Okay, I've got hopefully an easy question(LONG, now that I've read it, but hopefully easy). I found the "383 or 400" thread in the Chevy forum by searching, and I thought I'd post my questions seperately. I have a SB400 in my FJ40, and it smokes and leaks pretty bad. It's out of a '77 Blazer, and I don't think anybody has ever done much in the way of rebuild or even maintanance to it.

I'm no engine expert, but I'd like to learn by experience, so I think I might rebuild the 400 myself, rather than just swap in a 350.

I really don't even know where to start. Do you usually buy a rebuild kit with bearings, pistons, rods, etc., or what is the easiest and cheapest way to do it?

It's a trailered only vehicle that I compete with, but I really would like to keep the rebuild simple and mild. It has plenty of torque and power for me the way it is stock, so I really don't see a need to build it up much. Just a pretty stock rebuild with maybe a few cheap and easy mods. That's kinda the information I'm hoping to get here. What mods are good to do while I'm rebuilding it, and what approximate total cost am I looking at?

I know I need to get a rebuild manual, and maybe that's what I should do before I even ask, but I thought maybe some of you guys would have a few tips.

One more thing I should probably mention. After I bought the vehicle I was replacing the clutch, and I went to have the flywheel resurfaced and discovered that the flywheel that was on it was for a 256 or something like that(not externally balanced anyway). I've got the right flywheel on it now, but I'm not sure if that could have screwed anything up that I would have to keep in mind.

Anyway, if you're not asleep by now, anybody?

Oh yeah, and if you're still reading, I'd like to look at EFI options for it too(so much for cheap and easy):D

Any info, opinions, advice would be much appreciated.

You should be able to get a full rebuild kit with all the stuff you need. Your local parts place shoudl have it - and you can always order one through summit.

As to EFI - I'd look into a Howell setup.

I'd switch to a 5.7 or a 6" rod. Just check the rod bolt to cam clearance. Gets you Rod/Stroke ratio better. Plus the 5.56 Stock rods are weak. Plenty of good 5.7 pistons available. 6" seem a little harder to come by, Depening on compression ratio. I am looking for a decent set of 6" to run w/Vortec heads w/o running 10:1+ compression. Also check w/Speed O Motive or Northern Auto Parts for good $ Rebuild kits. Do not have Web Addresses handy for theese two, but they usually advertise in most of the Good car mags. Good Luck w/the 400. Post what you end up doing. Either going to do a 400 W/6" rods or a 496 BB for my next Project.:beer: