How many of you 73-77 owners have/had the 400 SB motor in your El?

I currently have a 72 350 4 bolt but I plan on rebuilding the original 400 and putting it back in. My vin code for the motor is U. 400 4BBL. I still have the QJET from it too.

Course it floods..

and has a vaccum leak at the butterfly shaft....

:-)

My '76 GMC Sprint originally had the 400ci 4bbl engine. But, it now has a '70 Buick 455. Much better in my opinion.

Charles

I have a 400 in my 78. It is definitely a decent motor.

Is that 455 Buick a bored out Chevy engine? I have heard of several people putting them in the El Camino and wonder if it is a bolt in replacement?
Eric

Is that 455 Buick a bored out Chevy engine? I have heard of several people putting them in the El Camino and wonder if it is a bolt in replacement?
Eric

It is a real buick engine. You can see pictures of it here. (http://elcaminocentral.com/modules.php?set_albumName=album120&op=modload&name=Gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php) It was installed by one of the previous owners using custom made motor mounts. It also uses a Buick/Oldsmobile/Pontiac/Cadillac bolt pattern for the transmission. The alternator is about all that will interchange with Chevy engine's.

Charles

That 455 looks right at home in there. Noticed you still have the VIR from your old AC. That steering shaft looks like a bit of tight fit too. Some engineering went on there.

The only other motor I would consider if rebuilding the 400 doesn't work out is a new 502 crate motor. Quick and easy way to get the power to weight ratio without a whole lotta work.

Course I'd have to get an electric fuel pump cuz the Gen VI Big Blocks don't have a Fuel pump boss.

Another nice thing about that 455 is the location of the Distributor. Make timing a bit easier.

If any of you don't want your old 400's I'd be glad to take them off your hands, working or not. :cool:

That 455 looks right at home in there. Noticed you still have the VIR from your old AC. That steering shaft looks like a bit of tight fit too. Some engineering went on there.

Another nice thing about that 455 is the location of the Distributor. Make timing a bit easier.

The 455 fits wonderfully now that I have removed the old A/C box that was in the way. VIR? I've never heard of that before, care to explain?

The steering shaft isn't too tight. At the smallest point there is 1.5" of clearnce between the engine and steering shaft. It's the passenger side that fits really tight. I uploaded a few more pictures to show the clearances.

Charles

VIR=Valve in receiver. THe ALL-in-One AC dryer/poa valve that never worked right in GM cars. I noticed it hanging off the blower box. IT can be removed it you want to just to get it out of the way. IT won't hurt anything as your AC lines are already open anyway So the system would need to be flushed out before it was put back into use if you went that route. Anway the VIR isnt a serviceable part.

Just noticing stuff is all. Like that 455 in there.

Thanks for clearing that up for me. As far as plans for my Sprint go, it will never have A/C again. I see no use for it when I can just roll the window down.

Charles

Wish I could say that. No fun out here where I live when it gets to be 110 outside. Even with the windows down. I mainly put mine back together for the sake of my then 80 something Grandmother though. I used to take her to the doctor and such and didn't want her to suffer in the heat.