383 build;D

[beastie_3]

check to make sure the 400 heads are not cracked. maybe that is why it is for sale.

[klaussk]

my dad is going to look at the engine for me. but if the heads end up being cracked then ill just run the heads off my 305 until i get better ones if i dont get some before i get back from deployment

[beastie_3]

You need to modify the heads to work, there is a steam hole that needs to be drilled. Im not sure on the details, but someone will chime in, or google it.

[klaussk]

yeah i know of the steam holes. im sure i can just do a post search on them here and find any info i need on those. i also have access to a mill so drilling holes in a set of heads is of no concern.

[Captkaos]

Maybe I am confused, but you only have to drill non 400 heads to go on a 400 Block.  To put 400 heads on a non 400 block you just need to use a 400 head gasket.

[klaussk]

yes 400 heads have steam holes already but chances are I wont end up getting 400 heads. and I'd like to find some vortec heads. then I'll have to drill the holes for sure.

[Captkaos]

You only have to drill heads if you are using a 400 block.  A 383 uses a 350 block so no drilling is required.

[klaussk]

originally I was gonna do a 383 but I've decided to get a 400 block instead. Sorry for the confusement.

[beastie_3]

Maybe I am confused, but you only have to drill non 400 heads to go on a 400 Block.  To put 400 heads on a non 400 block you just need to use a 400 head gasket.

Thanks Capt. I couldnt remember which way it was.

[1979C20]

Are you building a 400, or are you de-stroking it to a 396 (400 block, 350 crank)

[heavychevy91]

sounds like hes going to be running a 400 short block with 350 heads?

[klaussk]

ill be running a 400 rat motor basically. alot of the ones I see don't have heads that come with the motor so ill be using whatever heads i can get at a good price. budget is the most important thing of this engine build. but I think I found an engine. Its got 40000 miles on it and is a complete engine and comes with a turbo 400 trans, all for 600 bucks.

[klaussk]

ok so today my dad picked up my new engine. It was in a 1976 RV. My dad was able to drive the RV around and he said it purred like a kitten with no apparent block issues or anything.Its a 400 4 bolt Block casting # 330817 with a turbo 400 behind it. They got 40000 miles on them and I paid 600 bucks. The guy pulled the motor for us and my dad picks it up today. I think its a pretty good deal. I plan on doing a basic rebuild for now with a whatever performance parts I can afford between now and when I get back to the states. I think I'm gonna worry about better heads and a cam sometime down the road.I just want to get my truck back on the road when I get back.