Thread: 400 sbc build

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Originally Posted by garrett3698

I appreciate the the input and I will be further looking into this build based on your suggestions, one thing I did want to say though, it may sound bogus but the block casting number is 330817 which is a 70s-80s 400CID small block chevy, the number on the heads, manifold, and tbi all come back to a emissions 305 sbc.

It just seemed unusual that someone would pull the motor, begin the build with a 400 block and then crutch it down with emissions 305 junk. I guess there's no accounting for common sense. Maybe the fellows down at the Sonic Drive In told him that was the hot tip. Carry on.....

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Originally Posted by techinspector1

It just seemed unusual that someone would pull the motor, begin the build with a 400 block and then crutch it down with emissions 305 junk. I guess there's no accounting for common sense. Maybe the fellows down at the Sonic Drive In told him that was the hot tip. Carry on.....

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Exactly my point, it has so much potential, but they choked the performance in the worst way.

Originally Posted by techinspector1

Before I get too involved in this, how would you feel about buying a donor, a whole, running 2WD Chevy pickup or 2WD SUV with an LS motor and use all the mechanicals out of it to transfer into your Camaro. With a turbo, you could make 750 horsepower on E85 with all-stock mechanicals. You'd have to tweak the computer and other EFI parts, but the inside of the motor could remain stock. I've seen late model, low miles trucks and SUV's that have been involved in an accident sell for $1200-$1500. You could use the front and rear clips and have power disc brakes and a strong differential with all fresh front end and R&P. Once you had used everything out of the donor that you wanted, you would still have the interior, exterior sheet metal and glass to sell off for money to reduce the cost of the donor. You could even use the wheels and tires off the donor. What do you think about this approach ?
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I would be up for going this route aswell, whatever will give me the most power for cheap, and yes I know, power isnt cheap. My dad has a good friend who owns a junkyard and I asked him to get in touch and see if he can locate a full 5.3ls or 6.0ls setup.

Originally Posted by techinspector1

And I'm sure you know that this will be another $1500+ for the differential, new control arm bushings and shocks, and you still have drum brakes.

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I already have a full new control arm, and shock setup, thats not my concern given when I upgrade to a Ford 9", I will be getting one that bolts right into these cars, not one that needs brackets and such fabricated for the control arms, shocks, and springs. And yes I dont plan on going any faster in this car than what it can do in the 1/4 mile, so the drum brakes work for me, and they make burnouts pretty easy, which I do A LOT of burnouts. I found a Tremec t56 for an LT1 pretty close by, I would need the bell housing along with several other things but I will do some research into the Tremec verison of the t56, I know tremec makes some pretty durable transmissions but I don't know for sure if this is one of them. But if is, he's asking $1100, and id offer $800 and go from there.

With the power you're planning, you may want to touch base with G-Force......

5-Speed street box ----
https://www.gforcetransmissions.com/tran_gt-5.asp

6-Speed street box ----
https://www.gforcetransmissions.com/tran_gt-56.asp

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I've seen a handful of guys build a Chevy 350 or 400 with 305 heads. The idea is that it is a cheap way to increase the compression ratio. That part is true, as the 305 heads have a smaller combustion chamber. The part they are overlooking is that the ports in those heads are tiny, terrible for performance.

LS definitely is cheap horse power. Getting it all done and installed can be the expensive part. You just have to shop around and plan it out before buying anything aside from an engine. If you find a great deal on an engine, snatch it up. Because if not someone else will. And more than likely, you can resell it without any issue if you change your mind later.

I plan on putting an LSX in my 82 in the next few years. Like it was mentioned, cheap reliable easy horsepower once the swap is done. I think it would the best bang for your buck by far. I put a stock LS in my 53 pickup and it was the best move for a motor in my opinion. Some people say the LS thing is over done, I suppose they said that about the SBC in the 50's and 60's. I got most of the parts to put together a decent 350 for the 82 but can't convince myself to spend the time or money doing it when the LSX seems like a better option. From what I've researched, you may be better off going with a LS1 vs a LS when putting it into a car. With the LS you'll have to swap the intake,injectors, water pump and buy accessory brackets where and LS1 has what you need already. There is about a 2K price difference between the two but changing it all adds up $ and with an LS1 you get a 350 vs a 327.

The nice thing about the LS's is, there are many parts options for them. You can go from mild to wild on the cheap too. For a lot of good LS info, go here. https://sites.google.com/site/sloppywiki/