Will a 400 SBC work?, Pick and pull sightings.. Options

[Andyrew]

So we where scrounging around pick and pull seeing what we could see. Lots of carburated SBC's to choose from, so I will be able to hopefully find one that will work. This weekend it is 75 bucks (you read it right) for a COMPLETE engine, from the air filter to the exhaust manifold!!!! So Looking around dad spotted what looked like a good 400 SBC (he said something about rare...) It was from a Impala, 70 or so. (anyone have any way of identifying it? engine code numbers? I couldnt find anything online..)

Anyways, my question was one of dads comments. He said that the 400's had a harmonic balancer. Would there be any reason why that harmonic balancer would make it NOT work?

Oh While where in pick and pull, we'll be picking and pulling certain things from other engine's so that we have one "complete" engine. My dad said something about high performance ignition and dizzy... What cars would have that factory? What else should I "Swap"?

Come on v8 guys I know your out there!!

Andrew

[skline]

Sure, why not, the only drawback is that the 400 had over heating problems. Two of the cylinders were siamesed in and it ran hotter than a normal engine. Great engine though, you can change the crank on and stroke it with a slight over bore and have a fast revving 406 which would put out about 400HP without even trying, that is the engine the stock cars used to run.

[Scott Carlberg]

Andrew/Dan,

when are you guys going to the yard again?

I may want to tag along, of course with JUST two-seaters in the family, I'll have
to drive myself, which is no problem.

[skline]

OK Now that I read your post, I will answer your questions, the 400 was externally balanced which could cause a few problems for you. All engines have a harmonic balancer however, but the flex plate and balancer were actually used to balance the 400's.

[skline]

Also, if you need to run casting numbers, try this link. They should tell you all you need to know.

Casting numbers

[Andyrew]

So skyline.. is that a yes it will work? or no?
Oh ya, sent ya the money, but you probably already knew that.. sooner it gets out, the better!

Scott. I think saturday where going.. you can help gettin the engine out!!! (gona be there half the day....)
I'll send you an email scott.

Thanks guys.

Andrew

[Andyrew]

Oh good link for the casting number. Gracies!

Andrew

[skline]

I have a complete 400 SBC here in my garage and am not using it for that reason, you would have to do to a machine shop and have everything balanced and honestly, it just would not be worth it. Look for a 283 or 327, those would be your best choice for an engine to install in your 914.

[Scott Carlberg]

don't the 400 engine SUCK at gas mileage?

I know, prolly not in the top-10 of things you're considering, especially putting
it into a 914, but, having owned some Pontiac's and hanging out with some
guys who tuned them, I do remember they preferred the 350's.

guess that was like....................... 23yrs ago though (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wacko.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif)

[Andyrew]

Alright gotcha.

There was lots of 70's and 80 camero's there.. Would there be anything from that?

Andrew

Hmm maybe take the 400 engine AND another engine.. build up the 400 for later....

Hmmmm

Now if I can focus on the task at hand.. There are lots of 80's cars, and some 70's cars, What would have the engine I need?

Andrew

[Mueller]

Andrew, I'd stay with a more common motor or smaller like skline mentions....oh yea, while cleaning my garage tonight, I found my brand new, never used Griffin aluminum radiator from Summit Racing, I'm pretty sure it's 31x19 in size. part number should be gri-1-25272-x

it might be smaller in width, I'll measure it later on.

$50...

[Toast]

The 400 SBC will work. It is the same size as any other SBC. You must have the crank damper and flywheel from the unit, as Scott said, it is externally balanced.

For identification look for two things:
1.) The harmonic balancer will not be a round smooth circle. It will have a relief cut in it on the circumference about 1/3 of the way around.
2. The crank flange (where the flywheel/flexplate mounts will have a locating pin in it - the other do not and the flexplate has weights welded to it.

A 400 SBC bored 0.030" with early "double humper heads - small valve (63 cc combustion chambers), flat top pistons and an ISKY 270 hydraulic cam will produce an honest 350 - 400 hp and TONS of torque.

To mate the heads, you place a gasket on them and drill the steam relief holes in the head.

You need a good cooling system.

I know, I built this combination for my 16' jet boat and was able to blow off big blocks with a single 600 cfm double pumper mounted on a replica Z28 manifold.

Stock they had 265 HP with a single 4 bbl.

[skline]

build yourself a nice little 305, they had small chamber heads, put some dome pistons in there for higher compression and a nice camshaft, and you would be set.

[skline]

Andrew, I'd stay with a more common motor or smaller like skline mentions....oh yea, while cleaning my garage tonight, I found my brand new, never used Griffin aluminum radiator from Summit Racing, I'm pretty sure it's 31x19 in size. part number should be gri-1-25272-x

it might be smaller in width, I'll measure it later on.

$50...

Andy, that sounds like a killer deal for the radiator, I would jump on that if I were you!

[skline]

The 400 SBC will work.  It is the same size as any other SBC.  You must have the crank damper and flywheel from the unit, as Scott said, it is externally balanced.

For identification look for two things:
1.)  The harmonic balancer will not be a round smooth circle.  It will have a relief cut in it on the circumference about 1/3 of the way around.
2.  The crank flange (where the flywheel/flexplate mounts will have a locating pin in it - the other do not and the flexplate has weights welded to it.

A 400 SBC bored 0.030" with early "double humper heads - small valve (63 cc combustion chambers), flat top pistons and an ISKY 270 hydraulic cam will produce an honest 350 - 400 hp and TONS of torque.

To mate the heads, you place a gasket on them and drill the steam relief holes in the head.

You need a good cooling system.

I know, I built  this combination for my 16' jet boat and was able to blow off big blocks with a single 600 cfm double pumper mounted on a replica Z28 manifold.

Stock they had 265 HP with a single 4 bbl.

Gee Toast, you sound like you have been hanging around Slits too much, you sound exactly like him. He is one of the few people that I know, that would even know that much info about that engine. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

[Andyrew]

Mike, you just might have a deal.
If I cant find a nice aluminum radiator at pick and pull on saturday(15 bucks) I'll definately take you up on that offer (if I dont, then you can sell it on ebay, without having to be nice to me... lol, thanks man..)


Toast, Thanks for that great info, I've put it in file.

What has a 305? I know my dad knows, but he's sleeping...

Andrew

thanks guys!

[skline]

The 305 was used in the early 70s but used again in the mid 80's in the IROC Z28 camaro's. Look for one of those.

[Andyrew]

Gracies!

What about headers? anything had any good headers?

Or starter (included)

Or alternator?(included..lol)


Andrew

[Mueller]

i thought it was a 307 in the '70's??? the 305 might be an okay choice, i know the aftermarket supported it for a while when it was brand new.

you can pick up the radiator on Monday, 'cause no way are you going to find an all aluminum radiator at pick'n'pull......most conversions that have problems can trace it back to the cooling system in one way or another

personally, i like the idea that if a key component for my conversion gets damaged, i can make a call or place and order on the web and get a replacment in just a few days.

[skline]

You can use the stock alternator and the stock exhaust manifolds, but the starter wont work, chevy starters bolt to the engine and drive the starter gear on the flexplate or flywheel, not compatible with the 901 or 915 Porsche. MikeZ's purple people eater has stock exhaust manifolds.