New engine and tranny setup

[Ryan.H]

Hey guys, so I'm driving a 78' chev 1/2 ton with a pretty worn out 400sbc and I'm wanting to have an engine built from a 400sbc that I have on an engine stand, the one on the stand has never been opened up and modified in any way completely stock.. So I'm wanting to know some tips /ideas on how to go about getting the most hp for my buck.  And I still want the reliability from the motor. Also wanting to know anything you guys can tell me about 4 speed auto transmissions, as I want to put one in when I swap my current motor out.. 

 Thank you very much

[Stewart G Griffin]

This probably doesn't answer your question, but if i were doing 400, i would get a NEW 400 block from Dart or GM.

[Engineer]

400SB weren't known for being much more than an engine with a lot of cubic inches.

Really about all you have there is a block, and maybe a crankshaft. Oh, and a distributor if your engine was built after 1975.

Heads were lame, cam's weren't ground very aggressive, and the connecting rods were .135" shorter than the other SBCs.

Unless you are looking at a stock rebuild consider buying different heads, rods, and cam, lifters, and valve springs. And if you are wanting north of 400HP you should replace the stock cast crank for a steel one.

[Irish_Alley]

how big are your pockets?
have you rebuild an engine or do you know anyone that has that could help?
what are you plans for the truck?
how much hp/tq do you want?

the 700r4 (4l60) is our model 4 speed auto trans. in stock form they can be problematic, rebuilt right and they can handle some power.