400 sbc
 

Hi all, I just got a 400 sbc for my 54 chevy pickup. I want to rebuild it to have good gas mileage but still be hot when mashing the pedal. I just want to be able to drive 100 miles or more and not have to take out a loan. what combos will work? Or should I just get the same old same old 350? <img src="confused.gif" border="0">

[ April 02, 2002: Message edited by: JPSmith ]</p>

JPsmith,howdy!the 400 sbc is cool and can be built pretyty hot and not beggar you to drive.look,if you dont want the 400 i'll bring you as 350 swap even,ok?get my drift,lifes short,build the 400!you'll love it!as far as recipes look some articles i chevyhiperformance,you can get back issues and the motors are most often dynoed at the end of the build.see ya!jimm

change the rods to 5.7s the engine will last longer. check the rod bolt clearance if you do. hard block is good but only a partial fill and beef your cooling system.if you change cyl heads make sure you have the steam holes drilled

The extra cubics will cost you mileage. There is just more piston swept area and thats that. If you want good mileage, go with a smaller motor. I personally feel it is a pointless expenditure of money to build a 400 dumbed down when you could build a 305 or 350 and get good power and still get much better mileage. What torque and power do you want?