Formulas for a 400 SB - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

*wolfthing2000* · 02-24-2005, 12:14 PM

Any simple economy builds for the 400 SB to gain power at a ground level budget???
Dave

68C15 · 02-24-2005, 12:34 PM

instead go with a 383. same torque but without the common overheating issues.

**breeh** · 02-24-2005, 12:58 PM

It is my understanding that the overheating issues with the 400 are a myth. Usually when a 400 overheats it is because heads have been put on without the steam holes.

browndawg71 · 02-24-2005, 01:29 PM

400 sb . vortec heads , performer rpm airgap intake, headers . cam with around 230 degrees duration @ 050. you really need to give up more details about what you are going to do w/ this motor( . race , street , 4x4)

Bowtiefreak · 02-24-2005, 02:31 PM

First I mean no disrespect but the statement on overheating is very in-correct. 400's will stay cool with no problem provided the steam holes are drilled in the heads as mentioned earlier.

wolfthing2000-
What do you want to do with the motor as mentioned by browndawg71?
400's are great little motors. See my sig.

*wolfthing2000* · 02-24-2005, 07:33 PM

I am planning the engine for a 3/4 ton 4x4. for casual driving and some towing / camper hauling. Hopefuly put together with some late 60s 327 heads that I have.
Dave

c10-377 · 02-24-2005, 02:29 PM

I beleive that the overheating problem is a myth also. I have had a couple of 400 sb and never had any problems. Just make sure you have the right head gaskets and the right heads with the steam holes for them. Well, I take that most any head will work you have to take the head to a machine shop to have steam holes drilled. The motor I have now is a 400 bored .040 over and I have no problems with overheating.

racer face · 02-24-2005, 08:53 PM

4 bolt main blocks have weak webbing. If you need torque motor use a two bolt block
with four bolt main caps and have a machine shop drill the extra holes.
Make sure head gaskets have all the passage holes open.

*wolfthing2000* · 02-25-2005, 01:10 PM

Am I on the right track with the heads?? I have an Edelbrock manifold with a Quadrajet to use for now and I will use Headman or such long tube headers and Dyna- Flow or similar mufflers RV cam.

BigDave · 02-25-2005, 03:50 PM

I have a slightly built 400 SBC in my Blazer.

It has a rebuilt 850 cfm Quadrajet sitting on an Edelbrock Performer intake. I slapped a nasty old set of headers on it. It has a Lunati 292 cam and timing set. I installed 9.5:1 pistons and some decent heads. It also has the much recommended HEI electronic ignition and a serpentine belt system. One thing I would definatley redo is install an electric fan(s) and get rid of fan/clutch/shroud stuff.

I like it. If I drove it more often I would probably prefer a stroker or a big block. It gets down the road, sounds great, and eats up pavement when I want it to. I have no complaints.

02-24-2005, 12:14 PM	#1
wolfthing2000 Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 1,276	Formulas for a 400 SB Any simple economy builds for the 400 SB to gain power at a ground level budget??? Dave

02-24-2005, 12:34 PM	#2
68C15 blood type; Retumbo Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: next to my reloading bench Posts: 10,269	instead go with a 383. same torque but without the common overheating issues. __________________ Man rule #77...if you own a 67 stepside with a caddy 472 you will never be in danger of loosing you man card

02-24-2005, 12:58 PM	#3
breeh Recovering 67-72 Addict Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: North Bend, WA Posts: 1,788	It is my understanding that the overheating issues with the 400 are a myth. Usually when a 400 overheats it is because heads have been put on without the steam holes. __________________ 68 Short Fleet 4x4; 427; BTO Level 3 700R4; NP205; Dana 60 front and rear; 4" lift with 35's; Disc brakes; AGR variable ratio steering; factory bucket seats; factory tach and tilt. "Friends call me cruzer cuz I like fast cars and fast women"

02-24-2005, 01:29 PM	#4
browndawg71 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: paris, texas Posts: 235	400 sb . vortec heads , performer rpm airgap intake, headers . cam with around 230 degrees duration @ 050. you really need to give up more details about what you are going to do w/ this motor( . race , street , 4x4) __________________ every man must believe in something, i believe ill have another beer!

02-24-2005, 02:31 PM	#5
Bowtiefreak Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: LeRoy, Mich. Posts: 854	First I mean no disrespect but the statement on overheating is very in-correct. 400's will stay cool with no problem provided the steam holes are drilled in the heads as mentioned earlier. wolfthing2000- What do you want to do with the motor as mentioned by browndawg71? 400's are great little motors. See my sig. __________________ 1968 Chevy C10 Short Fleetside/Wood floor ECE 4-6 Drop / 406 Small Block 1971 Chevelle 427 Big Block

02-24-2005, 07:33 PM	#6
wolfthing2000 Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 1,276	I am planning the engine for a 3/4 ton 4x4. for casual driving and some towing / camper hauling. Hopefuly put together with some late 60s 327 heads that I have. Dave

02-24-2005, 02:29 PM	#7
c10-377 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Western Ky Posts: 56	I beleive that the overheating problem is a myth also. I have had a couple of 400 sb and never had any problems. Just make sure you have the right head gaskets and the right heads with the steam holes for them. Well, I take that most any head will work you have to take the head to a machine shop to have steam holes drilled. The motor I have now is a 400 bored .040 over and I have no problems with overheating. __________________ 1969 c10 2wd 377 destroked 500hp - In Planning stages of a 700hp 8-71 blown 406 sb 1990 ranger 2.3L 250k and counting I want my truck to have enough power that im afraid to put it to the floor

02-24-2005, 08:53 PM	#8
racer face Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Wellington Ohio(GO BUCKEYES) Posts: 74	4 bolt main blocks have weak webbing. If you need torque motor use a two bolt block with four bolt main caps and have a machine shop drill the extra holes. Make sure head gaskets have all the passage holes open. __________________ Pat ______________________ 1968 1 Ton Dually Flatbed 327/th400 1968 C30 Open Road 327/th400 1997 F350 CREWCAB 4X4 460 BIGBLOCK

02-25-2005, 01:10 PM	#9
wolfthing2000 Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 1,276	Am I on the right track with the heads?? I have an Edelbrock manifold with a Quadrajet to use for now and I will use Headman or such long tube headers and Dyna- Flow or similar mufflers RV cam.

02-25-2005, 03:50 PM	#10
BigDave I poop on Ford! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Houston Area Posts: 295	I have a slightly built 400 SBC in my Blazer. It has a rebuilt 850 cfm Quadrajet sitting on an Edelbrock Performer intake. I slapped a nasty old set of headers on it. It has a Lunati 292 cam and timing set. I installed 9.5:1 pistons and some decent heads. It also has the much recommended HEI electronic ignition and a serpentine belt system. One thing I would definatley redo is install an electric fan(s) and get rid of fan/clutch/shroud stuff. I like it. If I drove it more often I would probably prefer a stroker or a big block. It gets down the road, sounds great, and eats up pavement when I want it to. I have no complaints. __________________ 1972 Chevy Cheyenne - LWB, factory 402BB 2005 Chevy Suburban LT 2006 Chrysler 300C - SRT8



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