All 400's came with 168 toothed flywheels or flexplates. You don't necessarily need a "mini" starter, just a starter with the correct bolt pattern. The 153 tooth starter use the straight across bolt pattern and the 168 tooth starters have the offset bolt patten. Most (except Ralph's) 400s have three starter mounting bolt holes to accommodate either starter. The nose piece of the starter CAN be changed on your existing starter to save some money. Most mini starters have 4 mounting holes, all in line. One set of two holes is used for the 153 toothed 'wheel and the other pair spaces the starter further out for the 168 toother. The block MUST have the three starter mounting holes to use the 153 toothed compatible starter or the mini starter. Right, Ralph? A missing hole CAN be drilled and tapped, if necessary.

While all 400s have 168 toothed 'wheels/'plates, 400 (unbalanced) 153 tooth flywheels seem to be readily available. Flexplates are a different story. When you find one, they are pricey. The "add on balance weight" ID85 mentions IS an alternative. But, "You can buy a 400 CI-153 tooth stock style Flywheel" is not true. All stock, 400 balance wheels were 168 teeth. As you can see, there are many alternatives. Internal balancing is great, if it's in your budget. Otherwise, it's not necessary for your intension's. The most economical, sanitary, way would be a stock 400 flexplate and a new nose piece for your starter.

RACE ON!!!

 

Dude, stop being soo ****,, I did not say "stock 400 flywheel"

I said;

"You can buy a 400 CI-153 tooth stock style Flywheel" meaning a 400 FW balanced for the 400 crank that has 153 teeth.

Are you a professional teacher or do you just want to be one or did you just sleep at a Holiday Inn???

 

WOW! I didn't even attribute that quote to YOU. I didn't name call, or defame, I was merely clarifying that Chevy never made a 153 toothed, 400 balance, flywheel, to keep people from looking for one. A little sensitive, are we? Maybe **** is YOUR style. Not production ****, just **** style. If hair splitting and name calling is the best use of your time, maybe YOU ought to try staying at a Holiday Inn.

Have a nice day.
RACE ON!!!

 

This thread seems to have taken a nasty turn in my absense.

 

A word of advice....check it REAL good for cracks. The 400 SB is notorious for cracking. Personally, I would rather build a 383 than a 400. No question the 400 has potential to make big power, the reliability is questionable. I've picked up 2 400 blocks, both 2-bolts, and both were cracked. One on the side of the block by one of the frost plugs, the other at one of the steam holes. Drag racers around he have given up on them.

 

If it isn't cracked and you have it sonic checked you should be OK for a mild street motor. Just stay off the race track and build the angine for lots of grunt down low. Let me know if you need any more dyno time. Jeff