i'm looking to buy a 400 block that is a 230 casting. this block is a 4.25 bore like a 383 block. this part is confusing me as i've never heard of a 383 bore sized 230 block. i'm told by the seller it's a special Super Stock block from back in the day. any body here know anything about this type of thing? if you do can you enlighten me please?

I've heard of those blocks before. I believe it was more a model year crossover and warranty thing than anything special.

Let me guess, since the seller states this a "special" block it has a premium price attached to it?

You live in Straya, right? Can't be cheap getting a block there. If I were you I'd insist any block you buy be sonic checked first, unless you don't mind paying shipping fees for junk.

no i'm not in Straya but just across the ditch. it costs more to ship an engine across the US than it does to get from Ca. to NZ. i can't find any information regarding 383 230 blocks & i'm hoping one of the renown engine guys can help. i'm in serious need of a good 400 block if you know of any.
Reb.

I'm building my stroker from one of the early block as we speak. I took my original from my car and put it under the bench since it was a later block without the extra beef.
Ron

I'm building my stroker from one of the early block as we speak. I took my original from my car and put it under the bench since it was a later block without the extra beef.
Ron

I own one of these blocks, but it would need several sleeves. Is it worth it?

Somebody help me out here as it's been a while since I owned one of these blocks, and I don't want to spread misinformation. I seem to remember the early 230 blocks having small font and the later version large font.

The description in the attachment has it the other way around.

Which is correct? JohnRR?

There seems to be a legitimate contradiction here...

Could the cut off date be questionable, too?

The cutoff I'm pretty sure is an absolute, BUT it's just a matter of looking at the webs .

I agree, John. It's a simple thing to check. I wouldn't turn my nose up at either one.

I just don't want to start a peeing match over the font issue.

"Always trust the font!"

I've got a favorite 400 I've saved for years. 6. 15. 71. large font. now you guys got me worried. gonna measure bore ,make sure its not a 383.

I finally got a chance to look at that block.400 230.2! did notice bowtie cooling holes in the decks. I thought that happened later in the70's my 72 440 sitting next to it has old style round holes. strange

TO the OP: AndyF who has 10 400 blocks, lives close to the West Coast. Maybe shoot him a PM and see if he can help you out?

R.

I just checked my 230 block. 12-3-71 and large font.
Don't have it apart yet so don't know which block it is.

Looks like a good one to me
read here:
http://www.440source.com/blockinfo.htm

i've asked the seller to take some pics of the casting numbers, he said he'll do it next week as the block is at his machinists. my biggest problem is that it's in Florida & he says it'll cost about $300 to ship to Ca. from there it's only $80 to get it shipped down under via my shipper. if it is a legit block then i'm ok with that. i've e-mailed a few engine guys in the US & asked them to find me a suitable block but unfortunately no one wants to help someone on the wrong side of the world. 400 blocks down under are scarce & those who have them think they're worth gold. i had originally bought an engine off Moparts from a member, most of the engine was good but the block was stuffed so hence why i'm looking for another.
thanx for the input from those of you that have helped.

I just tossed a 400 block on the scrap pile because three of the cylinders had 0.090 or less on the side wall. This was a super nice looking block that had already been dipped and magged and had some machine work. It would have been easy to sell for a premium price but when I looked at the sonic numbers the value dropped to $0 and it went on the scrap pile.

Well if you lived next door you could bring your hand truck over and I'd help you load it up. But I don't think I'm going to bother going to the hassle of crating it up and shipping it to you!

All three thin cylinders are on the same side of the block. Looks like big time core shift to me. The block is rough bored to 4.370 and was ready to be honed for pistons when it came to me. I sonic tested it and said it wasn't any good.