400 small block

[kwmech]

So looking at building a 400 small block for my Suburban later on this winter but having a hard time finding a decent block to start with. I have/had one, but the cylinder wall is cracked on #6 and would require a sleeve which is kind of sketchy with the siamese (sp) block design. so what I've been considering (which is kind of pricey) is a Dart block #31162211. Nothing but plus' with this block though. Anybody have any input or used this block? here is a link on it.

http://dartheads.com/dart-product/shp-pro-sbc-iron/

Priority oiling, roller ready, a real 4 bolt main, blind head bolts, not a worn out possibly overheated 40 year old block

[4x4k30]

not trying to think what you want but for what it cost today to rebuild a 400 smallblock with a factory block or dart block . the ls crate engine cant be beat I had a 383 that I loved but it has a lifter fail and ruin a lobe off the cam .. took it apart because of the cam eating up the lifter metal has run thru the engine was gona rebuld it but to find a good rebuilt 400 engine you will wind up spending more and if it fails there goes a lot of lost money .

[B. W.]

That's a great block to build a 400 (or bigger!) I have not used one but that's what I'd use. I believe MarvD has experience with them. Maybe he'll chime in.

[Captainfab]

Here is another option.

https://blueprintengines.com/collect...chevy-block-sb

[kwmech]

Originally Posted by 4x4k30

not trying to think what you want but for what it cost today to rebuild a 400 smallblock with a factory block or dart block . the ls crate engine cant be beat I had a 383 that I loved but it has a lifter fail and ruin a lobe off the cam .. took it apart because of the cam eating up the lifter metal has run thru the engine was gona rebuld it but to find a good rebuilt 400 engine you will wind up spending more and if it fails there goes a lot of lost money .

Appreciate the input but, not stepping in that direction. Way too much to take on swapping an entire computer harness and fuel system and then fighting the state over that hassle of recertification for the smog. I'm in Calif. Way easier to have a look-a-like with hidden cubic inches.

[kwmech]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

Here is another option.

https://blueprintengines.com/collect...chevy-block-sb

Interesting, looks the same as the Dart block. I wonder about the quality. Not too many specs showing in the listing.

[b454rat]

Don’t have experience with that block, or any other aftermarket but friends have run them. One was 750 horse in a modified roundy-rounder. Buddy has one now, 13-1 but dunno if he got it going yet. I think the 400 is the best small block out there!!

[Dead Parrot]

What year Suburban and what was the original engine?

What is your target HP/torque?

Someone probably has a SBC build that would look proper and meet your needs.

[kwmech]

1991 1/2 ton......changing over to 3/4 ton, stock 350 engine, already have the 4l80 to rebuild, 4.56 gearing 285/75r-16 in the mix (31'' tall) I am not looking for a 450hp engine that doesn't get there until 5k rpm. Looking to build a small block that will pull a 7,000 lb rig down the road with a trailer on the back without struggling. That's why I am looking at a 400 with some low end torque that will pull strong up to 4k. For a while I was even considering a 454, maybe still? It'll literally bolt directly in and the TBI will interchange

[68Gold/white]

A 400 is an awesome engine.
The build you are talking about does not need anything fancy, as far as the block is concerned. I'd look at them all (the aftermarket blocks)and likely choose the cheapest one.