Engine Gurus... 400 SBC
#1
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Engine Gurus... 400 SBC
This is sorta OT.....
Anyone have luck with sleeves in a 400? (I know,.....I should have gone with a aftermarket block long ago...) The motor in my hotrod has cracks in 2 cylinders and I'm almost sure it's from getting hot. I had the water pump drive fail on a run earlier this year and the temp went up past 270. They are short and parellel to the deck surface, a little past halfway down the stroke. I have a points race next Fri and I think this would be the quickest way to get it back together. I have heard water leakage is the biggest concern. Any thoughts?
Anyone have luck with sleeves in a 400? (I know,.....I should have gone with a aftermarket block long ago...) The motor in my hotrod has cracks in 2 cylinders and I'm almost sure it's from getting hot. I had the water pump drive fail on a run earlier this year and the temp went up past 270. They are short and parellel to the deck surface, a little past halfway down the stroke. I have a points race next Fri and I think this would be the quickest way to get it back together. I have heard water leakage is the biggest concern. Any thoughts?
#2
Beak botr
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Re: Engine Gurus... 400 SBC
I build a 406 for my old Formula, old gearheads didn't like this motor 'cause it overheated too much, found out that this was due to the lack of steam vent holes drilled in the heads that 'they' pulled off their 327 and 350 CI engines and bolted to the siamese bore block, my shop drilled my Brodix heads and even when I melted #8 piston from detonation, never had an overheating problem.
Sleeves? Never sleeved one but if it can be done and pass pressure check at 30 to 40 PSI (4 times normal running pressure) I would do it.
My block was a standard chevy 400 two bolt main and on my 3000# boat could pull a 15.25" X 27" pitch Quad Four Hydromotive to 4600 RPM at 80 MPH, not bad for a 18' boat, at least until it spit the teeth off the Alpha drive gears.
Sleeves? Never sleeved one but if it can be done and pass pressure check at 30 to 40 PSI (4 times normal running pressure) I would do it.
My block was a standard chevy 400 two bolt main and on my 3000# boat could pull a 15.25" X 27" pitch Quad Four Hydromotive to 4600 RPM at 80 MPH, not bad for a 18' boat, at least until it spit the teeth off the Alpha drive gears.
#4
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Re: Engine Gurus... 400 SBC
I would have the block inspected for cracks. Chances are those aren't the only cracks you will find. It is common for the 400-SBC block to crack between the headbolt holes and the upper steam holes.
#6
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Re: Engine Gurus... 400 SBC
Originally Posted by robyw1
I would have the block inspected for cracks. Chances are those aren't the only cracks you will find. It is common for the 400-SBC block to crack between the headbolt holes and the upper steam holes.
Thanks for the input everyone.
This is for my car BTW.
#7
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Re: Engine Gurus... 400 SBC
HEY AS LONG AS THE SLEEVE IS INSTALLED WITH A STEP AT THE BOTTOM FOR THE SLEEVE TO SIT ON FLAT ALL THE WAY AROUND AT BASE YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS IF YOU CANT FIND SOMEONE TO DO IT FOR YOU RIGHT AWAY SEND IT TO ME AND ILL HAVE IT OUT OF HERE FINISHED THE FOLLOWING DAY HONED READY TO GO IF I CAN HELP LET ME KNOW 1-305-884-5368 LAZ MESA WWW.MESABALANCING.COM
#8
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Re: Engine Gurus... 400 SBC
Just got a call from the machinist, It's broke. With over 13-1 and the amount of nitrous that goes through this thing, I don't want to take a chance.
Anyone got a spare block laying around that will clean up to .030 that's a drivable distance from VA?
Too many hobbies and not enough time
Anyone got a spare block laying around that will clean up to .030 that's a drivable distance from VA?
Too many hobbies and not enough time
#9
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Re: Engine Gurus... 400 SBC
Originally Posted by Shah Mat
Just got a call from the machinist, It's broke. With over 13-1 and the amount of nitrous that goes through this thing, I don't want to take a chance.
Anyone got a spare block laying around that will clean up to .030 that's a drivable distance from VA?
Too many hobbies and not enough time
Anyone got a spare block laying around that will clean up to .030 that's a drivable distance from VA?
Too many hobbies and not enough time
Roby
#10
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Re: Engine Gurus... 400 SBC
Originally Posted by MESA BALANCING
HEY AS LONG AS THE SLEEVE IS INSTALLED WITH A STEP AT THE BOTTOM FOR THE SLEEVE TO SIT ON FLAT ALL THE WAY AROUND AT BASE YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS IF YOU CANT FIND SOMEONE TO DO IT FOR YOU RIGHT AWAY SEND IT TO ME AND ILL HAVE IT OUT OF HERE FINISHED THE FOLLOWING DAY HONED READY TO GO IF I CAN HELP LET ME KNOW 1-305-884-5368 LAZ MESA WWW.MESABALANCING.COM
Roby