How to identify a 400 sbc

PsiTsi · 01-09-2010, 03:45 PM

Anything to look for that is different than other sbc's? I'm thinking about tradin my truck for a camaro and he says it has a 400 but I want to be careful that i'm not getting a 305.

chevymec · 01-09-2010, 05:47 PM

3 freeze plug bosses in the side of the block and the balancer should have a void in the body where a normal balnacer will have a solid rim.

Joel07 · 01-09-2010, 06:10 PM

Yup, like he said, that's the two easiest ways, just remember it's 3 freeze plug bosses in each side, sometimes they have 3 plugs, sometimes they have 2 plugs and an empty boss, but all the other SBC's just have two plugs, no 3rd boss in the middle.

1fast10 · 01-09-2010, 07:17 PM

x2 on the three freeze plugs

Jayber · 01-09-2010, 07:21 PM

Look for signs of overheating

Just kidding.... ole timers joke

PsiTsi · 02-04-2010, 02:49 PM

Trying to firgure out if my motor is a 400. I can't see the freeze plugs because the emissions legal headers and Theres no way in hell I can see the cast # on the back of the block. The balancer does have a void in it about a inch thick about half way around the balancer. Does only the 400 have this kind of balancer? I'm guessing it is externally balanced since it has this?

lukeduke · 02-04-2010, 05:12 PM

Could be a 383 with a external bal crank. Get a mechanics mirror and look at the freeze plugs or look up the casting number.

PsiTsi · 02-05-2010, 06:48 AM

I guess i'll try that, when I try to sell the car or part it out I don't want to screw anyone over.

Jayber · 02-05-2010, 06:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PsiTsi

I guess i'll try that, when I try to sell the car or part it out I don't want to screw anyone over.

chevymec · 02-05-2010, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harkernesian

Look for signs of overheating

Just kidding.... ole timers joke

Ive heard that one before !!

chevymec · 02-05-2010, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lukeduke

Could be a 383 with a external bal crank. Get a mechanics mirror and look at the freeze plugs or look up the casting number.

Very good point. Like lukeduke said a mechanics mirror helps out a lot.

MADD MOUSE · 02-05-2010, 06:17 PM

Three bosses for plugs and has bulges on side of block for the big bore.

01-09-2010, 03:45 PM	#1
PsiTsi In The Street Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Blackankle NC Posts: 564	How to identify a 400 sbc Anything to look for that is different than other sbc's? I'm thinking about tradin my truck for a camaro and he says it has a 400 but I want to be careful that i'm not getting a 305. __________________ 2004 f-150 5.4 XLT 4x4, Flowmaster, K&N, Hell Bent Steel level, 35'' bfg a/t KO's on 17" procomps 99 NBM z28

01-09-2010, 05:47 PM	#2
chevymec 10 BOLT JUNKIE Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Richlands Posts: 2,883	3 freeze plug bosses in the side of the block and the balancer should have a void in the body where a normal balnacer will have a solid rim. __________________ www.rwhp.us 1997 SS S10

01-09-2010, 06:10 PM	#3
Joel07 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Durham, NC Posts: 358	Yup, like he said, that's the two easiest ways, just remember it's 3 freeze plug bosses in each side, sometimes they have 3 plugs, sometimes they have 2 plugs and an empty boss, but all the other SBC's just have two plugs, no 3rd boss in the middle. __________________

01-09-2010, 07:17 PM	#4
1fast10 rs275 here i come Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: orange county,wakeforest Posts: 2,210	x2 on the three freeze plugs __________________ 84 s-10 with a small motor 5.8@120.slow as hell

02-04-2010, 02:49 PM	#6
PsiTsi In The Street Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Blackankle NC Posts: 564	Trying to firgure out if my motor is a 400. I can't see the freeze plugs because the emissions legal headers and Theres no way in hell I can see the cast # on the back of the block. The balancer does have a void in it about a inch thick about half way around the balancer. Does only the 400 have this kind of balancer? I'm guessing it is externally balanced since it has this? __________________ 2004 f-150 5.4 XLT 4x4, Flowmaster, K&N, Hell Bent Steel level, 35'' bfg a/t KO's on 17" procomps 99 NBM z28

01-09-2010, 07:21 PM	#5
Jayber FuckerGotBooted Join Date: May 2004 Location: . Posts: 15,195	Look for signs of overheating Just kidding.... ole timers joke

02-04-2010, 05:12 PM	#7
lukeduke Boost is my antidrug Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Fayetteville: Home of the RIPPER Posts: 2,561	Could be a 383 with a external bal crank. Get a mechanics mirror and look at the freeze plugs or look up the casting number.

02-05-2010, 06:48 AM	#8
PsiTsi In The Street Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Blackankle NC Posts: 564	I guess i'll try that, when I try to sell the car or part it out I don't want to screw anyone over. __________________ 2004 f-150 5.4 XLT 4x4, Flowmaster, K&N, Hell Bent Steel level, 35'' bfg a/t KO's on 17" procomps 99 NBM z28

02-05-2010, 06:17 PM	#12
MADD MOUSE REEPER GONNA GET YOU! Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: julian Posts: 1,013	Three bosses for plugs and has bulges on side of block for the big bore. __________________ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOQGj...feature=player If its small block, stock block,23 degrees,one plate, stock suspention on 28 x 10.5 then I'm your Huckle Berry!

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