting. (I've seen 2 bolt 511's though!!) For high HP applications the 4 bolt is weak. Because of the increase bore size, that fourth main bolt weakens the webbing between cylinders. If you must have a 4-bolt, machine it for splayed caps. They're strongest.
A while back I built a 377 ci from a 511 casting 400 block and a 350 crank. This was a very nice high revving motor, but it ended up cracking the block from the front main journal up through the webbing into the front cam journal.
