Thread: new to sbc

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.......Woooo, 'low budget' & 'high end screamer' is a tough one. They don't usually go in the same sentence... High RPM's = Forged, Expensive parts.... Although I'm by no means the most qualified person here to give you a combo, that I do know.... By the way, what is your budget??? Bill

I was thinking of going fuel injection cause I have no experience with carbs. My budget is probably $3000 max. I just want to be able to rev to 7grand and set the engine up for midrange and top-end power. I didnt think it would be hard to get 450-500hp so I figured I could do it in that price range

Originally Posted by ThirtyTwo

I was thinking of going fuel injection cause I have no experience with carbs. My budget is probably $3000 max. I just want to be able to rev to 7grand and set the engine up for midrange and top-end power. I didnt think it would be hard to get 450-500hp so I figured I could do it in that price range

Why do you want to rev the engine so high ?

The best part of any V8 is that they produce plenty of torque, especially in the mid range, where a lot of experienced street V8 people set them up. Generally speaking the longer the stroke on a V8 the higher the torque and the lower the revs, like say a 383 = 4.00 bore x 3.75 stroke. Now we go to the other end of the line a 302 = 4.00 bore x 3.00 stroke. The 302 liked to rev 7500 rpm for a factory engine. 3rd engine a 350 = 4.00 bore x 3.48 stroke. The 350 generally reved out to just on 6000 rpm factory.

Notice that all these displacement engines shared a common bore 4.00 inches only the stroke changed. This information goes to 1st generation SBC engines from 1962 327 4 inch bore to 1986 350 4 inch bore with the 2 peice rear main oil seal blocks.

Next most important thing in your motor is the camshaft, this one thing will dictate which cylinder heads and pistons you use.

I would suggest that this being your 1st V8 engine that you go with a 350 as mentioned they are plentifull, also they are easy to build. and they produce power. I also strongly suggest because of your budget that that you stick to around 350 HP which is an easy target to shoot for if done right. And aim for midrange torque. Say a rev range of 2000 to 4800 Rpm. By revs, what I think you mean is that you want a fast respondsive engine with plenty of "snap" So a mechanical solid lifter camshaft will achieve this.

There are plenty of people on here that run and build V8' and the ways and sizes are as varied and different as guys spinning wrenches.

Oh and welcome aboard.

a good motor that a lot of people forget about is the old 283 corvette motors... they're a very good high RPM motor with a short stroke.... it'll kind of remind you of the 4cyls you're used to but instead be a v8.... they're a good quick motor and lighter weight than a 350..... the availability on them is a little less though so it would be something you'll have to do some looking for..... i've had a coupla 283s and i loved them.... they're great for road racing and the such.... i used to dump mine at 6000rpms and just launch in my little nova....

nah 283 is too small, I think im kinda leaning toward big displacement and not caring as much about redline anymore. Ive always wanted a muscle car, what would be better for a light car and midrange to top end power a 383 stroker or a small block 400?

My dad always talks about his old car with a HO small block 400 and he said it was wicked fast, so ive always wanted that engine. What should I look for as far as a block or complete engine? could I build it to run up to say 6500rpm without spending a load of money? Is there a good aftermarket for these engines, I dont know if they are based on a 350 block or not

also I always see engines out of trucks, are these different engines. Can I use an engine out of truck if I build it up with different parts?

Buddy, building the engine for this car is the easy part, getting it mated to a transmisison and the axle of the Fiero is the part you should be worrying about first, then find an engine that plays nice with your tranny and axle choices and get to work!

Originally Posted by nfswift

Buddy, building the engine for this car is the easy part, getting it mated to a transmisison and the axle of the Fiero is the part you should be worrying about first, then find an engine that plays nice with your tranny and axle choices and get to work!

I already have an adapter plate and kit from v8 archie. I know of people who have put 383 strokers in fieros, im not worried about that at all. I just gotta build the tranny up a little bit, supposed to handle 400+hp stock