Are the 400 size engine blocks small blocks or big blocks? i know they usually come with the th400 tranny -isnt that for a big blocks ?
im looking into getting a new engine - i origianlly wanted to go with the 455 ,but im going to give it to my niece one day-and i know that too much power for her.i was looking into the stock 350, or maybe a .030 and mild cam 350- but i was reading that the 400 blocks come with 350hp.
help

 

Big block.

 

thanks buddy

 

260, 307, 330, 350, 403 = small block
400 early, 400 late, 425, 455 = big block
There were also 3 diesel blocks. A 260 which is basically a turd
A 350 D diesel and a 350 DX block
Then there is the nascar block.

 

how much hp can i get out of a 350 without stroking it - say maybe bore of .030 or .040 ? i know the cam means alot too- so which cam as well....
thanks

 

There is substitute for cubic inches unless you are willing to spend the big bucks, go with a big block.

 

i know the bigger block the more the hp - im not asking about that- i was just wondering how much do you think i can get out of a 350 -bored .030 or .040 with a nice cam ?

 

325-350hp is pretty easy to do and still have good driveablity. Just remember, to some degree whether it's a small block or big block, more hp = more $$$.
As far as cost goes, you'll find out a lot of good info here. But my favorite thing to do with a small block is grind the crank to SBC rod size, use an aftermarket SBC rod and bore it to 4.125, SBC 400 bore size. Parts are cheap, readily available and will take just about anything you throw at it.

 

gunmetal71,
IMHO, cutlassefi builds a pretty mean warmed over SBO 350 (pump gas friendly too). It would make a great street light to street light motor. I'd definitely consider him as a very good source for an Olds 350 build-up.

 

thanks for the info
btw: what does SBC stand for ? and can u give me more info on what cam,rods,pistons and crank i should use...... i.e - part #s and where to find them? -thanks

 

(?) SBC = small block Chevy

SBO = small block Olds

BBO = big block Olds

 

Any machine shop would be able to build a 350 hp 350 It would cost a whole lot pretty easy build. Just add some high compression pistons and little bigger than stock cam. Nice carb and intake. Maybe some headers. Your also need to build up the trans run a small stall conv. and it would a good idea to run 3.42 gears in the rear end.

 

If you want a 68-9 400 block, I have one. Can get it in Albuquerque or Las Vegas NV.

 

the main thing is to get the combination correct for it to work&please you. what rear gear ratio, torque converter,comp ratio&car will the engine be going into? you can get 300 400 500 or more, not to hard to do...but if hasnt got the correct rear gear&tq converter, it will be a turd&you'll be disapointed. find out the gear&tq converter&someone can give you cam&comp ratio suggestions

 

the rear end gear ratio im looking to run is no more than 355 ,perhaps a little less -would like it to be street ready-but highway friendly.looking to try and make at least 300 rwhp -so i guess 350hp at the crank.

 

thanks but no thanks- if i were to go big block it would definitely be a 455 -build it up to the article i read from joe mondelo -making 500hp,but i dont want to spend too much $-and have too much hp- someday i will be giving it to one of my niece's