SBC 400 no steam holes??'s

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pagrunt

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Sep 14, 2014
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I'd say no. With the tight quarters between the bores those steam holes are needed to help with cooling.
 
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565bbchevy

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Aug 8, 2011
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Michigan
I wouldn't, it is an easy mod using your head gasket as template and drilling at the proper angle or if you are not comfortable doing it a reputable shop could do it, I have always done my own but use aftermarket heads but then I discovered big blocks lol.
 
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ssn696

Living in the Past
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I saw the machine shop drill mine. He drilled at an angle. Get it done now and you'll avoid over heating and distorting the inner pairs of cylinder walls.
 
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500/600

Royal Smart Person
Nov 17, 2018
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West Virginia
The information on why and how to do this has been around for 40+ years. Google.
 
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ssn696

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Another way to think about it...the General does nothing extra unless there is a reward or at least avoidance of punishment. That's also why the T5 was never included behind any 350; it would have been a warranty claim waiting to happen. In the same way, the steam holes were insurance.
 
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vanrah

G-Body Guru
Apr 16, 2013
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Greetings Mr Moore & all; Seems like I should add $.02 cents worth. I started Hot Rodding 400 SB's back in 1985. YES you will want steam holes, period. Mr.ssn696 said it well " Another way to think about it...the General does Nothing Extra unless there is a Reward or at least avoidance of PUNISHMENT". Another tid bit is if ya don't not only will it over heat but the heat will end up cracking the decks & or the heads. And if your curious my beloved Bronze Brick is located just a few minutes North of you, so keep your eyes peeled this coming summer, Ole' Bob.
 

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Texas82GP

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Apr 3, 2015
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When I bought my car, it had a 400 in it. The 400 wanted to run hot. The engine had been put in the car by a total hack. I pulled the heads, and what do you know? No steam holes. There is no way I would put a 400 together without the heads being drilled for steam holes. Also, if you download the instructions for installing aluminum Edelbrock heads on a small block Chevy, those instructions note that if you are putting those heads on a 400, they MUST be drilled for steam holes.
 
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