My engine is pretty much done and if Im taking it out I would rather put something bigger in it. Right now I have a 400 that is cammed, edelbrock manifold and carb.(came with car, looking to get holley)
I am looking for a 455, but will take another 400 that has some mods to it. I dont care if the engine needs some work, would just rather put something more powerful in if Im taking mine out anyways
not sure what heads, but we believe its from 70-72... guy we bought the car from is a complete idiot. I would rebuild it eventually. Right now its only pushing 230hp to wheels and 309 torque. Current engine pretty much needs to be ripped to bare block, and also needs new piston rings
if i where to do my 400 over again , i'd install the 455 crank kit and build ut that way, its not really going to cost toomuch more to install a fully balance 455 rotating assembly in your 400 same block only .030 over bore and some clearancing in th block, plus it will say 400 on the block..lol
Look in the area of the center exhuast ports, there will be numbers and or letters, 7K3 16 13 48 62 6X etc. Casting dates are usually along the lower valve cover flange. A208 = jan 20 1968.
My 2 cents. If I was doing it all over again I would build a stroked 400 . 400's are often a better, stronger block than the later 455 blocks. A new stroker kit would give you almost the same displacement as a 455 with all new, stronger than stock, internals. there are some nice kits out there. once you know your going to rebuild, pull your engine and strip it and get your block tanked, crack checked, and tested to see if it is a good candidate for rebuilding. the jim hand book is a great reference to teach you the basics so you know what your machinist is talking about. then just open your wallet and watch the money fly out...
It looks like the deal with my dads friend is going through witht the 455. It needs work to it but the price hes selling it to me is good. I am going to keep my 400 though and possibly rebuild it as well. Its always good to keep a spare engine around if something happens.
I would open my wallet more but lately ive been on a budget due to my job sucking(at least I have one) and only getting in 15-30 hours a week now when I was doing 45-60 a week
