350 or 400 Small block

I want to build a new motor for my street rod. I can purchase a 350 4 bolt main or a 400 small block 4 bolt main for about the same money. Both engines are complete. Both are from mid 70 pickups. Pros and cons of building each engine.


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400 bad points- subject to cracking at the steam holes to the head bolt holes on both the block and heads, tend to run a bit warmer, max performance bore of .040- short con rods-+ good points- Ain't no cubstitute for cubic inches

350 bad points- belly button factor(everybody has one)- some have head cracking problems-+ good points-relatively plentiful-tons o parts available-work horse-reliable.

I may get bashed for saying this but I would take a 2 bolt 400 over a 4 bolt 400 any day....The 2 bolt 400 seems stronger.

We here at tornadoautomotivecanada@yahoo.ca are presently working on 13 different chevies two 265's eight 350's two 305's & a400 We've found that in the past most any chevy will stand up to a lot of abuse. If someone wants to go dragging then go get a four bolt main only but if you are just a hot rodder only running her once a few time a year at the strip then we reccomend just a helthy well oiled well kept motor two bolt main is fine Our biggest problem is the chevy oil pumps get weak but rarely ever fail. Yes folks the 265 are being restored not rodded. I do admit that I can notice the difference when I drive the chevys that the 400 seems to pull better work less they just seem a little better, than the 350 each basically in stock form.

No brainer take the 400,

400 all the way. 50 more cubic inches, and enough torque to shred tires off.
Most small block guys like myself find out, once you go 400 you don`t go back.

Double Vision said it, once you go 400 it hurts to go smaller, it is a real kick in the nads when you can't find another one. Go big or go home, no small blocks smaller than 377 allowed in my garage.

Amen to that. love the 400. cole

Thread date 10-05-2003. He's probably made a decision by now.

D-oh, the newbee got us there! LOL