400 conversion
400 conversion
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,677
From: T-town
A smallblock 400 will bolt right in, just make sure you use 400 heads. A Pontiac 400 requires a BOP series tranny and a few other changes that I'm not sure about.
Assuming it's a 400SBC, here are a few concerns: If the car has a T-5 then it's not gonna hold up to the torque of even a mildly built 400. If it has a 700-R4 it'll last a while but it's gonna need a rebuild before too long. The factory 10-bolt will be fine unless you REALLY build the engine, but if you don't have posi you'll need it because a 400 will eat your tire off.
Assuming it's a 400SBC, here are a few concerns: If the car has a T-5 then it's not gonna hold up to the torque of even a mildly built 400. If it has a 700-R4 it'll last a while but it's gonna need a rebuild before too long. The factory 10-bolt will be fine unless you REALLY build the engine, but if you don't have posi you'll need it because a 400 will eat your tire off.
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Is there a such thing as "high-performance" damper?
What is a BOP series trannY?
Also... my car has a 10-bolt stock? Where can I find another rearend, with POSI, and what is an appropriate ratio for low-end torque (while maintaining efficiency), and what number "bolt" should it be? Who makes good rear-ends, for cheap?
What is a BOP series trannY?
Also... my car has a 10-bolt stock? Where can I find another rearend, with POSI, and what is an appropriate ratio for low-end torque (while maintaining efficiency), and what number "bolt" should it be? Who makes good rear-ends, for cheap?
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,677
From: T-town
Bob you are correct.....but it's easier to say "400 head" than "400 head or any smallblock head that has been modified with the 400 style steam passages."
A BOP tranny is a trans that has a bellhousing pattern that's made to fit the Buick-Olds-Pontiac line of engines...i.e. the Olds Rocket motor or the Pontiac 400 that was in the 2nd-gen Firebirds.
As far as rearends, I personally like the Borg-Warner 9-bolt. t's stronger than the 10-bolt, cheaper than a 12-bolt or 9-inch, and it's a direct bolt-in to any 3rd gen F-body. GM used them from '85-'89 in TPI equipped Trans Am's and Iroc-Z's, and possibly in TTA's and other models that I'm not sure of. Go to Diff Solutions for all the info you need about 9-bolt rears.
A BOP tranny is a trans that has a bellhousing pattern that's made to fit the Buick-Olds-Pontiac line of engines...i.e. the Olds Rocket motor or the Pontiac 400 that was in the 2nd-gen Firebirds.
As far as rearends, I personally like the Borg-Warner 9-bolt. t's stronger than the 10-bolt, cheaper than a 12-bolt or 9-inch, and it's a direct bolt-in to any 3rd gen F-body. GM used them from '85-'89 in TPI equipped Trans Am's and Iroc-Z's, and possibly in TTA's and other models that I'm not sure of. Go to Diff Solutions for all the info you need about 9-bolt rears.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 237
From: Litchfield Park, AZ
if this is a chevy.. jsut find a chevt small block 400 ... as far as stuff u need to change.. nothen really.. u just need to revuild ur tranny/rearend t handle the new power.. and if u have FI, u will need to add alot more stuff
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 83
From: Bryan Tex, USA
one other minor thing..
(aside from a mombo cooling system). 400 blocks are not drilled for the same starter mounts (parallel bolt holes) as required for manual trans third gens. While you have the block out, get a machine shop to drill the block for parallel bolt holes. Makes it much easier (and less expensive ) to use a mini starter.
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 54
From: Enterprise, AL
Originally posted by Dave89IROC
externaly, all you would need is a 400 flywheel and crank dampner(400's are externally balanced, other small blocks (262-350) are not)
externaly, all you would need is a 400 flywheel and crank dampner(400's are externally balanced, other small blocks (262-350) are not)
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 54
From: Enterprise, AL
Originally posted by 85_LG4
Ok.. kool. Which is better though?
There arealot of different cranks available,from Scat, and Eagle within the $250.00 range. As for as better some people like Eagle some like Scat. you will hear a half dozen great about one and a half dozen bad about the other. However I prefer the Scat crank, because I have seen too many eagle brand new cranks need cut due to bad journals. Ebayis a great place to buy cranks and a great price. Dirttrackthunder and gofast parts are well respected in the racing industry for ebay. Also available is pistons and rods at your preference.
What do ya mean "neutral balance"? This mean no weight are required on the balancer and flywheel, because its internally ballance. ifyou go with the external ballance crank for a 400 you would have to get it your flywheel and damper ballance.
Ok.. kool. Which is better though?
There arealot of different cranks available,from Scat, and Eagle within the $250.00 range. As for as better some people like Eagle some like Scat. you will hear a half dozen great about one and a half dozen bad about the other. However I prefer the Scat crank, because I have seen too many eagle brand new cranks need cut due to bad journals. Ebayis a great place to buy cranks and a great price. Dirttrackthunder and gofast parts are well respected in the racing industry for ebay. Also available is pistons and rods at your preference.
What do ya mean "neutral balance"? This mean no weight are required on the balancer and flywheel, because its internally ballance. ifyou go with the external ballance crank for a 400 you would have to get it your flywheel and damper ballance.
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Thanx for clearin that up, DTL!
Also.. called junkyard.. sell me a "normal 350" out of an 1992 or so camaro... he says there is no such thing as LT1, or L98 in those cars at the time... cost= 750 for (i think) the whole engine. 750 for fuel injection crap... such as harness, computer, etc. Good price?
Also.. called junkyard.. sell me a "normal 350" out of an 1992 or so camaro... he says there is no such thing as LT1, or L98 in those cars at the time... cost= 750 for (i think) the whole engine. 750 for fuel injection crap... such as harness, computer, etc. Good price?