New to the small block 350

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10-27-2009, 08:35 AM
kcsov6

New to the small block 350

Working on building my first small block 350. Have never touched one of the motors personally. All my experience is from working on my L36 in my firebird. Going looking for a block today (hopefully 85 - 95 model). Having a machine shop bore it .030 over and then ordering an Eagle Rotating Kit, something similar to this http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ESP-B13404L03068/ . Wanting about a 400 HP daily or maybe just weekend driven 383 stroker. Problem is, I don't know what cam to go with as I see many for these motors. Don't know the supporting mods needed for the cams (guessing aftermarket springs is a good start). Wanting to do a carb build so need to figure out what kind of intake set up to do. Then I hear people talking about boring the blocks and honing them and so forth. Just wondering if you all can help point me in the right direction? I will be having machine shops do most of the work to the motor so no worry there :LOL:
10-27-2009, 09:33 AM
BigTruckDriver

The small block chevy is a work horse and takes a lot to hurt it. I would get a few books to start out with . I have one that I remember they have engine combos for racing engines , mild to wild. Ill get the name later tonight. Check with Summit or other speed shop and you will see the SBC books about 15 dollars each.
Can you give more specifics? Is it a daily driver or is it a weekend bruiser, big difference. 400 horses no problem. what kind of vehicle you pushing , how heavy? Tranny, gears, etc.
10-27-2009, 10:46 AM
NTFDAY

What kind of vehicle, weight of said vehicle, rearend ratio, transmission? These things need to be sorted out before engine is built including cam selection, heads, etc.
10-27-2009, 11:19 AM
kcsov6

Thinking of dropping it in an 86 silverado. No trans yet, any suggestions? Wanting to be able to drive this thing around at least 3 days a week. It's not a gorcery getter so want see a lot of miles but I don't want a full blown race car either. Plan on having heat / air / radio. I'm not sure about gearing, my car has a 3.42 so something along those lines. I don't know maybe a 3.73?
10-27-2009, 01:04 PM
1950bulletnose

Look for book, John Lingenfelter, Modifiying Small Block Chev Engines.

http://www.motorbooks.com/store/user...ges/122836.jpg

personal website:
http://www.lingenfelter.com/

Depending on what you want to build, blower motor, naturally aspirated, efi, stroker, etc. you'll have to know that first to get the right combination of internal components.
For example, a blower motor has low compression 7:1, requires large chamber heads, 76cc. Naturally aspirated higher compression motors 9:1 require smaller chambers 58cc - 64cc. Once you decide on what you want to achieve a good engine builder can go gather the correct componemts for your application.

Here's a photo of my .30 over 355 SBC with B&M 144 blower, Holly 700cfm double pumper. At present it produces 400hp using mild cam & cast iron 76cc chamber 882 heads. These heads do not flow well so I'm replacing them with roller rocker AFR aluminum heads 75cc, 220cc intake, which will see another 30+hp. Will have to change out some of the internal parts to accomodate the change. Such is the nature of the beast.

http://www.angelfire.com/super/1950b...udeFrame10.JPG
10-27-2009, 02:51 PM
kcsov6

Thanks for the link, checking it out now. Beautiful engine btw. I'm pretty set on doing a 383 Stroker. I don't know enough about superchargers to go that route. Only thing FI wise is I know a bit about turbo's but don't really want to do that for this application.
10-27-2009, 06:18 PM
tango

It might be best for you to buy a Built Short Block Like this . I would not go to Large on the Camshaft for a Street Truck build with A/C and 3.42 Gear . And with a Set of 72cc Heads that engine would run well on 89 Octane Fuel .

http://www.competitionproducts.com/p...number=SB383-L
10-27-2009, 06:30 PM
robot

Why not either copy a GMPP 383 setup or just buy one? For simple money, you can have 425 horsepower IN A KNOWN package...not some hodge-podge combination

http://www.sallee-chevrolet.com/Chev.../ZZ383-425.cfm

Simple motor, simple parts, available everywhere, GM already did the longevity testing, etc. A bunch better than finding that the cam you bought in the local park was the wrong one!

mike in tucson
10-27-2009, 07:00 PM
tango

That's not a Bad Idea . But you would want the more Milder G.M HT-383 for that Truck . Not a Real Cheap engine at $4.365.00 but cheaper then that ZZ383 with it's Larger Camshaft and C/R better suited for a Street/Strip Car .

http://www.sallee-chevrolet.com/Chev...V8s/HT_383.cfm
10-27-2009, 08:00 PM
kcsov6

Quote:

Originally Posted by robot

Why not either copy a GMPP 383 setup or just buy one? For simple money, you can have 425 horsepower IN A KNOWN package...not some hodge-podge combination

http://www.sallee-chevrolet.com/Chev.../ZZ383-425.cfm

Simple motor, simple parts, available everywhere, GM already did the longevity testing, etc. A bunch better than finding that the cam you bought in the local park was the wrong one!

mike in tucson

Might copy the idea, as far as just buying the whole set everything built, I don't have the money to go do that all at once. They sale camshafts at the park? Hmmmm I was trusting what summit racing had listed for 350s and buying there? Go figure!
10-27-2009, 08:04 PM
kcsov6

Quote:

Originally Posted by tango

It might be best for you to buy a Built Short Block Like this . I would not go to Large on the Camshaft for a Street Truck build with A/C and 3.42 Gear . And with a Set of 72cc Heads that engine would run well on 89 Octane Fuel .

http://www.competitionproducts.com/p...number=SB383-L

Yeah looking for a mild camshaft. Looking into 72 cc heads now, thanks for the link
10-28-2009, 02:07 PM
18436572

In general terms, if you have a 350 bored 0.030 to 0.060" over using flat top pistons, a 280 duration, 480 lift hydraulic cam with vortec heads and vortec dual plane intake with a 750 carb, you will have an always reliable, occasional screamer street machine.
I would run headers and a turbo 700 tranny with 3.43 rearend gears. If you have to change rearend carriers because of having highway gears, change carriers to run 3.72 or 3.90 gears. The overdrive tranny will allow you to run larger number rearend gears.
10-28-2009, 04:31 PM
tango

That's some good build info 18436572 . But the Vortec's need some Mod's done to them when you get over 470" Lift . And the 280dur 480" Lift camshaft will perform well but watch were the .050 Dur and Lobe C/L is . For the Street Find one 226 or Under with 110-112 L/C . Most are around 230 dur at .050 108-110 L/C They tend to be Less Streetable Load up and Vacuum is reduced . Here is a 355 with a camshaft much Like you are talking about . It has real good power in my car . But Vacuum is on the Low side for Power Brakes .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkK0Wu9QEys
10-28-2009, 06:27 PM
kcsov6

Hey 18436572, this guy gave me the same idea over at fullthrottlev6 who has built some 350's. He said go with Vortec 64cc heads I believe. I think that the cam he mentioned is an xr264 which is rated Lift .487/.495 and doing a dual plane intake with 750 carb. The 64cc vortec heads I found are good to up to like .500 lift on summit racing. Thanks for the ideas for the tranny. Not sure what headers I'm going to use. Noticed some are 1 1/2 n other are 1/58" so not sure which way to go. Doing long tube headers and dual exhaust. Checking out the style muffler I want right now. I don't want anything single chamber that's gonna just scream. May go with something by magnaflow or flowmaster hushpower mufflers, still not sure. I want to be able to drive it and actually carry a conversation with people riding with me lol
10-28-2009, 06:42 PM
tango

You many want to ask Comp Cams what Camshaft they think would be Best for a 355ci or 383ci with Vortec Heads in a Pick up with Power Accessories and auto Tran with 3.42 Gear . You will want the 1 5/8" Headers for the 355 .
10-28-2009, 07:48 PM
kcsov6

Thanks, will make sure to double check with comp cams.
10-28-2009, 11:06 PM
tango

Here is that Camshaft ? It would work but Lot's of Lift for that Short duration ? Good Grind for a Lower C/R 383 . You will Lay down some Cash for a Roller set up have all your Build detail at hand when making that Final choice .

http://www.compcams.com/Cam_Specs/Ca...?csid=157&sb=0
10-29-2009, 05:16 AM
18436572

Yes, I run the Comp Cams 280 duration / 480 lift cam in my 327 with no problems. Use the beehive springs by Comp and have no problems. The vortec heads flow as good as some aluminum racing heads at half the cost. I love em. My little 327 runs PB, AC and 17" vacuum. I use the adjustable vac adv on my HEI dizzy.
Long tube headers with dual Flowmasters. Magnaflows are nice but pricey and are only needed for show cars or big horsepower (straight thru design)
10-29-2009, 05:15 PM
tango

18436572 I thought you were running that XE262H Camshaft in your 327 ? Also if I remember right you have Stick so your engine can Idle a bit Higher and maintain that 17" Vacuum easier . Now the same set up in an automatic tran's Truck in drive in traffic will start to Load up and it will be hard to maintain that 17" vacuum . Vortec Heads are a good Performer for the Dollar . But they need some mods done to them and Springs . Also folks talk about how well they Flow on the intake side . But not much is said about their Flow on the exhaust side ? When you over cam a Street car you will know right away . Then you can always install a Vacuum pump or Can ?
10-29-2009, 08:02 PM
BigTruckDriver

Quote:

Originally Posted by 18436572

The vortec heads flow as good as some aluminum racing heads at half the cost. I love em. (straight thru design)

Where did you get that from , Id like to see???
I used the same cam and had 16.5 vacum with a automatic trans and did use a canister. Nice, power full cam.
10-29-2009, 08:12 PM
Mykk

I'm using a XR276HR-10 in a .040" over 350ci, vortec heads, 10.7-1 static compression, RPM Air-gap, Speed Demon VE 650cfm. With a 4L60E trans, no loading up or drop in manifold vacuum here.
10-29-2009, 08:23 PM
tango

The Vortec Heads Power Fall's off with any Camshaft Lift over 500" Lift with their stock Ports and Valve Pockets . Sure they are useful for many Budget Street 327-355 Builds . Also on the smaller side for any 383 and Larger ci H.P Builds . Best one's to use are the RHS 2.02/1.60 Vortec's . Even the Cheaper Pro Comp Aluminum Head's out Flow them . But for Stock Iron Truck Head's their not bad if they don't crack on you .
10-29-2009, 08:25 PM
tango

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mykk

I'm using a XR276HR-10 in a .040" over 350ci, vortec heads, 10.7-1 static compression, RPM Air-gap, Speed Demon VE 650cfm. With a 4L60E trans, no loading up or drop in manifold vacuum here.

Are you also using an MSD Ign System ? How much Vacuum is your Engine Pulling ?
10-29-2009, 08:42 PM
Mykk

Quote:

Originally Posted by tango

Are you also using an MSD Ign System ? How much Vacuum is your Engine Pulling ?

MSD 6a

14"

I'm also using Patriot 'Vortec' heads, 2.02"/1.6" 185cc Int runners
10-29-2009, 08:51 PM
tango

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mykk

MSD 6a

14"

That would be about the Vacuum I was thinking it would pull . And that MSD Save's the day on street Driving Load up . Also carb tuning need's to be just right . I have a 355 with 10.75.1 with a Camshaft Like the Comp 280H . It's ok at Idle Timing and Valves set just right . Still need some more carb tuning and I run an HEI that will soon have an MSD 6A added to it . Still going for a bit more vacuum through fine tuning . Do you have Power Brakes on your Car ?
10-30-2009, 05:49 AM
18436572

Running the 280/480 Comp Cam now. Never satisfied. The 262 was very mild and I wanted more. I was told on this site how much I would like the 280 cam. They were right! Yes I run the Tremec TKO 600 and the engine idles at 750rpm. The only mod I did to my Vortec heads was to install Comps behive springs. Gave my more possible lift for a newer cam. My vortec heads cost me $500 ready to install. I rarely rev it above 5500 rpm. Just live on the street and it jumps to 5k quickly.
10-30-2009, 05:52 AM
18436572

obtw, I am building a 498 big block torque monster to replace the 327. Pat McCarthy is posting me on this site for the build. Using the Comp 276 hydraulic roller cam on it.
10-30-2009, 06:14 AM
Mykk

Quote:

Originally Posted by tango

That would be about the Vacuum I was thinking it would pull . And that MSD Save's the day on street Driving Load up . Also carb tuning need's to be just right . I have a 355 with 10.75.1 with a Camshaft Like the Comp 280H . It's ok at Idle Timing and Valves set just right . Still need some more carb tuning and I run an HEI that will soon have an MSD 6A added to it . Still going for a bit more vacuum through fine tuning . Do you have Power Brakes on your Car ?

Yes, power brakes. A/C, power steering, cruise control... etc

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e2...ntscenter1.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e2...k/Engine-2.jpg
10-30-2009, 09:20 PM
tango

Quote:

Originally Posted by 18436572

obtw, I am building a 498 big block torque monster to replace the 327. Pat McCarthy is posting me on this site for the build. Using the Comp 276 hydraulic roller cam on it.

I ask Pat.M many Questions also . I really think he is for sure one of the Top BB Chevy know How and Build Guy's in the World . He also knows the good and Bad on Vortec Heads . 480" Lift on Stock GM Vortecs retainer to Valve guide boss clearance is near Zero and them Pressed in short Rocker Studs will want to start to Pull up and the added Valve Spring PSI will help in doing just that . You might get Lucky if You Grind down the bottoms of the GM Retainers to buy some more clearance and Hope the Factory Press fit them Studs tight ?
10-30-2009, 09:27 PM
tango

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mykk

Yes, power brakes. A/C, power steering, cruise control... etc

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e2...ntscenter1.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e2...k/Engine-2.jpg

Very Very Nice Truck you Built there :) Look's Like it will rage **)

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