the mythical thick main webbing 400ci 230 casting engine block

[RD]

not a myth anymore, to me anyway.  I got one from a salvage yard down here in oklahoma.   Looked at the casting numbers and bingo, showed that it was the motor.   a key giveaway was the larger casting numbers than usual, the second key giveaway was the fact that it was a 400 ci in a car whose build date was 10/71.   this will make for a great stroker motor.   I am not sure if I want to keep it or sell it.   What would you all do?

[TruckDriver]

I never heard of it But you can give it to me if you want My car was built 12/17/71.

[RD]

click here for pics and info:

http://www.440source.com/blockinfo.htm

first two pics are early b saddles, last is the thick web saddle

[TruckDriver]

Holy Cow! I can see how that would be a good stroker motor! Thanks! I just learned something new again

[HDCharger]

Be sure to check it as not all 230 blocks had the thick webbing.  Nice pick up, I'd stroke it if I were you in fact I did just that to a 230 Block 400.  Dave

[Todd Wilson]

.   What would you all do?

I'd hook a chain to it and use it for a boat anchor!



Todd

[Ghoste]

I believe Billy Squier said it best when he said, "Stroke!"

[RD]

Be sure to check it as not all 230 blocks had the thick webbing.   Nice pick up, I'd stroke it if I were you in fact I did just that to a 230 Block 400.   Dave

i checked on this one, its the real 230 based upon date of block and the casting number mould

[Mefirst]

Nice score..

[is_it_EVER_done?]

If your just doing a standard street/strip stroker in the 500 to 600 HP range, you can use any 400 block (or even 440) with no problems. The thick web 230's are desirable for the full tilt racers, but without adding billet steel or aluminum main caps, going to high end manufactured crank/rod/piston combos, with the best flowing heads, block filling, etc., using it would be a waste as far as performance goes.

I found one, and was going to build it, but I realized that for my purposes, I would be better off selling it and using the $500.00 to help pay for my parts. Also, until you have it sonic checked it has no value whatsoever since a few thin cylinders will eliminate any positive the thick main webs have.

For my use, I was happy to have found one, and even more happy to have had it help me pay for my parts, and also help a full time racer out with his project. Like I said, it depends on your planned use.

But I know how you feel, as hard as they are to find, it's a great feeling to land one.

[68ChargerJMP]

Just a bit of info here......I spoke with Rich Nedball of Mopar Egines West about the 230 casting. He said that the 230 is the prefered block because of cylinder wall thickness, not for the mains thickness.He said that hes never seen a block fail because of the main area. He said to look at a 440 block, its alot thinner than a 400, and how many have you seen fail because of the mains. Not sure about this, but he knows more about engine blocks than me, this I do know.

[Ghoste]

So whether you keep it or sell it, it looks like you made a good score.  Any further ideas now, what you plan to do?

[RD]

yeah, i will most likely sell it to help with my duster project.  what would be a good price to ask for it?

[471_Magnum]

About three years ago, I paid $500 for mine... but it included a virgin RB crank... and the block had already been decked, line honed, and bored to 4.375. Took over someone else's aborted stroker project.

You might say I kind of stole it.

[Chryco Psycho]

I would think it is worth at least $600 depends who is buying though

[RD]

well, i picked it up today.  wont tear it apart until monday most likely.  the casting date is 7-16-71

[RD]

tore it apart yesterday and    look at those mains!! 

[Bandit72]

wow, considering i'm planning on a 451 build i'm now gonna go out back and check out my 400 blocks.... 

[CFMopar]

I'd keep it. Then you know down the road your block can handle almost anything u throw at it. Whats a couple hundred you'll make on it in the long run?

[RD]

I'd keep it. Then you know down the road your block can handle almost anything u throw at it. Whats a couple hundred you'll make on it in the long run?

you bet TM.  i told my wife i cannot part with it.  i mean, when will i find another one?  those cylinder walls are greased up right now, but man they were pretty when I popped those pistons out.  i was able to turn the motor over with my hands with a little force on the crank pulley.  it was nice to see the rotating assembly spin with easy after I pulled the oil pan off.  I am really stoked about the whole thing, as if you couldnt tell

[firefighter3931]

Showoff  Nice foundation for a 350hp combo 

Ron

[RD]

Showoff  Nice foundation for a 350hp combo 

Ron

350?  way too much, i am thinking a 185hp 2bbl smog motor with it hehehe

[CFMopar]

Glad your keeping it RD... Hey if worse comes to worse I'll give u what you piad for it... The more I think about it the more I want to build a 400 stroker.....    Keep it in the family if your going to get rid of it 

[MOPARHOUND!]

Just a bit of info here......I spoke with Rich Nedball of Mopar Egines West about the 230 casting. He said that the 230 is the prefered block because of cylinder wall thickness, not for the mains thickness.He said that hes never seen a block fail because of the main area. He said to look at a 440 block, its alot thinner than a 400, and how many have you seen fail because of the mains. Not sure about this, but he knows more about engine blocks than me, this I do know.

RD's pic's show the greater Main saddle thickness/beef.

I was thinking there is an extra strengthening rib in the freeze plug area also, running the length of both sides of the block on the outside.