400 engine

[Jim100]

Anyone have experience with the 400 engine? I know not period correct for our trucks but they come up for sale fairly cheap around here.
Just curious.

[bbakernm]

I just bought one about a month ago after doing a bunch of reading on them.
Mine is currently in good running condition and even as is will be a noticeable upgrade over the slant 6.
440parts among others makes a great stroker kit for them. I'm considering the 400>500 stroke, with Edelbrock performer intake, even considering one of the fuel injection kits for it. We'll see how far the $ stretches.
One thing to note is it may not be drilled for the clutch pilot if not originally connected to a manual trans, if you're planning on using it with a manual trans.

Look for the Hot Rod article on making good power with reasonably priced upgrades to one.

As you said, they are fairly easy to find and not too expensive.

Mine will be going in to a '65 D200.

[712edf]

They are cheap because in stock form they are low compression smog motors, usually found in pick-ups, motor homes & those unattractive 70's Mopar cars. The 4 barrel versions had the ThermoQuad carb which was Carter's answer to the Rochester Quadra-jet. Not a fan of those spread bores but some people love them.

400 had externally balanced cast cranks, so it's best to keep the balancer & convertor that the motor came with.

Yes they can be made to run. Same as others, just add $$$.

Bucky

[dodgeboykim]

I went to the trouble of upgrading my 70 Fargo D500 from a 318-3 engine that was seized to a 400 BB From a 74 Newport. Took a little head scratching to make it work but was worth it overall.