Hey guys, several folks have been suggesting that I should half block (Hard Blok) to an inch under the water pump holes on my sbc 400 I am building.

I understand why they think I should half-fill, but I want to know if its a good idea on motor that will see street use along with drag racing.

I am already planning to use a oil cooler when the 400 is complete.

So, good or bad idea for half-fill on a partial street motor?

Thanks guys!!

Cable, a "short fill" for a factory block is a good thing if you're planning on making any kind of power. Just be ready to run that oil cooler, you WILL need it.

Where did you plumb your oil cooler from on the block?

Thanks John.

Never plumbed one. I knew I was going to an aftermarket block soon and my street driving is very limited anymore with my schedule.

Easiest place is an adapter between the oil filter and the block.

Originally posted by RB69SS396Conv:
Easiest place is an adapter between the oil filter and the block. Sounds like a plan.

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So anyone else have an opinion about block filling a sbc 400?

prepare to see temps as high as 240 on the street with a filled block and smoetimes higher depending on how hot the day is during summer

Cable,
10SecBu (Todd Giesler) went thru this too and I thought I saw his whole oil cooler set-up for sale on one of the race parts for sale sites. Maybe he still has it or can give you the info on the install.
I'm thinking of doing a remote filter as there is little room between the headers and filter on my 78. Gary

My 406 is half filled . Water temps are not a problem. Oil temps are. During long street runs I can see that its getting hot by my pressure readings. I will need to get an oil cooler too, but have the same problem fitting a sandwich style adapter in with my style of headers.

I'm running a half filled 400 block in my drag car. It actually runs cooler than my old unfilled 355. I think with an oil cooler you'll be just fine. Buy a kit with the adapter that fits between the oil filter and block. Chevrolet used this set up on pickups with a towing package in the 70s.