400 SBC Head Choice???? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

1981_c10 · 05-26-2016, 12:41 PM

Hey y'all, I have a 1962 c10 I purchased a few weeks back that came with a 70-80 model 400 sbc. Per that block casting number, this is the 190 hp engine. I am wanting to change the heads. Don't want to spend a crazy amount. I have some double hump heads that I can have machined...but I have been seeing guys put vortec heads on it?

Advice? Opinions? What which way should I go?

duallyjams · 05-26-2016, 02:36 PM

just make sure you drill the steam holes in the head for the 400, the 400 requires these because of being a siamese bore block

1981_c10 · 05-26-2016, 02:38 PM

I think the current plan is to use the double hump heads and drill the steam holes like you are saying. I just didn't know about using the vortec heads like I keep seeing. Hot rod mag put out an article about using them a while back.

1961apacheC10 · 05-26-2016, 02:42 PM

My understanding is you have to be careful using vortec heads depending on the type of piston you can get way too much compression because of the smaller combustion chamber.

1981_c10 · 05-26-2016, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1961apacheC10

My understanding is you have to be careful using vortec heads depending on the type of piston you can get way too much compression because of the smaller combustion chamber.

For sure, thanks for the heads up!

lumpy63 · 05-26-2016, 08:21 PM

You can run the double hump heads on you're 400 you have to drill the steam holes as mentioned , but be aware they have 64cc chambers and on a 400 this raises the compression ratio significantly due to the bore and stroke of the 400.I have the same set up on my daily driver 56 and MUST run premium fuel.Also take into account the cost of machine work because you really should install hardened exhaust seats for unleaded fuel. 400s are awesome engines at the moment I have 3 that are driven often.

LVPhotos · 05-26-2016, 11:07 PM

Is this a true no rebuild? Mine came out of trash can for $100 and heads of my 79 k10. 1976 Caprice block. KEITH BLACK flat top at 9.5 I think more. At 400 hp with rv cam Z28 off shelf cam. Weekend cam puts it at 500 and as the shop runs same set up... 100 shot N0X at 600. Torque monster.

**Captainfab** · 05-26-2016, 11:22 PM

You can install heads onto a small block 400 that have 64cc chambers as long as the pistons are stock type dished pistons. Whether you will have to run premium gas or not depends on several factors, one being the cam used. Your 'double hump' heads will work, but the L31 Vortecs are better heads. Those double humps and the L31 Vortec heads both have aprox 64cc combustion chambers.

Here is a thread with lots of info to give you some ideas.

http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=612016

lumpy63 · 05-27-2016, 02:48 PM

Yes the vortec heads are a great piece but be aware you also must run a vortec type intake manifold and guided rocker arms all adding to the cost.

05-26-2016, 12:41 PM	#1
1981_c10 Registered User Join Date: May 2015 Location: Fort Worth Posts: 315	400 SBC Head Choice???? Hey y'all, I have a 1962 c10 I purchased a few weeks back that came with a 70-80 model 400 sbc. Per that block casting number, this is the 190 hp engine. I am wanting to change the heads. Don't want to spend a crazy amount. I have some double hump heads that I can have machined...but I have been seeing guys put vortec heads on it? Advice? Opinions? What which way should I go? __________________ Builds: 1962 C10 Recreating Dad's High School Truck 1981 C10

05-26-2016, 02:36 PM	#2
duallyjams Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Deale Md Posts: 4,663	Re: 400 SBC Head Choice???? just make sure you drill the steam holes in the head for the 400, the 400 requires these because of being a siamese bore block __________________ James 63 GMC V6 4speed carryall 65 chevy swb bbw V8 auto 68 K20 327/4 speed, buddy buckets 2002 GMC CC Dually Duramax 64 GMC lwb 3/4 V6 4speed SOLD 66 GMC swb bbw buddy buckets SOLD IG duallyjams The only thing that stays the same is constant change!

05-26-2016, 02:38 PM	#3
1981_c10 Registered User Join Date: May 2015 Location: Fort Worth Posts: 315	Re: 400 SBC Head Choice???? I think the current plan is to use the double hump heads and drill the steam holes like you are saying. I just didn't know about using the vortec heads like I keep seeing. Hot rod mag put out an article about using them a while back. __________________ Builds: 1962 C10 Recreating Dad's High School Truck 1981 C10

05-26-2016, 02:42 PM	#4
1961apacheC10 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: renton Posts: 19	Re: 400 SBC Head Choice???? My understanding is you have to be careful using vortec heads depending on the type of piston you can get way too much compression because of the smaller combustion chamber.

05-26-2016, 08:21 PM	#6
lumpy63 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: san diego ça Posts: 121	Re: 400 SBC Head Choice???? You can run the double hump heads on you're 400 you have to drill the steam holes as mentioned , but be aware they have 64cc chambers and on a 400 this raises the compression ratio significantly due to the bore and stroke of the 400.I have the same set up on my daily driver 56 and MUST run premium fuel.Also take into account the cost of machine work because you really should install hardened exhaust seats for unleaded fuel. 400s are awesome engines at the moment I have 3 that are driven often.

05-26-2016, 11:07 PM	#7
LVPhotos Registered User Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 1,853	Re: 400 SBC Head Choice???? Is this a true no rebuild? Mine came out of trash can for $100 and heads of my 79 k10. 1976 Caprice block. KEITH BLACK flat top at 9.5 I think more. At 400 hp with rv cam Z28 off shelf cam. Weekend cam puts it at 500 and as the shop runs same set up... 100 shot N0X at 600. Torque monster. __________________ 1962 shortbed 408cui small block, TKO 600 5-speed, bagged Porterbuilt suspension. 18" Salt Flats http://www.cardomain.com/ride/332579...t-c-k-pick-up/ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=560081

05-26-2016, 11:22 PM	#8
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,246	Re: 400 SBC Head Choice???? You can install heads onto a small block 400 that have 64cc chambers as long as the pistons are stock type dished pistons. Whether you will have to run premium gas or not depends on several factors, one being the cam used. Your 'double hump' heads will work, but the L31 Vortecs are better heads. Those double humps and the L31 Vortec heads both have aprox 64cc combustion chambers. Here is a thread with lots of info to give you some ideas. http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=612016 __________________ Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE

05-27-2016, 02:48 PM	#9
lumpy63 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: san diego ça Posts: 121	Re: 400 SBC Head Choice???? Yes the vortec heads are a great piece but be aware you also must run a vortec type intake manifold and guided rocker arms all adding to the cost.



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