Topic: Help with motor choices
in Forum: C3 Engines
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I found out today that the 350 4 bolt main block I bought for my 72 has a small crack just above the lifter area. So now I need another block. My plan is to go with a stroked engine so a 4 bolt is really my preference and it will get bored 30 over. I would like to hear your thoughts about my choices.
1. Search for another block (took 3 weeks to find the last one)
2. use the original numbers matching that is in the car now. (didnt really want to do that)
3. remove the oil pan from my original 74 numbers matching engine and if its a 4 bolt use it.
The 74 engine is just sitting there and will probably never go back in. Of course theres no guarantee that its a 4 bolt main either. Knowing that the 74 resale value is not as good as a 72, I am thinking about going that way. I know the block is good and thats all I really need.
I didnt give that much for the bad block ($100) to chase the guy down. Its about a 2 hour drive and the only reason I bought it was my neighbors family lived about 5 minutes from the guys house so they picked it up for me and brought it to me. I have sold the heads ($35) from it and plan on using the rods so its not that much of a loss.
Looking forward to your thoughts! Maybe someone has a better idea!
Rodney
rod7515 2010-12-31 17:41:27
1. Search for another block (took 3 weeks to find the last one)
2. use the original numbers matching that is in the car now. (didnt really want to do that)
3. remove the oil pan from my original 74 numbers matching engine and if its a 4 bolt use it.
The 74 engine is just sitting there and will probably never go back in. Of course theres no guarantee that its a 4 bolt main either. Knowing that the 74 resale value is not as good as a 72, I am thinking about going that way. I know the block is good and thats all I really need.
I didnt give that much for the bad block ($100) to chase the guy down. Its about a 2 hour drive and the only reason I bought it was my neighbors family lived about 5 minutes from the guys house so they picked it up for me and brought it to me. I have sold the heads ($35) from it and plan on using the rods so its not that much of a loss.
Looking forward to your thoughts! Maybe someone has a better idea!
Rodney
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Vette(s): 1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.
Rodney, if you were going to do a 355, I'd say check your old block if that's the way you're wanting to to go. Unless you're really planning to knock the &%@# out of what you end up with, you really can build a respectable 2 bolt main small block.
If a stroker is what your after, you can spend a small fortune getting your block ready and may want to consider a crate motor option. Don't know enough about your existing heads, manifold, etc, but you will most likely not be able to use your existing crank, rods and pistons as those are the main parts that get changed out to increase cubic inches by altering the stroke of the motor.
Happy to chat with you off line on this as I lived through the build up of my 406 which included a lot of machine work to prep and wasn't cheap...
Paul
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rod, I agree with Paul,there are a ton of motors out there for sale if you are going to stroke it Michigan motors is a great place to start. I've used 2 in marine applications and had NO issues Quality product and great warrentee just my .02
4 bolt main blocks are overrated. Yes, they'll be stronger, but a 2 bolt will handle a ton of power.
I built a 383 stroker out of my 75 350 2 bolt block, made 445 hp and 515 torque no problem. Unless you're going over 550hp or racing at the track (lots of high RPMs), don't worry about it.
Rod,
If you are going to do most of the work yourself, go with the '74. It's the one that makes the most sense.
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in Forum: C3 Engines
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