First what is the difference of wieght of 400 block/crank then 350 block/crank? size diffeence (dimmention wize?) how come 40's are not put in fieros more?

Kyle

External dimentions are the same. Ones balanced internally the other externally.
The 400 has siameased cylinders. (no water jacket between cylinders) Potentialy harder to cool. Limited timing advance reccommended for the 400, (larger piston surface area more prone to detonation).
Best compromise is 350 w/400 crank, Lots of torque, and the other problems are negated.

quote Originally posted by DrDave: Best compromise is 350 w/400 crank, Lots of torque, and the other problems are negated.

That would known as the 383, or "Stroker" motor. Also, because of the previously mentioned water jackets, boring the 400 block is tricky, and not many people attempt it.

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Boomtastic

i had a 400 in my blazer, i didn't have any trouble with it for the first two weeks, then it locked up aparently the oil leak was worse than i thought and i shouldn't have tried to go down that trail oh well

Stock chevy 400 was a peace of junk
poor cooling and oiling lead to many warranty repares, donot use a 400 block.
smog motor at best no power stock anyway.
383 if built by someone who knows them is a better motor and will live longer.

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Question wonder and be wierd

Dang it. I thought we had an easy question for a change. I was going to answer 50

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My Fiero | Fiero Accessories

quote Originally posted by ray b: Stock chevy 400 was a peace of junk poor cooling and oiling lead to many warranty repares, donot use a 400 block. smog motor at best no power stock anyway. 383 if built by someone who knows them is a better motor and will live longer.

If built correctly, a MODIFIED 400 is a torque monster. I've read several articles where they took a 400 crank and counter ground the rod journals to re-stroke it and made a 427 cubic inch motor that tested out somewhere around 500 HP. IT was called maxi-mouse (since SBC are often referred to as a "mouse" motor). I had a 69 Chevelle with a 400, stock heads, modest camshaft and MSD ignition bigger carb. That thing would haul! Felpro is now making a special performance head gasket for better cooling that should help.

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Roy :D
Just another stock Blue 87 GT
Suncoast Fieros

JUST ADDED: 1988 GT w/ T-Tops, 5-Speed, and Performance Sound.

Didn't say it wouldn't go. I've got a 406 in my LandCruiser. Hooked up to a 5 Speed and 4 wheel disk brakes. Air lockers on both ends. Holly alluminum heads. 9.5 compression. 650 Holly. Nasty cam. (Went thru 3 of them to find the one I wanted.)
4700 lbs. My Fiero will pull it to 40 mph but after that look out. It runs HARD to 100mph at which time I chicken out.