2 bolt main
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Easton MA
2 bolt main
is the engine in my 1980 really only a 2 bolt main? what was GM thinking.
its funny, but when I'm driving the vette, people wave and give you the right of way. when I'm in my ford truck they wave with one finger and cut you off.
its funny, but when I'm driving the vette, people wave and give you the right of way. when I'm in my ford truck they wave with one finger and cut you off.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,708
Likes: 266
From: indy indiana
aint nothing wrong with a two bolter. Chevy made them from 55 and they did plenty of work without problems. 4 bolts dont add power,nor do they add to the looks. I doubt if they even add time to the service life of a normal engine.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
Unless you are making serious power 2-bolt is fine.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 368
Likes: 4
From: . New Zealand
I have built more than 150 SBC race engines over the last 30 yrs. I go out of my way to use 2 bolt blocks when building SBC, especially 400ci. For power more than 450hp, I would use ARP main studs, or if the engine is going for more than 550hp, I will fit splayed cap steel 4 bolt mains.
The stock 4 bolt outside bolts actually create a local weakness area in the block, on 400ci, it is not uncommon to see cracks through that area.
If its an 010 2 bolt block, and if anyone asks and says, hey has it got 4 bolt mains, just smile!
The stock 4 bolt outside bolts actually create a local weakness area in the block, on 400ci, it is not uncommon to see cracks through that area.
If its an 010 2 bolt block, and if anyone asks and says, hey has it got 4 bolt mains, just smile!
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,630
Likes: 293
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
i built a 383 with my 2bolt l-48 motor.....runs like a champ....revs to 6500rpms just fine and I've run the mess out of it too.....ha, that's why my transmissions out of the car right now....
ryan
ryan
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,876
Likes: 1
From: Jersey Shore Exit 98
most sbc are 2 bolts. I know a guy who drag races and only uses 2 bolt mains.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 182,997
Likes: 88
From: Lakeland, FL
Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
No issues with the 2-bolt except for road racing or any other activity that requires high rpm for a extended period of time..
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,102
Likes: 0
From: Montreal QC
I have built more than 150 SBC race engines over the last 30 yrs. I go out of my way to use 2 bolt blocks when building SBC, especially 400ci. For power more than 450hp, I would use ARP main studs, or if the engine is going for more than 550hp, I will fit splayed cap steel 4 bolt mains.
The stock 4 bolt outside bolts actually create a local weakness area in the block, on 400ci, it is not uncommon to see cracks through that area.
If its an 010 2 bolt block, and if anyone asks and says, hey has it got 4 bolt mains, just smile!
The stock 4 bolt outside bolts actually create a local weakness area in the block, on 400ci, it is not uncommon to see cracks through that area.
If its an 010 2 bolt block, and if anyone asks and says, hey has it got 4 bolt mains, just smile!
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
Sneaky Pete Robinson won the Nationals with a supercharged 2 bolt Chevy AA dragster.. Most of the altereds and roadsters were chevy powered in both blown and un blown classes.. They were almost as good as the early Hemis, but not quite. I put a lot of very good chevies back on there trailers. 
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
Sneaky Pete Robinson won the Nationals with a supercharged 2 bolt Chevy AA dragster.. Most of the altereds and roadsters were chevy powered in both blown and un blown classes.. They were almost as good as the early Hemis, but not quite. I put a lot of very good chevies back on there trailers.