I know a 455 has a lot more potential than the 400, but I found a 400 BBO in a local ad that apparently came out of a '68 442. It was rebuild less than 10,000 km (6,000 miles) ago and has 10:1 compression, mild cam. The ad says it is producing the factory hp of 360 (I'm not sure if that means "net" or "gross" by today's standards). The price is $750 obo. I'd like to find a motor with a bit more power than my stock '69 350 SBO, but one that my TH350, original rad and 2.25" dual exhaust can handle. Does this 400 sound like it might fit the description? Would this engine have C or D heads?
Thanks!

- GoldOlds

 

Well, you have asked some questions I can't answer without references. I have terrible memory and probably didn't know the answers to begin with (I can't remember). But, if I were you and could buy an already rebuilt Olds 400 for $750 OBO I would!

 

All HP and torque ratings were gross prior to 1971.

 

I would guess that the engine has C heads, D head are rare W-30's, but I really agree with Oldsguy for $750.00 BUY IT!

 

If I were you I would not purchase the engine. You have a perfect SBO 350 in the car right now. Why not rebuild it? If you purchase the 400 you are inheriting problems since it has 10,000 miles on it. Why are they selling it? Is it still running strong? If you do purchase it I would ask for all of the receipts and info on the rebuild since it wasn't that long ago. Other than that the price isn't too bad. Maybe if it was $600 it would be unbeatable. Your call. Hmmm...

 

There are 2 400s, the early short stroke engines and the later small bore/long stroke engines. The early ones can be screamers, the later ones are not so desirable. I think 68 was the first year for the late 400, but not sure. I agree with Olds64, keep the 350. If you do go BBO, might as well get max cubes and a 455.

 

Thanks for the input everyone, it's much appreciated! '68 was in fact the year the 400's stroke became bigger than it's bore. What I have in mind is finding and/or building a BBO engine while enjoying/cruising with the 350 that's currently in the car. Maybe I'll save up some money for 3" exhaust and a TH400 (and to shorten the driveshaft) and just purchase a 455; I like the idea of having tonns of bottom end torque. Would I need a bigger rad if I went the 455 route? The current rad appears original and the car never had a/c.
Thanks again!

- GoldOlds