Got a set of heads here with casting number D5AE-A2A. Don't think they are anything special, but i thought I would check if anyone knows. Also, when installing an aluminum intake on a 400, do or do not use the valley pan gasket? I know that on some GM engines that require a valley pan gasket, you do not use it when installing aluminum intake. Finally, are all 400 blocks, whether they be car or truck engines, casted with a front dipstick? All help would be greatly appreciated. Over and out.

 

those are just stock 351m/400 heads. as for the intake gasket, i would recommend using the valley pan type. my edelbrock performer intake came with crappy 2 piece gaskets when i bought it. these will seal ok, but you will get hot oil splashing up on the bottom side of the intake. this can be a bad thing because there is an exhaust crossover tube built into the bottom of the intake. this gets hot and can cause the oil to burn (coke) to the bottom of the intake. this burnt up oil can then fall back down and re-enter the oiling system, causing engine damage. toss the 2 piece gasket and get the pan style. there are 2 types of dipstick configurations for the 400. the 4x4 has a dipstick tube that enters thru the oil pan. all others enter thru the block.