[TroyBoy]

^x2 . Before we discuss int or ext balancing, what are your plans for the engine? What heads, intake, cam, etc. We are just trying to not have you spend unnessasary money.

[adantessr]

Originally Posted by TroyBoy

^x2 . Before we discuss int or ext balancing, what are your plans for the engine? What heads, intake, cam, etc. We are just trying to not have you spend unnessasary money.

X3 . Depending on your performance goals and usage, the recommendations on your engine build would vary greatly. There are loads of guys on here (BTW, I am not one of them) who can get you pointed in the right direction on what heads, cam, pistons, intake and carburetor to use.

[techinspector1]

Originally Posted by stallion0606

how to keep that engine cool that those engines are known for

When you hear these things, sometimes you want to find out what the truth is. From what I've researched on this topic, some braintrust built a 400 with 350 heads. They were not drilled as the 400's had been and the subsequent steam pockets that were formed at low rpm's caused either detonation from a hot spot or the head raised enough that the motor spit the head gasket out.

The GM engineers supposedly found that the 400 would wash out the steam pockets at the corner of the siamezed cylinders if the motor were run at higher rpm's. Problem is, these cars were sold to granny also and granny will not tolerate spittin' a head gasket out on the way to Bingo. So, the holes in the heads match up with holes in the decks allowing the motor to pass cooling water through the holes and relieve the hotspots at lower rpm's to fix the problem.

Now, of course, the genius who failed to drill the steam holes in the heads before assembly crabbed to anyone who would listen to him, that a 400 will overheat as the nature of the beast. This is some kind of WOW news to some fellows and they repeat it as gospel.

Drill the heads yourself with a drill press and some fixtures.
http://www.gregsengine.com/convertin...ds-to-400.html

[stallion0606]

well thats nice to know thank you very much

[adantessr]

Originally Posted by stallion0606

well thats nice to know thank you very much

For sure Great tip there, techie. This might be redundant, but, when starting the 10 degree angle holes, chuck the bit so you only have about a 1/4" or so sticking out of the chuck so the bit won't deflect. After the hole is started you can extend the bit.

[cerial]

Find a engine that meets the goals of the ride. Finding complete used assembly will always cost your less then building one. The downside to finding one complete is you don't always know what is in it. Look at your drivetrain behind the motor. Can it handle a 406 or would a mild 383 be better. Surly you can upgrade the drivetrain but there is a point where you are losing efficiency because of a weak competent. If your motor makes power at 5000 and you are running a 3000 stall you can imagine the issues at lower speeds. Although if you have an engine that makes all the power at 2000 rpm with a 3000 stall you may need to change your gearing in the rear to make it work. It all depends on what you plan on using the engine for and your overall plan for the ride. You can have 800 hp but if you put it in a car that weighs 1500 pounds don't plan to make it a daily.

[stallion0606]

ok check this out> I have a 355 with flat top pistons. I have a sbc 400 if i bore the 400 .030+ can I put those pistons on the same connecting rods i the 400 for a 79 chevy 4x4 if so i would greatly appreciate any advice.

[bigdog7373]

The 355 pistons in a 400? I'm pretty sure that won't work.
350 and 400 dont have the same bore size

[vinniekq2]

take the block to the machine shop and get it measured.then come back

[Richiehd]

Originally Posted by stallion0606

ok check this out> I have a 355 with flat top pistons. I have a sbc 400 if i bore the 400 .030+ can I put those pistons on the same connecting rods i the 400 for a 79 chevy 4x4 if so i would greatly appreciate any advice.

A year ago this was going into a Trans Am, what happened to that project?

[327NUT]

...........and 5 months later...again he comes back. Hey pardner no offence but before you try building an engine you had better do some reading....and a lot of it. Just by asking if 350 pistons will fit in a 400 gives us a peek at your knowledge. The more you read they more you know, the more you know the less chance you take at making VERY expensive mistakes.

[stallion0606]

one word BUDGET the t/a needs alot of work and i miss my big black chevy

[stallion0606]

ok mister 327nut i dont really know where to find the right answers instead of getting several answers. i know for sure i would have to get the block bored +.030 over. i'm not sure about using same rods or what. i've built a couple of motors before but not using other parts off of differest motors.

[adantessr]

Originally Posted by stallion0606

ok mister 327nut i dont really know where to find the right answers instead of getting several answers. i know for sure i would have to get the block bored +.030 over. i'm not sure about using same rods or what. i've built a couple of motors before but not using other parts off of differest motors.

The bore on a 355 is 4.030, stock 350 bore is 4.000. The stock bore on a 400 is 4.125.. Hence the remark by 327 nut.

[TroyBoy]

Here is some good reading material for you- Chevrolet Small Block Parts Interchange Manual written by Ed Staffel,How To Build Horsepower Volume 1 written by David Vizard. Both of these guys are well versed in engines. These books and many more like them can be purchased at Barnes & Noble or aqny other big book store. They are $20-30 each but they are a "must have" . I would strongly suggest at least buying the Interchange Manual so at least you can get the basic info you need to get started.