Need help picking a engine.

[Bad94]

Im looking to build a Small block for my truck. I want a motor that i can get in start it and not be scared to get on it hard. I have a brand new NX kit sitting in my shop, wating for it to go on something

Im thinking about 3 different motors. A 355, a 400(to406, but then i have to run a mcleod bellhousing old school flywheel and LS1 T-56). And i was thinking about taking a 307 that i have sitting and build a 307 stroker it would be a high reving motor.(has anyone done that?)


I want to have around 400-450HP and i dont want to run a auto(i hate them) I love sticks and i want a t-56.

Then what do i want a 2 bolt or 4 bolt some guys say 4 bolt only and then i have read that 2 bolts with splyed caps are stronger.


Im a newbe to motors, please help me out.

Thanks Dan

[slowcamaro]

400. Cubes. But im biased thats what im building.

[Z06vet]

It would help to know what kind of truck you have. 307 would probably be ok in something small & lite like an S-10. Full size truck I'd go 350 or preferably 383. I like low end torque in heavy vehicles, and the 383 should be very easy for you hit your 400-450hp goal. I can't answer the 2/4 bolt part of your question, but I'm sure an experienced engine builder can/will respond. I think you will need a 93-97 LT1 T-56 to make an easier swap. I think the LS1 bell housing is different. The LT1 should bolt right up. Scott

[Bad94]

This is be going in a 94 S-10.


As for the 400 and T-56 i know that with the 400 you have to have a like a $300 flywheel and i dont want to pay that much. So i was thinking if i ran the McLeod bellhousing and LS1 tranny that would work.

[Lowend]

If you want to run N20, stay away from the LS1 engines. They all have hyperutectic (sp) pistons, which are very brittle and tend to crack under the cylinder pressures N20 produces.

I'd encourage you to build a 383 stroker for a couple of reasons
1) Good 400cid smallblocks are getting hard to find
2) A 383 is a cheap build, maybe an additional $500 over a 350
3) a 383 will have just as much torque as a 400, and will have no issues getting into the 400-450HP mark.

[Bad94]

If you want to run N20, stay away from the LS1 engines. They all have hyperutectic (sp) pistons, which are very brittle and tend to crack under the cylinder pressures N20 produces.

I'd encourage you to build a 383 stroker for a couple of reasons
1) Good 400cid smallblocks are getting hard to find
2) A 383 is a cheap build, maybe an additional $500 over a 350
3) a 383 will have just as much torque as a 400, and will have no issues getting into the 400-450HP mark.

What if i said if i can get a 400 complete for really cheap?

[Mr.VENGEANCE]

listen to Lowend..

[camaro608]

355 or 383 would make 400-450 easy thats what im doing in my camaro but it you want cubes you could do a 396 or 400

[Lowend]

It all depends on the block... 4-bolt 400's are actually weaker then their 2-bolt counterparts. If its more than .030 over I would stay away

How cheap is cheap? I wouldn't pay more than $400 for a pristine 400 block core