so i was planing on building my own 350 but with full time work and full time college i just dont have much time or money to do it the way i want. one of my friends has a 400 small block that was built professionally and doesnt have many miles at all on it. it was built for a mud truck that never got finished. he got this truck for free when he bought his camaro circle track race car. he decided he wants to part the truck out caz its pretty rusty and the suspension needs all replaced and the trasfer case went out. he is willing to sell me the 400 for only 300 bucks. does any one see any reason why i shouldnt get a 400? i have heard they have over heating problems but then heard thats just a myth.

 

If it's a good running motor i'd say you cant go wrong for $300,hell i see them going for more that around here and needing a complete rebuild on them.

 

yeah thats what i thought. i figured the block was worth that alone. their not as common as 350's. it runs really good its still in the truck so i was able to fire it up. i just have to find the time to pull it.

 

Take it. I would "freshin" it up. Pull the pan and check the bearings, you don't want to find out too late. Toss an oil pump in it too. Mud truck rev high and don't move all that fast not letting air through the radiator. I've tore down a couple motors out of trucks with serious bearing problems.

 

yeah the guy he got it from said he has never actually used it in the mud truck. its an old truck he was trying to restore and make into a big mud truck but just gave up on it. i never thought to put an oil pump in it that would be a good idea.

 

The only overheating problem that I know of, is when head gaskets are used without the required steam vent holes. The 400 engine needs the steam vents because the cylinder walls are siamesed.

 

Correct,also you'll need a special flywheel or flexplate,the 400 is like a 454 ,externally balanced.
I've had two of them,one in a '72 Impala and another in a '78 Jimmy (full size blazer).
Never any overheating trouble with either and they both pulled really strong.

 

alright thanks for the help guys i think im going to buy it this week i wish the guy would pull it for me but i have to do it myself

 

I'd ****** a 400 in a heartbeat at that price if it ran well, even in stock form!