[1badchevy]

planning on doing a 400 sbc swap in my caprice but i been hearing alot of bad stuff about it. Overheating, cracking, ect. Never had one personally and need to know is it worth it, or should i just go with a trusty ole 350. All info appreciated. Thanks

[Valkyrie5.7]

Originally Posted by 1badchevy

planning on doing a 400 sbc swap in my caprice but i been hearing alot of bad stuff about it. Overheating, cracking, ect. Never had one personally and need to know is it worth it, or should i just go with a trusty ole 350. All info appreciated. Thanks

Make sure the heads are drilled for steam holes and take care of the coolant. It's all a bunch of hubbub for nothing really.

[vinniekq2]

If you use a GM stock block from the 70s then close inspection is required.I had 1 block failure.If you buy any modern block then build anything up to 472 with no worries,or 440 with a low block. Decide the purpose,then decide the best way for you to get there.figure out what you are willing to pay and what that will buy for you. wallet is the limit

[bullheimer]

Originally Posted by Valkyrie5.7

Make sure the heads are drilled for steam holes and take care of the coolant. It's all a bunch of hubbub for nothing really.

ditto.....

[1badchevy]

Thanks. It has stock heads so they should already be drilled. Secondly, i wasn't really gonna take it apart, just drop a running block in.

[bullheimer]

dont forget the 'running heads'. and forget to keep your 4bbl carb and intake

[RWENUTS]

Originally Posted by 1badchevy

Thanks. It has stock heads so they should already be drilled. Secondly, i wasn't really gonna take it apart, just drop a running block in.

Never assume anything. Pop the heads off and be sure or check the casting numbers.
Are you even sure it's a 400?
Again!
Casting number off back of block and the numbers on the front behind the altenator will help.
And you'll need a different flexplate if it is a 400.

[lg1969]

Since this is a grocery getter and 400 will work fine. Most of the external parts will fit. Make sure the flex plate is a 400 type. I would not worry about overheating. The radiator sure handle it, because it's a low compression motor. Low RPM and Horsepower, High torque. There are Caprice out there with 400.
My cousin had a Caprice wagon with a 400 4 barrel Qjet. He had it for a long time and never had any problem.

[Mr. P-Body]

Agreed. 400 isn't "junk". People tend to squeeze them a little too hard without proper "prep", resulting in heating, cracking, etc. In a stock application, with a GOOD radiator, mixture and timing maintained, it's a good, torquey powerplant for a bigger car.

Jim