decode 400 block origin?

[MykeNytemare]

Hey all,

A friend of a friend has a 400 motor complete, supposedly stock rebuilt (so just a reliable engine) that I was thinking about picking up for the last few weeks. The 383 in my car leaks a quart a week if I drive it a bit (rear main seal leaks a bunch of that), has a lifter that keeps getting stuck and clacks (goes away for a bit each time I use Marvel oil or Seafoam), and who else knows what is wrong with the engine I have.

Anyways, I was thinking about a 400 stroker in the future, and he only wants $500 for the engine (though I would have to buy a hoist and rent a pickup to get it back to my place) so this may be a great purchase. I think there are different variations of the 400 with regards to wall thickness, engine mount ear strength, side ribs/gussets.

Does this number clarify any of that 36986304007 ? or do I need a build date as well?

 

[Badvert65]

I don't think one 400 is any better than another. The date is cast into the side of the block. I have a 72 400 that I will be putting in my Belvedere. It will be basically stock for now. I am also considering making a stroker out of it eventually.

 

[fratzog lover]

Thats a 73-78 block. Not as beefy as a 230 but youre not building an all out racer either. Plenty strong!

 

[Xp29h]

Thats a 73-78 block. Not as beefy as a 230 but youre not building an all out racer either. Plenty strong!

The 400 block in all years is a great choice for a good stroker! And x2 on plenty strong!

 

[fratzog lover]

The main webbing on the early 72 230 blocks is off the chart. And people used to scrap them!

 

[72Fourspeed]

Now I know why my August build 72 doesn't have its original motor !