'78 K20 : 400ci a good engine?

[ollythedolly]

Greetings from rainy England.UK.
Im looking at trading my 76 camaro for a mint 78 K20 with a 400ci engine. Thats a rare engine here-most are 305/350 (I had an 85 305 K5 once).
Is the 400 a good engine? I assume it was introduced to give more power when smog stuff was added (as it only seems to give 185 bhp). I assume more can be easily liberated with a decent manifold & carb? Should I avoid it and try and find a nice 350? !!
Cheers folks.

[Crummy]

Great engines. They tend to be better on low end torque than most 350s. Reliable and can make great horsepower. Don't blink an eye at it. Alot of the k5 blazers and Jimmys came with them.

[Your41Plague12]

Agreed, they were great engines. If you end up swapping heads on it, make sure to have the steam holes drilled. You may overheat if you don't. If you're keeping the stock heads, I wouldn't bat an eye at it. Especially in a K20. Lots of people build some mean 406's, and in a 3/4 ton 4x4 that would be kind of cool. Two thumbs up from me. Oh yeah, and post some pics! :biggrin:

[Childers]

I'be got a built 406 in my 84 k10. It's between 450 and 500 horses. Its a manual and on 37's. I can spin my tires in the first three gears no problem.