[snids53]

i know this is a rook question but please help...

a guy near me is selling off his stock pile of engines from his junkyard days. he has a long block 400, 350, and 327.

he is asking $350 for the 400 and $250 for the 350 on down. he guarantees the blocks to be standard bore, no cracks, and such. he also has spare heads and cranks.

i don't have a project car yet but thought this might be a good opportunity. what should i buy if anything??? are these good prices??? which engine is the best to buy for a future build up without knowing what that is yet??

if you need more info to help me like casting numbers and such i can get them from the guy selling the stuff.

thanks a bunch....

[Ibaplayer]

If they are all as you say then buy them all....lol...but if not you can't beat the 350 for parts availability. Personally I'm a fan of cubic inches so I would go with the 400 cid.

[406 bug]

you must first determine what you want in your final build. how much hp, what type of driving etc. if you are going to change heads cam, crank, pistons. It does not make much sense to buy a long block. look for a good block and build with quality parts. The 350 is the least expensive to build.

[techinspector1]

Personally, I'd snag the 400. You always want to start out a performance build with the most cubic inches and 400's are becoming scarce. I'd insist that the correct harmonic damper and the proper flexplate be included. 400's are specific to themselves as to damper and 'plate.

[Alaskan Assassin]

I'd go for the 400, as I too am a fan of big cid, but there's a plethora of parts available for the 350 and is a great engine.

[snids53]

so i can get the complete 400 delivered (round trip 60 miles) for about $375. it includes the damper and flexplate. i think he said its a casting number 817 or something like that...he kind of mumbles.

is this a great price and should i pull the trigger??? to me, a rookie, this seems like a great opportunity not to let go by just because i dont have a project yet....(;

[Ibaplayer]

I would buy it for sure, but make sure that you are getting what you think. It seems there are more and more people out there willing to rip you off. Do your research. See if he can get you the full casting number and look it up on the internet. There are many sites out there that can tell you what you're getting. These are indeed getting rare and have potential of making serious power with the right parts. Its a good deal to me if its indeed a 400 cid.

[406 bug]

Big waste of money unless you have an idea of what your building. I assume you know that the 400 is externally balanced, has short rods and does not make much hp without lots of work and espense.

[xxllmm4]

I would go with the 400, but only if its a 2 Bolt main and you have some extra money to spend on the rebuild. You cant go wrong with the 350, cheap and easy to find parts for.

Jordon

[Nsomnia]

A 400 is no different from a 350.

Just more displacement. Steam holes are no big deal. 20 minutes with a drill very slowly.

If its a stock rebuild/mild performance the 400 will be exactly the same as the 350, 305, whatever sbc.

If your gonna buildup the 400 youll need to clearance your new rods due to the long stroke, they may (will?) hit somewhere in the block. That said the stock internals can take a pretty good beating as long as your not revving it very high.

[snids53]

a big thanks to all of you. after asking many different people about this and using the information i gained from all of you i have come to a decision.

but first i would like to again thank people for the maturity on this site and the willingness to answer dumb rook questions.

i have decided to go with the complete 350 delivered to me for $275. when i do rebuild it i will spend as little as possible for a mild mill. i just want to enjoy rebuilding an engine that i can afford that will provide a little fun on the street. i dont need 400-500 plus hp just the joy of the experience.

man do i wish i was born in the 50s or 60s....

[Alaskan Assassin]

Hey, making a decision is a start, and a 350 is a nice engine: lots of parts for cheap. I've got a 350 in my p/u and love it.