no engine code on a 400 small block

[firedoger]

I'm looking at a 400 small block to put into my 72 blazer. I found one that seems to be a good deal but it doesn't have any engine code #'s stamped on the block. I did find a casting #330817. The engine is complete from carb to pan with stock heads. My question is why wouldn't there be any engine codes stamped on it ? Thx in advance.

[geezer#99]

Block was decked.

[cheepin]

Casting shows 1973-1980 2 bolt mains car or truck.That's all I got.

[Captainfab]

I agree.....

Originally Posted by geezer#99

Block was decked.

[Warrens69GMC]

Could have also been a service replacement "Fitted block" .

A fitted block consists of a block , pistons and rods, ready to have the customers crankshaft and/r other accessories transferred to the new block for warranty work. GM was know to have them available at nearly every dealership.

[firedoger]

Thx for the reply's. What are some of the reasons to deck a block. It's my understanding that even on a service replacement block it would still have something stamped on it. The engine is turn key. It comes with everything including starter. It has Edelbrok performer intake and Edelbrok carb. Looks clean. I think I can get it for about $500. Is that a good deal ?

[Marv D]

I thought all the service blocks had a engine code stamped in the ID pad.

I don't know if the 817 was offered as a service replacement ort not. In any other instance of the numbers being gone, its a indicator that the block has been milled,, hence the motor being machined and rebuilt at least once! THAT would concern me. A 400 is a shakey deal in stock form to begin with,, +.030 -.040 is starting to really push it,, +.060 ,,, I wouldn't touch it with a 10' pole!

[GRX]

Originally Posted by firedoger

Thx for the reply's. What are some of the reasons to deck a block. >>>>>>

A few reasons. Remove warpage. Or to bring the surface parallel to the crank center line. (blueprinting).

[firedoger]

These are the head #3832441. Any good?

[Captainfab]

They're just stock, large combustion chamber small block heads. Nothing to get too excited about.

Originally Posted by firedoger

These are the head #3832441. Any good?

[firedoger]

Damn !!!

[firedoger]

I ended up taking a chance and buying the motor. I ended up getting it for $450. It has Edelbrock RPM intake and carb with 441 heads. It also has all the bolt on stuff. Pretty muck turn key. I was thinking about dropping some vortec heads on it. How much of a increase in hp would that get me ? Is it worth the expense to do it ?

[Captainfab]

If you change to the Vortec heads you will need a different intake at a minimum Then depending on what the cam specs are, the Vortec heads may need different springs, and/or machine work to accomodate the cam. Also, depending on what pistons are in that engine, the 64cc chambers on the Vortec heads may raise your compression too much to run pump gas. If it has dished pistons, you should be fine, but if they are flat tops, your compression would be about 11-11.5:1.

[firedoger]

How much HP would I expect to gain by putting TPI on the motor ?

[Warrens69GMC]

none. Tpi is for torque. Get a Holley/Weiand stealthram for HP.

[Captainfab]

You would probably loose some HP with a TPI versus a properly setup carb. The stock TPI's were designed to be used on a 305 engine. Now you put that on an engine that is 100 cubic inches bigger and it just isn't going to flow enough to get good power out of the engine. Yes there are aftermarket TPI bases, runners, plenums and throttle bodies, but by the time you buy all that, you would be better off with a different MPFI system. Something like the Weiand Stealth Ram or the Edelbrock Pro Flo XT. But then you are talking some $$$$.

Several years ago I helped my son put a Vortec headed TPI 406 into his '85 IROC. We never could get it to run right, even with help from an 'expert' with TPI's. We finally gave up and went to a carb.

Originally Posted by firedoger

How much HP would I expect to gain by putting TPI on the motor ?

[Warrens69GMC]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

. Something like the Weiand Stealth Ram or the Edelbrock Pro Flo XT. But then you are talking some $$$$.

I disagree. HSR for up to 85 heads $330- for Vortec heads $370
Sell the TPI and you are into it for less than $100

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/WND-7540

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/WND-7542


One caveat is you need thier fuel rails, $180. You could break even on the intake, so you have a better intake for $180 (plus throttle body for LS car)

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HLY-534-192/


This is assuming you have a TPI

[turbo350]

Originally Posted by Marv D

A 400 is a shakey deal in stock form to begin with,,

Marv, I know you know what you speak of here but could you clarify what you mean? I know the stock short rods, etc aren't ideal for a hi-po motor. 400s were build to push around heavy vehicles from the 70s and made for low end torque vs hi horsepower correct? But can't the 400s be "warmed up" in similar fashion as a 350? I'm speaking in terms of a very mild build (maybe 300-325 hp).

As for the FI vs carb, keep it simple (and less cost) with a carb.

[firedoger]

Thx for all the help. I have no intention of racing or hitting the drags. I just want something that will sit me back in my seat when I step on it. Years ago when I got my first truck it was a 1977 chevy 1500 4X4. With a 13" lift and 44" Groundhawgs. It had a 400 sbc that was stock. It only had headers on it. I can remember that motor pulled hard. I used to race guys at the stop lights but I kept dropping my rear driveline in the street. I got real good at replacing u-joints. The motor I just got has the Edelbrock RPM intake and Edelbrock 1405 carb with #441 heads. Assuming the inside is stock what HP and torque #'s am I looking at ? Are headers worth the trouble ?

[Captainfab]

My $$$$ coment was with the idea of having to buy the complete MPFI conversion package to the tune of $3K. Granted if a guy already has a TPI, some of those parts can be used. However the stock 19# injectors really aren't going to be enough for a 406. The throttle body may or may not flow enough air for a 406. Then you need a chip for the ECM, modify the stock wiring harness, HP fuel pump......it starts to add up.

Originally Posted by Warrens69GMC

I disagree. HSR for up to 85 heads $330- for Vortec heads $370
Sell the TPI and you are into it for less than $100

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/WND-7540

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/WND-7542


One caveat is you need thier fuel rails, $180. You could break even on the intake, so you have a better intake for $180 (plus throttle body for LS car)

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/HLY-534-192/


This is assuming you have a TPI

[Captainfab]

It really would just be a random guess on HP and TQ without more info on the engine. Yes I would definitely run a set of headers.

Originally Posted by firedoger

Thx for all the help. I have no intention of racing or hitting the drags. I just want something that will sit me back in my seat when I step on it. Years ago when I got my first truck it was a 1977 chevy 1500 4X4. With a 13" lift and 44" Groundhawgs. It had a 400 sbc that was stock. It only had headers on it. I can remember that motor pulled hard. I used to race guys at the stop lights but I kept dropping my rear driveline in the street. I got real good at replacing u-joints. The motor I just got has the Edelbrock RPM intake and Edelbrock 1405 carb with #441 heads. Assuming the inside is stock what HP and torque #'s am I looking at ? Are headers worth the trouble ?

[firedoger]

Thx for th help. I'll probly pull the heads and see if anything has been done to them and see if I can measure the cylinder to tell if it"s been bored. I pulled the valve covers and the heads look real clean on top. It's kinda a mystery because the block doesn't have a engine code stamped on it . So I don't know if it's been decked or the block never got stamped. Which carb would be best to use ? I can use the Edelbrock 1405 or a Q-jet ? Which headers would work the best? Shorty's or normals ?

[GASoline71]

Ditch the Edelbrock and look at a the Holley Street Avenger series of carbs. To run a Q-jet... you'll need one of the crappy adapters to run on that intake. Unless it is the Performer with the dual pattern to run either a Spread bore or Square bore.

Gary

[Dooley]

These links are very good for correctly identifying the 400 small blocks.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=324441

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...80#post2789780

[firedoger]

Thx Dooley. I allready know for sure it's a 400 because of the casting #'s. My block doesn't have the engine code stamped on it. Which means I guess that the block has been decked or the block was a crate and didn't get stamped.