400 FMX Value
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400 FMX Value
Located a 400 with the small bellhousing pattern today. Guy wants $135 for the shortblock -- he pulls it out, I break it down to the short block. Is this a good deal?
Last edited by CJJTulsa; Feb 22, 2003 at 12:24 PM.
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400 FMX Value
This Ranchero that it's in has a "U" code for the trans., which translates to a C6. But it definately has a bolt-on bellhousing, and there is a ridge around the back of the block where a big-block style tranny usually bolts up, with no threaded holes. The bellhousing is about 2-3" lower than where all the rest of the 400s I've seen bolt up -- at least that much lower than the rear deck of the block. I couldn't see if it had the raw castings for the small block motor mounts, manifolds and other stuff was in the way.
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400 FMX Value
Was the "blowout" towards the bottom of the cylinder, or to the top (or both)? I take it you would know if you spun the crank, or couldn't as the case may be. I'm sure removing the heads would make this obvious.
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400 FMX Value
Was this small bellhousing a factory mod? I was unaware that this was ever done. How rare are these?
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From: PacNW
400 FMX Value
It was done for 1 model year, 1973...why? I have no idea. How many were cast? No clue. I've never seen one in person not that that means much but it seems like they are a fairly rare bird.
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400 FMX Value
I'm a little concerned about the one I found in that it was cast at the Michigan Casting Center, which produced blocks that were prone to cracking in the water jacket area in the lifter valley. I jerked the intake, and didn't see anything unusual, but I'm still a bit concerned. Should I go ahead and get it?
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From: PacNW
400 FMX Value
I don't blame you for being concerned. I used to think that if an engine made it for over 20 years without cracking that there was a good chance it would last for another 20 without cracking but I know 2 guys who in the past 2 years have completed rebuilds on MCC blocks, 1 with a pre 3/1/77 casting date and 1 with a supposedly good date who have had the blocks crack in the lifter valley after the rebuild.
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From: Sin City, USA
400 FMX Value
Saw your post of the 351C board. $135 is a good price to someone. It could be a good price to you if you have a use for this block. First, do you have a 351C or SBF application that you would like to replace with a 400? If you have a Clevo, then this is a cheap alternative to a stroker 351C. If you have a 351W, well the parts are so plentiful now that building a killer W is often a better (and cheaper) option. I saw cheaper because you don't have to buy all the little stuff like brackets and front engine dress, etc.,.... Biggest thing is to check out the block and see if it is cracked of beyond boring. If you still don't know if you want to tackle this job, e-mail me.
jmobley2002(No Email Addresses In Posts!)
--J
jmobley2002(No Email Addresses In Posts!)
--J
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teamwizard
335 Series- 5.8/351M, 6.6/400, 351 Cleveland
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Mar 31, 2002 12:15 AM
