One Shot Deal
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 895
Likes: 4
From: whitman massachusetts
One Shot Deal
Hey,
I am in the middle of a frame off on a 1971 roadster. This is probably the only hot rod I will ever build, so I would like to get the engine correct the first time around. It is going to be a small block, but no other restrictions. My question is, is there a book that compares the differing pros and cons of the different small blocks? Any info appreciated.
I am in the middle of a frame off on a 1971 roadster. This is probably the only hot rod I will ever build, so I would like to get the engine correct the first time around. It is going to be a small block, but no other restrictions. My question is, is there a book that compares the differing pros and cons of the different small blocks? Any info appreciated.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: Texas
If you want specifics on the various displacements and why you should choose one over another, get John Lingenfelter's book, "John Lingenfelter on Modifying Small-Block Chevy Engines." It is good intro reading for someone interested in the subject.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
One shot deal! That is what everyone thinks. I have had 3 different engines and many various combos on the 3 different engines. You can always change some components later on.
A lot depends on your budget. A good 383 will provide good hp and torque for reasonable money. If you want more HP it is just how much you want to spend. Do your reasearch up front and it will save you $$$ down the road.
A lot depends on your budget. A good 383 will provide good hp and torque for reasonable money. If you want more HP it is just how much you want to spend. Do your reasearch up front and it will save you $$$ down the road.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,160
Likes: 3,965
From: Connecticut, USA
Mike,
You will get a million opinions on what to use. I too always liked SB best and past on what are now some very expensive BB vettes.
I would think about what you want out of the car and make your decision. For instance I just finished up my 72 last Fall. I built the original 350 to about 325-330 HP kept the Th400 and added 336's. It is a crusier and I don't care if another car is faster or not. I want to drive it on warm days for a couple of hours. It's a good setup, decent performance, and gets about 15-18 MPG. All I expected from the built. On the other hand the 350-370 hp my son has in his 75 isn't enough for him, has to have a 383 and a lot more HP. That's his choice, all he has to do is figure how to pay for it!!LOL
Look at your tranny and gear combo and think about if you want to spend time tweeking it or just turn the key and go when you're done.
Good luck
You will get a million opinions on what to use. I too always liked SB best and past on what are now some very expensive BB vettes.
I would think about what you want out of the car and make your decision. For instance I just finished up my 72 last Fall. I built the original 350 to about 325-330 HP kept the Th400 and added 336's. It is a crusier and I don't care if another car is faster or not. I want to drive it on warm days for a couple of hours. It's a good setup, decent performance, and gets about 15-18 MPG. All I expected from the built. On the other hand the 350-370 hp my son has in his 75 isn't enough for him, has to have a 383 and a lot more HP. That's his choice, all he has to do is figure how to pay for it!!LOL
Look at your tranny and gear combo and think about if you want to spend time tweeking it or just turn the key and go when you're done.
Good luck
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: Texas
If you really only want to do it once and there are "no restrictions", go with an LS2. I have one in a 3250lb car with a TH350 and 3.73 gear. The engine is stock with full length headers and dual exhaust and it is incredible. Engine dynos show this to be a 450-470 hp setup. If you don't care about originality, there is nothing comparable for the price IMO.
Hey,
I am in the middle of a frame off on a 1971 roadster. This is probably the only hot rod I will ever build, so I would like to get the engine correct the first time around. It is going to be a small block, but no other restrictions. My question is, is there a book that compares the differing pros and cons of the different small blocks? Any info appreciated.
I am in the middle of a frame off on a 1971 roadster. This is probably the only hot rod I will ever build, so I would like to get the engine correct the first time around. It is going to be a small block, but no other restrictions. My question is, is there a book that compares the differing pros and cons of the different small blocks? Any info appreciated.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
there are lots of books at the book store that will have different 350 builds from mild to wild...........it may be worth your while to look at these and if you see a "build " you like buy the book and use that as starting point for you engine build.
