XakEp

I have a buddy with a 71 impalla that has a 400 sbc in it... would it be possible to put that in an 87 camaro? Would it be worth it?

DarthIROC

The 1971-72 400's I beilieve are the only one that possibly came 4-bolt main, if that is the case this would be a very desiable motor to build. Ive seen some destroked to like a 377 I belive that are really bad a*s.
Even if not If it truly is a pre 1972 engine its a good one cause thats before the great power loss that American cars went though in 73. The only thing is if it hsant been done already I think you have to have hardened Valve seeds put in becasue in 71 the gas was still leaded. But if the car has been driven alot since then its prolly ok.

Hope this helps, good luck

XakEp

ya... apparently this is a pretty rare impalla/engine combo. It came from the factory with race heads on it and isnt in too bad a shape, even though I'm gonna be rebuilding it.... How much would a stock rebuild on one of these cost? I mean rings, seals, gaskets, bearings....

2IROC

You should balance the rotating assembly. Check Summit. They have good prices

HolySmoke

Yes you can put a 400 SBC into an '87 Camaro. Any small block from a 265 to a 400 have the same external dimesions. Good and easy swap.

Now for it being a "very desirable motor to build" - '70 - '72 400's are 4 bolt blocks, but big deal. The '73 - '80 2 bolt blocks are stronger anyways (thicker main webs). And what is this crack story about "race heads" Most factory 400's are dogs, but they are a good foundation. That thing probably has 7.5:1 compreesion from the factory. Find out what the casting numbers on those heads are and report back. I highly doubt they are anything special. Even if they are camelbacks (i.e. double humps or fuelies) they are really nothing special. The money you would spend rebuiling them cutting them for bigger valves (I am 99% sure they are 1.94 1.50 valves) buying valves and having them ported, you could just go buy a set of Vortecs and be better off.

Oh and GM cut compression in '71 not '73.

Martin

82355

Oh, by the way I typed that response not holy smoke, stupid roomate always leaves himself logged in.

Martin

2IROC

So does my roomate

sweet z

Hi,

The 400 block that I just had built was out of a 1977 Impala station wagon, as I understand. It had never been bored and made a GREAT starting point for my motor.

I'd say go for it!!

Thanks....

Wardo

GM never built a HiPo 400, so it is a crack story about the "race heads"

XakEp

My bad. When I get the casting numbers I'll let you guys know.

XakEp

what is it going to take to get the car to pass emmisions here in CO with a 400 in it instead of the 305?

S. Holley

Sweet Z Nice Motor Man....

But I do not your T5 will last behind it... Unless you did a swap or serious mods to the tranny..... Your 400 will easily make 300ft-lb of torque with minor mods.....

Xakep: You have a good starting point and a good engine, but as stated earlier...400small blocks were not made from GM for performance....

But they Respond to mods better than other small blocks. THE BIG THE BETTER!!!

I would strongly consider different heads or at least shaving and porting your factory ones.... As stated before low compression and small duration will hurt your performance....basically right now you have a LOW-END Torque Motor. That is why GM put them in those HUGE 4000lbs. plus cars!

BUT 400 is high sort after....because you can HAUL the BACON with one... Do like a Edelbrock Performer RPM KIT with cam and heads and intake....DP Holley I bet you will see 375 to the wheels about 450-460 crank!!!