Avanti '400' !

[mfg]

What was the engineering 'flaw' inherent in the 400 CI Chev engine used in mid 70's Avanti ll's ?

[Nelson]

It wasn’t a Studebaker. Just kidding.

Edited February 28, 2023 by Nelson

[Gunslinger]

Do you mean a flaw in the 400 engine in general or as used in the Avanti II?

The only thing I can think of is the 400 engine doesn’t have traditional cooling passages in the block but has “steam vents” for cooling. In a vehicle as cooling challenged as the Avanti that simply adds to the cooling problems and may have led to many Avantis of the time period have holes in the inner fender apron in an attempt to aid cooling by increasing airflow venting from the engine bay.

[mfg]

3 hours ago, Gunslinger said:

Do you mean a flaw in the 400 engine in general or as used in the Avanti II?

The only thing I can think of is the 400 engine doesn’t have traditional cooling passages in the block but has “steam vents” for cooling. In a vehicle as cooling challenged as the Avanti that simply adds to the cooling problems and may have led to many Avantis of the time period have holes in the inner fender apron in an attempt to aid cooling by increasing airflow venting from the engine bay.

That's it...no coolant between the cylinders was an inherent problem with the small block '400'.....Everything else in an Avanti ll's cooling system needs to be 100%!

[Nelson]

Is that the Siamese cylinder?

[mfg]

4 hours ago, Nelson said:

Is that the Siamese cylinder?

Yes..the cylinders touch.