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400 Engine Build

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Old Jul 29, 2003 | 07:28 AM
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Default 400 Engine Build

If you were looking for a 400 4 bolt main/700R4 combo to build ,from what years vehicles would you be looking to get this from?? (At the bone yard) :cheers: :seeya
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Old Jul 29, 2003 | 08:03 AM
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Default Re: 400 Engine Build (phxraptor)

1988 IROC's with the 5.7 had the Corvette servo,,other F-Bodys might have had this upgrade from the factory as well.
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Old Jul 29, 2003 | 08:42 AM
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Default Re: 400 Engine Build (mountainmotor)

:confused: Servo??
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Old Jul 29, 2003 | 11:34 AM
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Default Re: 400 Engine Build (phxraptor)

I thought the price of a Vette servo was more than it actually is.

Here is a little info on the servo upgrade. A Google search should provide many more links to information than this one alone does.
http://www.kdsperformance.com/corser700r44.html
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Old Jul 29, 2003 | 07:51 PM
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Default Re: 400 Engine Build (phxraptor)

If you were looking for a 400 4 bolt main/700R4 combo to build ,from what years vehicles would you be looking to get this from?? (At the bone yard) :cheers: :seeya
You can look forever. Chevy never built this combo. The 400 (engine) went away in 1980 and the 700R4 started in '82, I think. If you find a factory 4 bolt block, slowly walk away from it. Don't let it fool you. In every other sbc, the 4 bolt mains are a GOOD thing. The 400, 4 bolts have thin, weak, bulkheads and main bearing webbing. An unmodified 2 bolt block is stronger than the factory 4 bolt. If you really need more strength than the 2 bolt has to offer, it can be 4 bolted with factory caps, or better yet, splayed 4 bolt caps can be bought and installed. Good luck, and...

RACE ON!!!
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Old Aug 7, 2003 | 10:06 PM
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Default Re: 400 Engine Build (phxraptor)

:) Found a 400 long block 2 bolt today :cool: will have to wait till tomorrow to see if it will clean up and is a good one. $150.00 :D :hurray:
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Old Aug 9, 2003 | 08:46 PM
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Default Re: 400 Engine Build (phxraptor)

Dean, any luck w/ that block?
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Old Aug 9, 2003 | 09:49 PM
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Default Re: 400 Engine Build (Caboboy)

:rolleyes: No,block was already 40 over :eek: Found 2 more the core shop says are standard bore :confused: Getting tired of all the :crazy: in looking for a good block then trying to decide what components to use to build it. Those ZZ430 crate engines are starting to look GOOD ! :lol: :cheers: :seeya


[Modified by phxraptor, 7:50 PM 8/9/2003]
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Old Aug 9, 2003 | 09:54 PM
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Default Re: 400 Engine Build (phxraptor)

Those ZZ430 crate engines are starting to look GOOD ! :lol: :cheers: :seeya
Nahhhh, be patient and go with the cubes. The difference is amazing! :cheers:
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Old Aug 10, 2003 | 06:36 AM
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Default Re: 400 Engine Build (Caboboy)

i agree dean,hold off youll be happier.
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Old Aug 10, 2003 | 07:43 AM
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Default Re: 400 Engine Build (patsnitrovette)

Pat, Happier with the crate engine or the 406 ? :seeya
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Old Aug 10, 2003 | 10:10 AM
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Default Re: 400 Engine Build (phxraptor)

There's a four bolt on EBay now. Don't if you want to stick with the 2 bolt. Hopefully this won't lead into a 2 bolt vs. 4 bolt battle...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=33613

I had a 400 in my last vette and it was fantastic. To me, they are a great blend of performance and streetability. The advantage of displacement I guess. I'm in the process of putting a 400 in my current vette.

Good luck with your project!
Jack
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Old Aug 10, 2003 | 12:15 PM
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Default Re: 400 Engine Build (Jack71)

Hey guys, don't you just love spending other people's money? :lol:

Dean, here's another 4 bolt on E-Bay, it's in Az:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=34202

A factory 4 bolt will be just fine if you don't run 500+ HP or beat it to death
:cheers:
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Old Aug 10, 2003 | 12:44 PM
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Default Re: 400 Engine Build (Caboboy)

:confused: I thought the 4bolts were prone to overheating causing cracked cylinder walls? Don't forget I live in Arizona,115/118 degrees in the summer(But it's a DRY HEAT) :lolg:
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Old Aug 10, 2003 | 01:35 PM
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Default Re: 400 Engine Build (phxraptor)

I've never heard that :confused: Maybe someone else could chime in.

What you do hear is that factory 4 bolts have weaker webs because of the extra holes, but I don't think that's an issue for a motor that isn't beat on. If I didn't have the nitrous, I would've done a 4 bolt, I just figured I'd be better off splaying the 2 bolt. :cheers:

Good luck!
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Old Aug 10, 2003 | 03:39 PM
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Default Re: 400 Engine Build (Caboboy)

So you think a 4 bolt would be ok and hold up to 450-500 hp and near the same torque :confused: :cheers: :seeya
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Old Aug 10, 2003 | 04:32 PM
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Default Re: 400 Engine Build (phxraptor)

Contrary to popular belief, I think you'd be fine. There was quite a discussion here on that subject about a year ago, and most of the more experienced 400 block guys seemed to agree a 4 bolt would be OK under these circumstances.
But, that being said, if you intend to run that kind of power and don't have the block yet, I'd go 2 bolt splayed. Better to be safe than sorry IMHO..... But, keep in mind this is my first (and probably only) 400 block venture :cheers:
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Old Aug 10, 2003 | 05:04 PM
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Default Re: 400 Engine Build (phxraptor)

A stock 4 bolt may stand up to moderate power increases. The 2 bolt block, stock, is stronger than a stock 4 bolt. The weakness, isn't because of the material removed in the drilling for the extra holes. The castings are thinner and weaker to begin with. The siamesed cylinder walls, overheating questions, and the drilling of steam holes, are discussions of 4.125" bore 400 blocks, independent of the 2 vs 4 bolt situation. If the price and availability of a 4 bolt is right, and you deem it suitable for your application, go for it. Just be aware that it is LESS desirable than the 2 bolt. Don't be talked into paying a priemium for an inferior 4 bolt block. Too many people are unaware of the 4 bolt's weakness, including some sellers. Those people, falsely, place a premium on the 4 bolt. Caveat emptor! Good luck, and...

RACE ON!!!
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Old Aug 10, 2003 | 05:50 PM
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Default Re: 400 Engine Build (phxraptor)

phxraptor,

Sorry, my bad. It appears this thread is going into the 400sbc 2 or 4 bolt spiral of death...


[Modified by Jack71, 5:51 PM 8/10/2003]
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Old Aug 10, 2003 | 06:32 PM
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Default Re: 400 Engine Build (Jack71)

:iagree:
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