Mystery Chevy 400 Dyno Tested - What's Inside This SBC?

Рет қаралды 544,151

3 жыл бұрын

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Here's an unusual one for Nick's Garage... a freshly built performance SBC 400. Only thing is, Nick didn't build it, and he does not know what parts are inside. But now it's on the dyno, the truth will be told!
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Пікірлер: 1 100

@juicedchevy 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the great work you did on the engine Nick, i took the engine apart a few years ago and came to you to mesure the combustion chamber size because I myself had very few info on it. Based on those measurements I sold the old fuely heads that were maybe from an old 327 corvette engine and got a whole new top end kit. I will definitly choose every part myself on the next build , that being said im very greatful for how it turned out and very thankful for the good tune you did on her. Thanks again man ! Ps the engine is for my 89 firebird :)

@mikejohns3104 3 жыл бұрын

Look at that awesome flat line of torque. It will be so much fun to drive that on the street. Part throttle double wheel peel burnout capabilities right there no problem. Rev limit it though. Rpm's are the only thing that will kill it.

@SavageEuge 3 жыл бұрын

Automatic or manual transmission?

@juicedchevy 3 жыл бұрын

@@SavageEuge manual 5 speed

@coreybell9525 3 жыл бұрын

hell yea i am building a 89 formula myself right now

@charlesangell_bulmtl 3 жыл бұрын

@@juicedchevy "manual 5 speed" EXCELLENT

@bradfischer1059 3 жыл бұрын

I don't care if it's Chrysler Ford or Chevy they're all American horsepower. Thank you for another great video

@NicksGarage 3 жыл бұрын

Right on!

@theupscriber65 Жыл бұрын

Don't forget about the 2 million Toyotas built in the USA!

@stevesalkas9128 Жыл бұрын

Holden 308

@SpeakerKevin Жыл бұрын

@@theupscriber65 Toyotas don't count in our book (us old timers).

@testosteroneinc.3800 Жыл бұрын

@@theupscriber65 Said NO ONE EVER

@cw1824 3 жыл бұрын

Just finished my 400. .490 lift. Blue print Aluminum heads. 6" rods. Thing HAULS!! 400 is my all time favorite engine.

@lollipop84858 Ай бұрын

If you want to restrict yourself to only 400 cubes I guess it's fine for you

@cw1824 Ай бұрын

@@lollipop84858 Not going big block. Staying with stock block. So yeah. 400 cubes it is.

@edwardgoff6340 3 жыл бұрын

I went with 400 GM and added a stroked kit to make 427 and built it all to run pump gas.. Dyno run was 535 hp with a 850 Holley . Added EFI and the horsepower went to 565 hp. EFI improved the overall driving experience and added a big boost in power. This is odd combination of big power in a small package

@jonathanlawson4667 2 жыл бұрын

The carb should've added more HP if it was tuned right

@davidsymalla4785 3 жыл бұрын

You know Nick is a gearhead through and through!! He still gets excited when he makes a decision and confirms it by rubbing his hands together. Sign of someone that loves what he does!! :)

@robertpoudrette4483 2 жыл бұрын

You can see and hear he just loves doing this!

@chuckingram5966 2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely

@BuddWolf 2 жыл бұрын

He’s like a 👍🏻kid in a ❤️candy store, when he 😍sees 🥰classic❤️ muscle cars.

@johnhull6363 3 жыл бұрын

Nick's attention to detail is the secret to his success, good show Nick

@mattkurtz8549 3 жыл бұрын

Lol my buddy had a 400 in his 68 Camaro graduation gift in 1996, gm dual plane holley 750 , ported camel humps headers and a mystery cam , he blew the doors off almost everything , made believers out of us 400 is a brute

@Thumper68 3 жыл бұрын

My dad used to build late model dirt car engines using 400 sbc as starting point by time he was done he had 700hp+ fire breathing monsters that would run 100 lap races wide open. I grew up getting to watch this and hand him wrenches and be a part of it. Nasty nasty engines especially for the time.

@Roadsurfergo 3 жыл бұрын

I think Nick is falling in love with those Chevys. Really enjoy the variety of engines.

@BuzzLOLOL 2 жыл бұрын

He's amazed by Chevy power... 375 HP from 327" stock...

@TractorWrangler01 Жыл бұрын

Mopar small blocks normally had higher torque out of the factory per cubic inch as I remember, but Chevys, you could get more horsepower out of aftermarket and were really inexpensive to build. I'm hearing here about 400 over heating, but that must be a rare problem because I've never had that happen. Those 400s you can really get some good power out of if ya do it right. You can easily max the 202 valve heads out and need more cfm. A turbo can get you past that, but I found dart heads of the day got me past that restriction, and the the 400 allows just a little more room for bigger valves too. Ahhh the good ol days...

@leroycaudill96 2 жыл бұрын

I learn something every time I watch Nick Im a 70 year old mechanic. Never to old to learn.

@Trev0r98 3 жыл бұрын

That is one sweet, sweet small block Chevy 400 engine.

@ssnerd583 3 жыл бұрын

I had one in a '73 Firebird that ROCKED. That motor made power all up and down the RPM's, not like some of the smaller SB chev motors that were really peaky and didnt make much below 3500 or 4k

@twasbrillig33 3 жыл бұрын

LoL I love his smile as the engine starts up...despite his lifelong experience he still get's a childlike thrill out of the sound of the engine starting up. he's adorable.

@eddiea3782 2 жыл бұрын

I love watching Nick when he's in the Dyno room. That is where Nick has his most fun. He can tune like crazy in there. He has super good instincts. He tunes by feel. Old skool. I like that.

@nathankerry3256 3 жыл бұрын

You know your Monday gonna be good when start with nicks garage

@NicksGarage 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Nathan.

@justina3221 2 жыл бұрын

tru dat bruh

@mcdonaldm73 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Nick for a great video! I remember buying 400 sbc's for $50-$100 in the late 80's/early 90's. People around here were scared of them because of all the stories of over heating or blocks splitting. They didn't understand about drilling the steamer holes in non-400 cylinder heads. So they built stroker motors instead. I love these engines! So easy to make good power and torque. I wish I had one now!

@genefoster8601 2 жыл бұрын

Drilled heads or not these things heated under load. I went as far as using a 4 core desert radiator used in the Blazer. Everybody I knew had the same problem . Not a summer time driver. I know what I'm talking about. I am a two time NHRA record holder even John Bandimere is familiar with this problem. (He is an old and dear friend.).

@mcdonaldm73 2 жыл бұрын

@@genefoster8601 I ran one in my Nova for years. Std. bore 400sbc, 461 double hump heads, 305 comp cam, tunnel ram w/450 Holleys. TH350 w/3500 stall, 4;56 gears in a 10 bolt. I used a 4row radiator, Robert Shaw 160 degree thermostat, good water pump, flex fan with a shroud. Car would run between 165-185 in traffic in July/August. Never had an issue. Out of the dozen or so that I had, I never went more than .030 over. Most were std. bore. I never had any overheating issues. Maybe I was just lucky.

@genefoster8601 2 жыл бұрын

@@mcdonaldm73 you may be right. I live in here in Denver,Colorado and we start a 5280 feet above sea level where there is a lack of oxygen and running up to the Eisenhower tunnel and vail pass the El Camino under that load would reach 240 degrees but with the 18 pound radiator cap it wouldn't boil over. Again now we're talking at around and over 9000 feet. When going downhill it would go immediately back down to 180 degrees even though it had a 160 degree thermostat in it. A few other people I knew had the same problem with the 400 small block. The stock engine gave no problems with heat as long as you didn't raise the compression. Once you went to the double hump heads or the aluminum 202 heads which I ran you were in trouble. I think the altitude here and the mountain driving had a lot to do with this phenomenon. I just didn't like living on the edge of my seat with this engine. Finally put a big block LS engine in it.

@norristammislideshowmulgre877 2 жыл бұрын

@@genefoster8601 your right that's why I built a small block 350 16.5 to 1 compression rto 675/326 full roller motor 5500 to 6000 stall 400 turbo transmission naturally aspirated single carb. Never had a over heating issue.

@twotonebtw5448 Жыл бұрын

I had a mild 406 in a chevy II that ran 11.70s on 91 octane. Cast iron Pro Action heads with 200cc intake runners. Raced it and hot rodded the crap out if that 2 bolt main cast crank 400 and never overheated it. So wierd to hear about the horror stories....

@420Jspec 2 жыл бұрын

400 smally is dirt track GOLD !!!

@chrishuelsman952 3 жыл бұрын

When I was a kid, my dad had a '77 suburban with a 400 small block with no smog equipment and it was a strong engine.

@WireWeHere 3 жыл бұрын

Had a 400 in my 78 GMC Camper Special. On the way home in 84 it died in the freeway right at an exit, no spark. Coasted as far as we could and we stopped right beside a pay phone. Called BCAA for a tow to the GM dealership that happened to be open until 9pm, we arrived at 8:35. Bought a pickup coil on an educated guess and after listening to the disbelief and hearing about the nearby accommodation pulled the distributor and got to work. I had it back together and was about to test it as the dealership staff were walking out at 9:02. It fired up and I was going to set the timing but instead drove out of sight first. The disbelief from the staff probably saved us half an hour. Never left home without a spare HEI again. It's almost as if you can prevent a failure just by having the spares on hand. and I packed a bunch of them and although I never needed them for my own vehicles I did get to help plenty of people who were in the middle of having a bad day. Cheers.

@wreckanchor 3 жыл бұрын

If you build them with 5.7 or 6.0 inch rods and put big nice flowing heads on them the 400 sbc is amazing. Best bang for your buck for any engine in my opinion.

@muslcr71adams53 2 жыл бұрын

I built my 406ci with 5.7 rods ,-12cc dish 4VR speed pro,and Promaxx 200cc aluminum 64cc heads …for a 10:1cr ,motor is a beast in my 86 squarebody

@easygoing2479 3 жыл бұрын

I always remember, when draining small amounts of oil out of an overfilled case, loosening the plug to the "finger-loose" point, and then shoving a very short 3/4" I.D. heater hose (or somewhere abouts) over the flats of the plug and slowly turning it at "precision drain mode" by holding the hose without burning my fingers on 200° dripping oil and plug.

@NicksGarage 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent tip!

@curvs4me 3 жыл бұрын

I love that tip! Thanks for that, always more to learn no matter how long you're in the game.

@gcflower99 2 жыл бұрын

Fumoto drain valves make it easy! I use them on oil and tranny pans.

@otisbailey5455 3 жыл бұрын

Nick, thanks for the Bowtie addition.

@basshunter428 3 жыл бұрын

Nick, the more I watch you, it becomes apparent that you mentally bond with an engine when it's on your dyno! Knowing how to coax the maximum output from a particular engine is gift only attained through years of experience. Great vid Nick! 👍

@kenswitzer4133 2 жыл бұрын

Nick is an engine whisperer👍👍

@dniksich 3 жыл бұрын

I used to build and run a few 400's back in the mid/late 80's on the street. They had killer torque for a small block and were great street engines. I also used to run them with the old "double hump" fuelie heads.

@dniksich 3 жыл бұрын

@Louis Edwards Yeah, I've seen a few sets here and there on Marketplace but you're right, not as many as years ago. Most people laugh at them now but back in the day, they were a great head to use.

@davelowets 3 жыл бұрын

@Louis Edwards Theres no point in trying to find them these days, unless you need them for a correct resto. Aftermarket heads are so cheap for an SBC these days that those old things aren't worth the time, money, and effort anymore. Hell, even a little work into a dime a dozen Vortec head and you'd be better off. Fugget-a-bot those ancient double humpers... Not worth it.

@davelowets 3 жыл бұрын

@Louis Edwards They can still be found, it's just not worth it anymore. It was worth it back in the day.

@e-racer4673 3 жыл бұрын

@Louis Edwards I hear ya. Same here. Mechanic all my life. Built all my own engines and for buddy’s and @ work. Same with my transmissions, rear ends and every part on the car actually. Started building transmissions at 19 years old and I built my last one two years ago for my Brother. I have now retired from building transmissions. It kills my back to even do too much of anything anymore.

@z71offroad2000 3 жыл бұрын

those are the heads i run on my SB400 and i hand port matched and polished everything inside them. match intake runners as well.

@paulwarmoth3708 3 жыл бұрын

I’ve got a 406 in my 57 Nomad. It is a heavy car. I built mine for torque instead of horsepower. Brodix aluminum heads, small hydraulic roller cam with 1.7 roller rockers and an Accel super ram fuel injection. 376 horsepower at the crank but 515 pound feet of torque at 2,300 rpm. It is loads of fun to drive!

@jamesreeder5316 2 жыл бұрын

I really enjoy seeing a tuning guru at work. This is the first and only time I've ever subscribed to any KZfaq shows. It Nick can't squeeze out a few more horses I don't know who could!

@billjamison2877 3 жыл бұрын

I always start my Monday's with a cup of coffee and Nick's Garage. Have a great weeks guy's! Bill from Linglestown Pennsylvania

@NicksGarage 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Bill! You too!

@robertorhymes 3 жыл бұрын

Small block Chevy in the dyno room Nick's Garage is the place to give your engine a tune It's got a radical cam Nick is executing his breaking in plan Nick is the man

@NicksGarage 3 жыл бұрын

Roberto knows, he never fails, his rhymes are wind in our sails.

@ricktaylor3748 3 жыл бұрын

@@NicksGarage Nick, you might not believe me, but I have a friend that bought a 1970 Corvette with an original 400 small block, it was rated @ 270 horsepower from the factory. It's the only one I've ever seen. I know for a fact, the 400 sb came in the car. I was with him when he drove it away from the dealership brand new. It's fine if you don't believe me.

@twotonebtw5448 Жыл бұрын

I love the fact that all the things are talked about. The moving distributor, cam timing, air fuel ratio h carb size!

@HammerHeadGarage 3 жыл бұрын

Love spending my coffee time watching your dyno Nick! have a great week buddy.

@NicksGarage 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! You too!

@fanoboss 3 жыл бұрын

i had a 67 malibu w/ a '73 high nickel 400 small block that was around 400 hp, great gas milage ... around 18 mpg

@eddiecahall3824 2 жыл бұрын

The little sbc 400 is very underrated and nowadays very hard to find. They were the true Chevy sb performance engine! I built one back in the early 90's for a 73 nova. Put the edelbrock rpm package on it and ran 12 o's at 127mph in the 1/4 mile. All with the short rods. I still own 3 rare early ones today! Bad little engines. A friend built one with exspensive parts with Brodix, spreadport heads and ran 10:50's in an s-10 pickup. Pretty stout they are.

@stevesalkas9128 Жыл бұрын

Good engine here in australia in late 90s b4 the ls1 2 3 engines went crazy

@stevesalkas9128 Жыл бұрын

Mate put one in Mazda rx4 run 9.56 quarter

@eddiecahall3824 Жыл бұрын

@@stevesalkas9128 that's a lot of work,time and very expensive! I've ran 7:50's in my nova with a monster big block tho before. Pretty much know what works and what doesn't. I don't really run the 1/4 anymore, I do street race for cash tho!🤪😁

@mainiac4pats 3 жыл бұрын

First impression from being around sbc’s my whole childhood and as a young adult. My dad ran Butler and McMasters built sbc in Maine, the 750 is too much for even this hungry 400, good call Nick. Balanced and blue printed engine with powder coated headers a 650 and a high revving Chevrolet brought many a blue ribbon to my old man’s mantle with his wife behind the wheel. Those are great memories. One of the my dad’s proudest moments was winning the state championship with a small block Chevrolet. He always said he was afraid to blow an engine, but Ma gave her the business and no one could touch their combination. Doreen. Proudly wears a Nick’s Garage t-shirt with a big smile. Thank you Nick and you too, you video and editing makes these videos really pop.

@douglassopa2544 3 жыл бұрын

this is the good stuff dr. nick. cant get enough. and we thank the fella for the 400ci donation. that finger pointing does the trick,,

@mikestackhouse9001 3 жыл бұрын

Another amazing video Nick! You pulled every bit out of it! Smooth torque curve. Let's hope the owner has a stout drive line.

@donlemme898 3 жыл бұрын

Good morning Nick and crew.. that SBC will be a great street engine. Hope you guys have a great week.

@Victorperez-fr7yh 2 жыл бұрын

Another great video Nick. Every engine I have seen you tune in your video series; you treat as if it was your own. Love the attention to detail and max horsepower outage. Great job!

@deucerider430 3 жыл бұрын

Ya know it's gonna be a good day when it starts out with hot coffee and Nick's Garage! First, I want to commend George on his superb skills. If I was there, I wouldn't get to see the angles or hear the sounds any better! For example : the shot of Nick when he hit his numbers! Rocky, eat your heart out! And Nick, your mind is something to watch work! A machine "reading" a machine.... Great job fellas, as always! Stay safe and healthy!

@karaDee2363 2 жыл бұрын

I remember my dad had a fully loaded 72 Chevy Impala with a 400 in it, that thing ran great until the day he sold it with 200,000 Mi on it. I was just starting to learn how to drive back then and drove that beast LOL

@doncarlson8391 3 жыл бұрын

The man loves his dyno and customers.

@MH-53E 3 жыл бұрын

Good video Nick. It was like being right there for each pull, a better experience than with a bunch of people. A crowd is better on Friday Night Live and Customers seeing their new engines.

@KENNEY1023 2 жыл бұрын

Always exciting to see Nick work on getting the most out of any motor.

@alvarsdzenis4739 3 жыл бұрын

Nice, long torque band. That sweet little engine is a stump puller in disguise.

@roberthaynes1192 2 жыл бұрын

That's a 400

@daveandlouise123 3 жыл бұрын

I have a mystery 400 in my 62 Impala SS, I wish I had a guy like you near me but I'm in England

@rickwilson78 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome video Nick!!! I have a 400 small block in my 75 K20 Mud Truck!! Thank you, keep up the great work!!

@Prop_2112 Жыл бұрын

All it took was watching just one video and now here I am ,, hooked ! I am amazed on just how much HP that you squeeze out of your engines . Awesome Work !!!

@johnhull6363 3 жыл бұрын

Nice guy like Nick taking care of all those little details the other shop didn't

@LunarOutlawsGarage 3 жыл бұрын

What’s up Nick and George how are you doing up in the north. It’s cool to see a GM on the channel🤘 today I will be dropping a video reviving my newest acquisition A 1970 Buick powered by a 455. There’s so many great engines out there from different brands it’s hard to be brand loyal lol

@NicksGarage 3 жыл бұрын

Morning B! You are right about the variety of great engines out there. Gotta love them all.

@battleboat2487 3 жыл бұрын

you could not revive a wheel borrow yours is the worst channel on you tube really you just dont seem to learn there are all these channels with people who know what there doing and you still dont pick it up and do things wrong

@trillrifaxegrindor4411 3 жыл бұрын

if its got wheels and drinks gas,im in

@420Jspec 2 жыл бұрын

Im doing the same thing. 91 buick wagon is getting an olds 455

@joeljenkins2876 3 жыл бұрын

Good morning, Nick, George, and everyone!!! Nick, it’s ALWAYS a pleasure watching you applying your skills and knowledge to all these engines and getting them to perform as they should. A TRUE engine guru: KUDOS, Nick, and y’all have a fantastic day!!! 🙂

@NicksGarage 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that!