Looking for an engine

[HeavyMetalThunder_81]

I've been looking and looking but I can't find anything anywhere. Does anyone make a stock rebuilt SBC 400 short block? I found a couple long blocks but I'd prefer a short block. The Dart short blocks I found are way more than what I need and way out of my price range. Any help would be great! Thanks in advance.

[manimal]

Hey Jon, as for a 400...."?" Why not find a 2 bolt main(reasearch 4 bolt main 400 cracks) and have machine work done and build it yourself? A set of 350 rods,dished hypereutectic pistons,moly rings and 72-76cc heads(make sure you have the steam holes drilled and drilled right) with a Comp Cams Extreme 4x4 cam you'll be GOLDEN!
BTW your parts will ship out tomorrow!

[HeavyMetalThunder_81]

Hey Lance!
I would but I don't have the time, space, or resources to build a whole engine. I'm looking for something I can throw a set of 72cc heads (yes, drilled of course), the Comp 4x4 cam you stated (already had that one in mind), and an intake on and throw it in the truck in a weekend as that's the only time our auto hobby shop is open. I'm not looking for a 4 bolt main block, I don't need anything like that. I just want a stock 2 bolt main short block.

Thanks! No rush, though. I'm not due to be back from deployment until the end of next month.

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

They were un-common back in the day, and they are getting thin now.

If you want a big small block I would prefer a 383 myself the water flowing around the bores is a big deal in my book.

[HeavyMetalThunder_81]

Most of the 383's I see build all their power higher in the RPM range than I'd like. They're great for a car or a muscle truck but not for a tow rig. The biggest reason of all is, I'm sort of a purist and the truck came with a 400 and I'd like to put a 400 back in it. The previous owner swapped in a clapped out 350 from an '85 K10 and I'd like to put an original engine back in. I'm not going to be racing or really flogging this engine too hard but I do need the cubes' to haul around firewood and my Jeep.

[andrewmp6]

The cheapest one i found is http://www.hprengines.com/chevy-400.html and never heard of them.See if you can find one used local and have a machine shop build it your way.

[HeavyMetalThunder_81]

Originally Posted by andrewmp6

The cheapest one i found is http://www.hprengines.com/chevy-400.html and never heard of them.See if you can find one used local and have a machine shop build it your way.

Yea, those are the Dart short blocks I was referring to earlier. Way more than what I am looking for. I just want a stock short block. Thanks, though.

[Just1more]

I don't blame you for wanting the stock 400, I have one in my 82, love it. Have another waiting on funds to be built for my 87.

Have you looked at Rock Auto? They show a long block for a decent price, you could prob sell the heads and recoup a little of the cost. Part number is DC21. $1401.79 with a core, 1786.79 without. Plus shipping, prob another 100-150.

I don't know of any stock rebuilders that offer just short blocks anymore, no idea why. Only other option I can see is scrounge up a decent core, have a shop build it for you, and then swap it in, but costs will add up fast. I doubt you could do that for less than the engine from Rock.

[aotte1]

Just some thoughts, I am going with a World Products 400 block. Picked mine up on a special they run about every 6 months on overstocks. Building a 417CI engine. Darts/ World Products are both good blocks.

Let me know if you want more thoughts on new 400 block advantages.

Good luck in your decision.

Les