Small Block 400 Question

Ok I tried looking this up thru the search function but didn't find any info. I have an old 1970 Chevy small block 400. I've heard some of the blocks referred to as "cheater" blocks. Is this because they resemble 350's with the freeze plugs? The block casting number is 3951511. Since mortec.com is no longer working I can't milk that site for info any more. Any help is appreciated.

Scott

 

i got a book around here somewhere that has the casting numbers for the 350s and 400s...i have a 350..the ending number for that is 010 which is high performance and truck motor...are you asking if its a 350 or 400 or what do you need?

 

3951511....400...70-73...4...Some replacement blocks had 2-bolt main caps

http://www.mortec.com/castnum.htm

 

Some 400s, have the same # of freeze plugs on the side as all other small block chevies, some don't. Never heard it referred to as a cheater. good luck with the project

 

That is weird. I can't get that site or even that link to work. Thanks for the info. the only other info I can on it is that it is a high nickel block and rated at 255 or 265 HP. Any one see anything else?

Thanks!

 

Never heard the term "cheater block" but hell, I'm only 40 what do I know...still learnin.

 

some 400 had freeze plugs the same as a 350, and could not be told from a 350 by external visual inspection. (without a teardown). thus on some of the smaller dirt circle tracks, a cheater block actually had 400 " vs. 350" in some of the stock and hobby stock classes. where limited to 355" dad always said " there is no replacement for displacement".

 

You won't fool to many people with a 400 block. They all have bulges on the outside that give it away.

 

You are only cheating if you get caught. "Smokey">>>>.