AHH! No 350, but a 400!

[Longhorn Al]

I took my truck to a guy to have the heads and ram horns replaced because I had a really bad leak and no compression. Today we get a call saying that I don't have a 350. He says it's actually a 400!

I'm feeling a bit frustrated and excited. My options sheet says a 350. The previous owner said it was a 350. This is the first time it's been ripped into. The guy said he's already found a pair of 400 heads to replace mine with. He had to trade a 327 for them. I have to pay an extra $150 for them. He said mine have a cracked valve and are just worn out, and would cost a fortune to repair.

So now the whole deal is $325 for a pair of rebuilt 400sb heads (he's going to replace valve seals, etc), a pair of ram horn manifolds for $90, and installation. Does this sound like an ok deal?

I know I'm talking a lot, but this is crazy.

Also, how much extra horse power do 400's get than 350's considering both are stock? But, if someone went through the trouble of putting in a 400, what are the odds that it is stock?

[Randy70C-10]

Hmmm, you got ripped off. I'll bring you a 350 to trade for the 400.

[Randy70C-10]

BTW- I wouldn't do that for just anyone.

[lukecp]

$90 sounds really high for the ramshorns. I sold a pair on the parts board for $40 plus shipping not to long ago, and they were in almost perfect shape. I have seen them go anywhere from $40-$60. For $110, you can get a set of headers and pick up some more hp, and 1mpg or two. A 400 has more potentiatl than a 350, becasuse of the extra displacment. The 400 proably has as much, if not more, potential for power than a 383 stroker. Stock, there proably isn't more than 20hp of difference between the two. But the 400 is known for being a gas hog.

[Longhorn Man]

In stock form, the 400 is a wheezing fat pig in the upper horse power range, but the torque off the line is better than a 350. Some people think 400s are junk, but they are not, and I hate seeing people canabalize them for the crank to make a smaller displacement engine, that costs more to build. If it wasn't for the Caddy engine, i would be building up my 400 block with 2 bolt mains that I have sittin in my storage unit.
The price you are getting is not too bad. The manifolds are a bit steep, but here in Columbus, you'd be hard pressed to find a local deal any better. I just wonder what "400 heads" he's putting on there. Try to get a casting number off of him, and MAKE SURE they have steam holes. This is a MUST DO.
400s can be awsome animals with just a little $$ put into them.
Find out what year the engine is too, and let me know if you would.

[Super Chevy]

ill trade you a 350 for it, so the glovebox will match the engine...

S-C

[speeddemon]

First of all check the balancer. If it is not a solid unit than yes it is as a 400. 400's are Ext. ballanced there should be a low spot on the inside of the balancer. Do you have a weight on the flywheel? Don't just go by what someone tells you. Chek theses items first!