350 Build

[drtbikkid]

well i got the ol 305 going for now... only a few starter grinds here and there.

i have been looking for a good 350 block. any tips? i know 4 bolt main is best. i have a lead on a 69 model with pistons and crank. would that fit my 78K10? all 69's had 4 bolt mains right?

haven't ever built a motor before and am on a very tight budget. I'm sure whatever i get will have to make a trip to the machine shop. so i am ready for that.

in a pinch, could i use my heads and cam from the 84 model 305 i have in the truck. not sure of the specs on the cam, but it has A LOT of overlap. I'm sure about 10 posts will follow that say how terrible the 305 heads are, but i was just wondering if they would work if i needed them too.


as far as heads, will vortec heads fit any sbc? what mods would i need for those. or would i be better off finding some good 64cc cast iron units from back in the day.

Also, are there any special tools i cant do without? i know i need a good torque wrench and an engine stand. my neighbor has a hoist... just gotta figure out how to get the truck low enough to use it.


i guess also if would be worth my time to make a 383.

just thinkin out loud here. let me know what you think.

[beastie_3]

not all 69s had 4 bolts and it depends on who you talk to about 4 bolts being better.

one of the best tools is a shop manual or engine building book.

[drtbikkid]

i agree totally about a manual. there seems to be a few out there though... anyone have a favorite?

this one keeps popping up. http://www.amazon.com/How-Rebuild-Your-Small-Block-Chevy/dp/1557880298/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1305223043&sr=8-1

[screamin86]

From what I've heard and read that the true factory 4bolt blocks are weaker in the inner webing of the block cause of how they were drilled that using a 2bolt studded block or splayed 4bolt is the way to go. From what I understand is the 4bolt blocks don't start having issiues till around 500crank hp. As for the cam you can get a decent cam kit flat tappet for just over or under $100 with lifters its never good to reuse a flat tappet cam imo. 305 heads can work I'm running them in my truck right now BUT you need to make sure you will not have piston to valve issues with some cams and know what cc the heads are and if you plan to deck the block and chance the pistons so you don't have a stupid high compression. Mine are on because my shortblock I got had 26cc dish pistons and woulda only been 8:1cr with a 64cc head so I had a set of 416 305s done milled .020 and run shim .016 headgaskets to get me in the low 9cr area. The best thing for you to do is research a ton. Maybe even buy a new bare block that way you don't have the issue of buying a cracked block or one that has already been bored out a lot or may have other issues that will cost more time money and frustration.

[DnStClr]

Try ebay for used factory manuals or Bishko.com for new ones- well, reprints anyway)

[1980c10]

vortech heads perform well. you'll need a new "vortech" intake made by edelbrock or comparable about 175ish. You'lll also need self aligning rockers stock from vortech heads, that is what I am using.