Hi everyone.. I recently bought a rebuilt 400 sbc shortblock engine.. I am planning to put it into my restored 1979 gmc sierra classic C-15 pickup.. I was just wondering if I wrote down here all my specs would someone give me and idea for a cam? I wud like it to be a torque monster lol. so no high reving over 5000 rpm. Here are some specs.. th700r4 mild shift kit stock converter.
im gonna use 350 vortec heads
3:73 axle ratio
edelbrock performer vortec intake
im guessing 10.5:1 compression with those pistons cause they are factory dished type. tire size 255/60/15. thnx so much for your time.. Ben

 

if you want a torque cam, get a rv cam( that's what is was call back in the days) I build 2 406 sbc back in the days but they were street/ strip

 

Back in 92-93 I built a 406 that was a torque monster. At the time a comp 280 fit that bill. Close to 500 lbs ft. with double hump heads.

 

I worked in a performance oriented engine machine shop for over 10 years and have had a hand in building many 400 sbc's. I can almost promise you that there are cracks in the deck in various places, but especially around the small steam holes between the cylinders. It's not that big of a deal because it can be repaired by a shop that is familiar with the process. Get that checked out and build on.

 

What he said. Common area for cracks, unless it is an aftermarket block.

Also heads will need the steam holes drilled as well as in head gasket.

 

No need to drill the heads or gasket. Best thing to do is plug the holes in the block. That is typically the solution for one that is cracked. If it is not cracked, it will......so go ahead and plug them like I said.