1979 gmc 400sbc question

[MEXICANKAMIKAZE]

So I'm thinking about buying this 79 gmc 4x4 with a 400 small block and I've heard good and bad things about this engine but honestly I just want to know if gm ever started drilling holes in the engine to keep them cooler or if I'll have to do that myself. I have a 79 c20 with a 350 that I can always throw in there

[LTZ C20]

Personally, I think the 400 is a solid engine. If it was a good clean truck I would get it, if the truck was a hunk of junk and the price was right, I'de get it just to get the factory 400.

[MEXICANKAMIKAZE]

Will I have to drill holes in the heads or Pistons to allow for better cooling?

[LTZ C20]

A stock 400 should have all of the required coolant holes. GM doesn't spend millions of dollars on research & development to build an engine that the owner has to modify. Also it's never a good idea to ever drill a hole in a piston.

[MEXICANKAMIKAZE]

Ok I was just making sure because I read about stuff and I can never find facts only word of mouth I'll definitely try to get the rest of the cash for this truck since i cannot get a freaking title for my current truck

[HAULIN IT]

The original blocks & heads are all drilled for the steam holes. What you are referring to is when someone is replacing the heads with ones from any other small block or aftermarket. Then the steam holes are transferred to mimic the original design.

Some people make mention of the overheat issues with the 400...I believe a proper (good sized...clean rad, shroud, fan, ect.) cooling system keeps this at rest. Are they by design, more likely to be hot...yes, however MANY worked for MANY years/miles. Lorne