400 Block

[plefe]

You know guys, I keep asking around, but not getting much help. I have the chance to purchase an early 400 block with the "230" casting number and a date code of 1-9-71. It has got to be one of the first runs of this block out there. I know the April 71 - Oct 71 are considered the cold industrial block, but what about this block? Many pictures were sent to me, and looks to have thick mains and has been cleaned and checked for cracks. Bored .040 over, the block was intended for a serious big block build but the guy who owns it says he decided to go in a different direction. But can any of you give me some better info on this early 400 block?

 

[Red63440]

From what I have read and heard the earlier, 75 and before are the better blocks but I don't have any working knowledge on them.

 

[racedodge]

pictures speak a thousand words.. post them up and I can tell you if it is a thick main block, I have two of them.

 

[moparmarks]

The "230" block cast before 10/17/71 is probably the strongest wedge block Mopar made. Wasn't just for industrial use, have found then in cars as well. Pretty hard to find a good one. A guy gave me 650.00 for one 5 years ago. Like any block and this one being 040 over, I'd have it sonic tested.

 

[plefe]

pictures speak a thousand words.. post them up and I can tell you if it is a thick main block, I have two of them.

I will try and post but wanted someone to tell me about the run date on the block. Do you have one of your 400 blocks for sale? Anyhow, this guy would want even more money from me for a sonic test. The block is ready to build.

 

[toolmanmike]

The local HP machine shop built a 400 based motor for a 69 RR. I have know idea what combo they used but 511 cubes, 550 hp and 650 ft.lb. @ 3500 rpm. tmm

 

[plefe]

400 Block Pictures

pictures speak a thousand words.. post them up and I can tell you if it is a thick main block, I have two of them.

Never tried to post pictures this way, but give it a shot and let me know how the site turns out.

 

[plefe]

The local HP machine shop built a 400 based motor for a 69 RR. I have know idea what combo they used but 511 cubes, 550 hp and 650 ft.lb. @ 3500 rpm. tmm

Yah, with the right heads, cam, rear-end, torque converter, and tranny, I would be lookin for 800hp. But since I'm building a stock/super stock motor using closed chamber ported heads, lookin to make 550-650hp/torque

 

[greenmonsta79]

I think I have a early 71 400 block out in the garage I will have to check and see what casting it is, I need to sell it!

 

[moparmarks]

4.25 crank works great.

 

[plefe]

I think I have a early 71 400 block out in the garage I will have to check and see what casting it is, I need to sell it!

If you do have one and decide to sell it, I'm looking for just a block. Get it cleaned and checked for cracks at a reliable machine shop, get the card back from the shop on how it checks out, scan the card, send pictures of the block with card showing it passed inspection, add the extra cost to have it checked out to what you would like to get for the block and send to me with a quote. Pretty long winded I know. But my experience has been to pay for item(s) sight unseen, have them checked out, find out block and or heads no good, I'm stuck with them as junk or pay to have them repaired doubling the price of my initial investment.
So, if you want to really sell, be a standup guy, following these simple steps will get you a win win situation. You might even gain a regular customer if you are in the business of buying and selling. And if you go to shows, your reputation will not be impuned.

Sorry for the lecture, but we need to spread the knowledge

 

[racedodge]

plefe, that is a thick main web. the area in the pic would be much thinner if it were anything but a thick main web block.

sorry, but I plan on keeping both of my blocks

lastly, the earliest 400 blocks showed up in C bodies prior to the 72 year. If I am not mistaken, they were chrysler blue engine blocks, but with hemi orange valve covers. 1971 Chrysler Newports had the 400.


~~~ found the TSB on it... enjoy

 

[plefe]

plefe, that is a thick main web. the area in the pic would be much thinner if it were anything but a thick main web block.

sorry, but I plan on keeping both of my blocks

lastly, the earliest 400 blocks showed up in C bodies prior to the 72 year. If I am not mistaken, they were chrysler blue engine blocks, but with hemi orange valve covers. 1971 Chrysler Newports had the 400.


~~~ found the TSB on it... enjoy

The guy is asking $500 + $171 to ship. How does that sound? I mean, these things are gold, but have you ever heard of a first run on these blocks like this 1-9-71 date coded block?

 

[racedodge]

The guy is asking $500 + $171 to ship. How does that sound? I mean, these things are gold, but have you ever heard of a first run on these blocks like this 1-9-71 date coded block?

I have never heard of one being ran that earlier... the only thing I can think of is that it is missing a "0" after the "1" due to a casting flaw. There is a pretty big space after the "1" so I can only assume its a flaw from the typesetter.

As far as $500 goes, I would say that is on the steep side, but I am in Kansas where things go cheaper than in other areas.

 

[Elvad]

Go to the 440Source website, they have the most comprehensive explanation of all the different blocks I've seen.

 

[Ma Snart]

Some additional information on the webbing of B vs RB blocks I got from 440 source. There is a lot of detailed explaination of these photos at that site that I have not included if you are interested.

First picture is a typical 440 RB block
Second picture is a typical 440 RB block built after 1976
Third picture is a typical B block (a 383 in this case)
Fourth picture is the 4230 Special 400 B block built in 71

As you can see there are not big differences in the first and third. And the post 76 440 had more beef. But it is obvious that the 4230 block is in a different league. This is why bracket racers run that block stroked to 451.

Happy Holidays

Ma Snart
Attached Images

 

[moparmarks]

Duh, guess I'm alittle slow today. Didn't really notice the date before. Maybe one of those 71 C-body motors the racedodge posted the TSB about I'm guessing.

 

[greenmonsta79]

I checked my block and it is a 72 block and not the 230 casting number, it is a bare block, I was going to build a 451 for my General Lee but I went with a mild 440 instead what do you guy's think a fair value for a early 400 block is? $150.00??

 

[moparmarks]

I checked my block and it is a 72 block and not the 230 casting number, it is a bare block, I was going to build a 451 for my General Lee but I went with a mild 440 instead what do you guy's think a fair value for a early 400 block is? $150.00??

150-250 for a 630 block

 

[racedodge]

green, dependent upon if its standard bore or not, $150 sounds good. If it is a 40 or 60 over block, its a boat anchor pretty much.