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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: greatdane on July 23, 2012, 10:25:07 am

Title: 400 small block
Post by: greatdane on July 23, 2012, 10:25:07 am

Just bought a litte 84 GMC shortwide with an older 400 small block in it. What years were they produced? Also please give opinions on them?? It needs some work but Im trying to decide if I'm going to fix it & run it or just get a 350. I dont know much about them.

Title: Re: 400 small block
Post by: Fairlane514 on July 23, 2012, 12:49:50 pm

They are good motors, they just tend to run a little hot compared to a 350. The have siamese style middle cylinders with steam holes.

Title: Re: 400 small block
Post by: thirsty on July 23, 2012, 02:35:18 pm

You will find that either people hate them or love them. They don't run any hotter than a 350. You just have to make sure that your cooling system is up to par. If you overheat one it might get expensive quicker than other small blocks. Myself I am in the love them group. In my younger days I have dished out some awful punishment to a few 400's. Never had a problem with them. Others will say they are worthless. Build them right and keep them cool and you will have good power and torque.