Aftermarket block or used?

[kgoings]

I am building my 68 camaro, mostly a street car but I want to take it to the strip occasionally. I was thinking a 400 block, not sure about bore yet. But should I purchase a Dart or Bowtie block or just get a good used one?

[ProdigyCustoms]

Well, depending on horsepower, you can spend more making a stock 400 block that willl live (Been there, done that, got a Tee Shirt, still running the motor), then you will just buying a aftermarket World or Dart block.

A stock 2 bolt is probably good to 500HP, a 4 bolt is weaker in those motors because the outer bolts on the mains get to close to the webing.

You can splay a stock block (like mine), but by the time your done. I really wish I would have bought a block. One day i will spray to much on it and get the chance to buy that new block, LOL!

[Goatman]

Yep, the stock 400 blocks aren't much good, despite their underserved reputation as being killers..

For racing, and even street, I'd buy an aftermarket. They're pretty cheap as it is...

[Lowend]

+1 there are only a couple of casting #'s for OEM 400's that are worth a damn, and they are not easy to find.

I've had good luck with the World Sportsman blocks in the past; but have heard some nasty rumors in recent times.
If you get an aftermarket block, order it with the 350 mains

[malihoochie]

I root for the Dart blocks!

[1 DWN CAM]

I purchased a DART Little M for my build. The single best investment I made. Well worth the piece of mind.

[LowBuckX]

There are many many big HP stock 400 block alive and kicking on the street and tracks to prove they can hold up. You need to state your HP goals you may just be able to stud a 2 bolt and go if your goals arent too lofty.

[Rick Dorion]

Since nothing is forever, I went the factory 400 block route. My reasons are that I was able to pay as I go and in a few years I'll go to an LSX setup. Be realistic about your goals and use and we'll help spend your $ :).