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Can you use 350 aluminum heads on a 400 motor?

No, you can't directly use 350 aluminum heads on a 400 small-block Chevy engine without significant modification, and even then, it's generally not recommended. The key differences are:

* Bolt Patterns: While both are small-block Chevy, the bolt patterns on the heads are different. 350 heads have a different spacing between the head bolts than 400 heads.

* Combustion Chamber Size: The combustion chamber size and shape are different. This will significantly affect the compression ratio, potentially leading to engine damage if not accounted for.

* Valve Size and Location: While some overlap might exist, the valve sizes and locations might not align perfectly, affecting performance and potentially causing interference.

* Intake Manifold: You'd need a manifold specifically designed for the 350 heads, which might not fit perfectly with other components on your 400 engine.

While some machinists *might* be able to modify a 350 head to fit a 400 block, it's a complex and expensive undertaking. It's almost always far easier, cheaper, and more reliable to source the correct heads for your 400 small-block.