Need help deciding what to put in my '65 VC...both motors are complete air cleaner to pan, assuming a rebuild on each to stock specs w/possible slight hp increase. Which would be more cost effective assuming all things equal on both? Advantages or disadvantages of each? Parts availability? It should be metioned the 400 is a 4spd crank, already a negative(although, it would be nice to make more work for myself and convert this to stick!)

 

I don't have any experience with the 400 but the 425 in my 66 Starfire (auto w/gears in the low 3's) would chirp the tires on a hard launch. And that was in a 4200lb car. I loved (and miss) that car.

 

1st, I don't think it's a negative to have a stick crank. I think it is a positive. I just went through the trouble of getting 2 cranks drilled in the last year.
2nd, Doesn't the 400 and 425 share the same crank? Unless it is a 68-69 400. Lets wait for more info on that issue.
3rd, I would say a running 400 would be worth more for resale because of the 442 heratage.
4th, There is eo excuse for cubic inches. My dad told me that 30 years ago. I'm pretty sure it means as a general statement, the more cubes under your hood the better.
5th, I don't think it will cost more one way or another unless one block would only need a hone and not a rebore. That could save hundreds of dollars depending on if you planned on reusing the pistions.

My opinion= use the stick crank. If every penny counts, Then I would check both blocks for cylinder taper to determine which block to use. I prefer the 425 over the 400. I saw a 425 with some head work run high 11's in a big old Buick skylark. It made a believer out of me.
My 2 cents.

 

To me, that's a no-brainer. Personally, I'd use the 425 and take advantage of the extra 25 cubes. The '65 400 is worth more to somebody with a stick '65 442.
The '65 400 will not give you any performance advantage.

 

And... just a reminder that 400 was only used in the 442, nothing else. So as trade stock or resale that would be a choice item. If you paruse the parts wanted ad I believe someone on the east coast or mid-west at least was recently looking for a 400 for his 1965 442. Man, if you were closer I'd be interested in the 400 myself as the one from my project car will need a sleeve in a cylinder and the 4 speed crank was ruined when the previous owner threw a rod. For sure, I vote build the 425 and sell/swap the 400. John

 

So far I appreciate all the input! I don't have either motor in my possesion, but both are available to me. The 425 was my first interest not only for the price($250), but for the extra cubes. Then somebody asked me if I'd be interested in a '65 400 out of a 4 spd car. Would be neat to have that in my '65 VC, kind of could build it to represent a 442 Vista Cruiser "what could have been"! The big thing w/the 400 is the price($1800). If I were to use the 425, I would also build the car as a "what could have been?", with the biggest cubes olds offered then in a VC. When you open the hood, it would be painted the blue, and it would still have the dual snork ac with the pie pan that says "Toronado".....more cubes is a plus......any difficulties with finding internal parts for either? The Toro motor is a 39deg CBA is it not? The 400 a 39deg? I know this info is available here and was just too lazy to look! After some more input, I'll make a better, more informed decision. So far leaning toward the cheaper 425! Also like 25 more cubes! And Kurt (I think it was you) makes a point that was on my mind also...it would be better to see that motor in a '65 442 where it belongs, and might help somebody who needs it! The guy selling it is not advertising it! Keep the opinions and facts coming please!

 

The 425 needs a real home too JK That would be my choice too. Great motor. Especially if it came out of a Starfire. But no matter what, when we start mixing and matching we are taking something from somewhere else.

 

sell the 400 to this guy

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...ne-needed.html

 

Go with 425, cubic inches does matter easy way to get torque and hp

 

There's no replacement for displacement.