So the 68 that i bought has a 400 4 bolt main in it. i have come across a block for super cheap so i can build it on the side. so i have been doing a lot of research on the 400s and have found a lot of mixed emotions about them. there seem to be a lot of people that think the 400 is a good for nothing engine.

So really i was just looking for some opinions from yinz guys and your thoughts about the 400s before i jumped into this exciting build.

If you think i should build something different like 350 or 383 stroker or something then shoot the idea. Ohh ya, my car is nowhere near numbers matching so that is not a concern at all, so im open to pretty much anything.

Thanks in advance!!

 

I have heard they are good motors but you have to keep an eye on them to keep them from overheating. I had a buddy with one and he never had a problem with his so.....How about some pics of your new ride? I would put what ever motor you want, its your car...

 

Ya i heard about the overheating but as long as you have the steam holes drilled in the heads then it is usually ok. But here are a few pics. the engine is a diamond in the rough but as full restore will be starting in about a year or so. cant wait! ! ! ! ! !

 

I just put a 400 in my 68.I dont know the specs of the motor but it has had a bit of work done to it.Havent done many miles in it yet but I love it.

 

a 4bolt main 400 is a rare block. they are a very torquey motor. that's whats really popular in many of the drag cars around where I live. they are a good motor. My grandpa had one in his 55 chevy bel air. the only reason it was pulled was due to a bad machinist.

 

The sbc 400 is one of the best ideas from GM. Don't forget, the stock big block was 396 cubic inches. So the 400 is bigger and fits in less space. The steam holes get a lot of bad press but its because people don't pay attention to the issue. The heads and head gaskets need the steam holes. Beyond that, the sbc is a great engine and better than a 350 and 383. There is no replacement for displacement.

 

I put one in a Chevy Monza. Windowed the side of the block, found another one. Damn I miss that car.

 

I will stay with my 396's my son in law to be has had a machined 400 2 bolt main/with heads for sale on Craigslist all summer he's asking 800 no takers

 

I have a 4 bolt 400, (now a 406) in my 68. I built it for this car. As mentioned steam holes are important. I have aluminum heads, a big cam and some other warm up items that lead to about 450hp. One thing they say about 400's is that the rod length puts a weird angle on the pistons and can cause supposed cylinder problems. When I built the motor I ditched the 5.56 rods for the standard SB chevy 5.7 rods.

I have had no problems with the motor, it runs hard and never heats up past 180 even during the summer in city driving. No electric fan either , stock radiator, fan and shroud with a fan clutch.

 

Lots of torque!