[90lownslow]

I was wondering if anyone has a V-8 other than a 350. I know 350's fit nice but has anyone ever heard or seen a 400. I imagine you would have to modify it b/c it is bigger than a 350 right? I dont know I seen a complete 400 for 350 and it is too good to pass up without seeing the options.

 

[Big_kid]

I've read something about it on here, somewhere. I think it's been done but I'm not 100% sure. Have you done a site search?

 

[Mr_Bowtie]

The Chevy small block 400 is the same size as the 350. A 400 is known for not cooling the best unless you switch the heads or do some machining. I know if you set a 400 up properly you won't have the problem unless your making serious power. The 400 was only produced for like 10 years, so the 350 is just more readly available thats all. What are you looking for in a motor? Street performance, drag racing, or sounds & looks?
If you just wanna get a V8 in there to start why not spend $1500 on a nice late 80s 2wd pickup with TBI(that way you know it runs good) and swap motors and sell the pickup with the 4.3L(from your Van) in it for $1500. :clap:

Something to think about if your looking for just a block: Be careful with certain 4-bolt blocks before you buy them, especially the 400 small block Chevy. It is very common for these blocks to be cracked in the web area near the mains.

 

[Jasen]

IIRC, the 400's didn't have water jackets between the center cylinders which was there short coming, they tended to cook out those cylinders. Theres always a 383 stroker, which is actually a hot rodded 350.
Theres old school 283, 327, 302, 305, 307, 389 oh and I think theres was a 262 or 265

Nearly forgot Buick's li'll aluminium 215 late 50's to early 60's

 

[90lownslow]

I cant decide what to put in or what I want out of it. A few years ago I dumped alot of money in a 4.3 in my old van and I wasnt happy with it. I saw a 400 on craigslist for 350 and a rebuild kit averages more than that for a 4.3 so it makes sense to upgrade. I messed around too long and the guy sold his engine. I cant blame him cuz first come first serve. Next time i will buy first and ask second. I did site search and someone did one but I didnt read or see anything about it being finished.

 

[$uperJoe]

not a member here but there was an astro with a slightly built 400 and a 200 shot going to it on "pinks"and it was taking names on that episode

 

[Mr_Bowtie]

Heck just a stock 350 would be a decent enough jump to surprise a few people on the streets.

 

[patgizz]

i'm putting a 2001 vortec 5300 into my 96.

 

[Mr_Bowtie]

Thats like 275hp or so....

 

[$uperJoe]

Thats like 275hp or so....

if you take off the fuel injection and get the new manifold from i think eddlebrock and change the cam you can be at 460 hp with no inside work at all

 

[rev_les]

. The 400 was only produced for like 10 years, so the 350 is just more readly available thats all. What are you looking for in a motor? Street performance, drag racing, or sounds & looks?

I dunno exactly how many years they made them either, but finding one's like looking for hen's teeth. If you found a Chevy 400 for 350 bux, and it's not cracked, snatch that bad boy up.As far as other motors, well, you know, ehh...errr... it would be more of a pain, but there ARE a few other manufacturers out there that make them......I toyed with the idea of putting a 5.0 in one.The idea pretty much died right there, but it crossed my mind :mrgreen:

 

[Mr_Bowtie]

Thats like 275hp or so....

if you take off the fuel injection and get the new manifold from i think eddlebrock and change the cam you can be at 460 hp with no inside work at all

Wow that pretty impressive! Is the 5.3 just a 327?

 

[jeff's93astro]

i got a 400 sbc just needs to rebuilt and put in something (maybe my new astro) :think:

(mr.bowtie) the 5.3 is pretty much the 327 my dad had one in a 01 silverado and that was a powerful truck

 

[Mr_Bowtie]

^I know what you mean my buddy has a '03 Chevy 4x4 with 3.73 gears in the rear and the 5.3L and that thing moves out really good. Definatly a very worthy motor to put into a Astro.

 

[astro355]

Heck just a stock 350 would be a decent enough jump to surprise a few people on the streets.

Oh, wow. I love this thread! *cough* 350 with a turbo *cough*

 

[$uperJoe]

Oh, wow. I love this thread! *cough* 350 with a turbo *cough*

i heard one turbo and two coughs. i have these cough drops that say reduce symptoms by half. ill give you one if maybe you go with two turbos instead. :layrubber:

 

[Mr_Bowtie]

That would be a lot of work as you would have do a rear mounted twin turbo system? Wonder if you could squeeze a single turbo under the hood or bumper or something to keep it up front? Delete the heater box? Anyone know of a Astro with a turbo'd SBC?

I have seen a turbo'd 4.3 Astro on youtube that has a kit a company use to make for the '96 and up Astro:
[youtube][/youtube]

Of course there is alway this guy and his 427 SC Astro(but I wanna see a turbo'd SCB dangnabit!):
[youtube][/youtube]

 

[astro355]

A single turbo will fit under the hood. It would be fed by the passenger side bank only. With the a/c delete box, there's plenty of room.

 

[webcat]

Would'nt a 383 stroker be a much better way to go ? Even though you could get the turbo to fit it would just clutter your engine compartment.

 

[astro355]

Would'nt a 383 stroker be a much better way to go ? Even though you could get the turbo to fit it would just clutter your engine compartment.

383 stroker vs 350 turbo, hmmm? :think: I think I'll take the turbo. Not only would it make a lot more power but it would also be easier on the fuel mileage.