hi perf block info please
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 343
Likes: 0
From: Port Orchard Washington
hi perf block info please
i posted this in the other cars topic but was hoping that the peformance gurus of the c3 forum could help - i have acess to a 79 350 diesel cadillac that i have been snagging parts from and i heard that the 350 diesel block is a desirable engine to build - ie same as a small block chev - higher nickel content - stronger crank - all true? any info is appreciated - dave
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,429
Likes: 14
From: CA
Re: hi perf block info please (daves80)
This is from 442.com:
"The diesel mains have all the metal of a solid-web block, plus all the metal that should have gone in those windowed-main gas blocks. Pretty hefty. Good for nitrous and turbo/super charger applications. The crankshafts are supposed to be nodular.
The diesel rod is slightly shorter than the gasoline rod, for the increased ring-land necessary for a diesel, I'm assuming.
The 350 diesel block with a 425 crank and the stock bore size block (4.057") will yield a bulletproof 411 CID small block. The 350 diesel block can be safely overbored .125" without sonic testing, to make a 437 CID small block. The 350 diesel block can be bored out to 4.25" when sonic tested. With a shaved down 425 crank and a 3.975 stroke, that works out to 451 cubic inches.
The 350 diesel block cannot be bored to 403 size; you can't bore a 455 to use the 403 sized piston (4.351") either. The CID displacement and the letters "DX" appear in raised letters on both sides of the block. The block heater was installed in the driver side front freeze plug.
Diesel production continued until 1985 when all diesels were discontinued for the 1986 model year. Diesel parts were being handled by Detroit-Diesel-Allison, and not Oldsmobile. Both AC-Delco and GM Goodwrench rebuilt 350 diesel engines are available. In terms of rebuilding, try a competent diesel truck mechanic. Olds diesels were also used in Chevy trucks. "
IMO, you would have clearance problems and problems with externals (clutch linkage, crank has no hole for pilot shaft, ect)
These are different in size and shape than a Chev too.
You would be better off with an aftermarket or Chevy block (Motown, Dart, Bowtie, or Rocket)
[Modified by 71coupe, 1:16 PM 9/18/2001]
"The diesel mains have all the metal of a solid-web block, plus all the metal that should have gone in those windowed-main gas blocks. Pretty hefty. Good for nitrous and turbo/super charger applications. The crankshafts are supposed to be nodular.
The diesel rod is slightly shorter than the gasoline rod, for the increased ring-land necessary for a diesel, I'm assuming.
The 350 diesel block with a 425 crank and the stock bore size block (4.057") will yield a bulletproof 411 CID small block. The 350 diesel block can be safely overbored .125" without sonic testing, to make a 437 CID small block. The 350 diesel block can be bored out to 4.25" when sonic tested. With a shaved down 425 crank and a 3.975 stroke, that works out to 451 cubic inches.
The 350 diesel block cannot be bored to 403 size; you can't bore a 455 to use the 403 sized piston (4.351") either. The CID displacement and the letters "DX" appear in raised letters on both sides of the block. The block heater was installed in the driver side front freeze plug.
Diesel production continued until 1985 when all diesels were discontinued for the 1986 model year. Diesel parts were being handled by Detroit-Diesel-Allison, and not Oldsmobile. Both AC-Delco and GM Goodwrench rebuilt 350 diesel engines are available. In terms of rebuilding, try a competent diesel truck mechanic. Olds diesels were also used in Chevy trucks. "
IMO, you would have clearance problems and problems with externals (clutch linkage, crank has no hole for pilot shaft, ect)
These are different in size and shape than a Chev too.
You would be better off with an aftermarket or Chevy block (Motown, Dart, Bowtie, or Rocket)
[Modified by 71coupe, 1:16 PM 9/18/2001]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,429
Likes: 14
From: CA
Re: hi perf block info please (daves80)
If you really wanted to get crazy :crazy: putting in different motors, you could install an Olds 455 bored .060" to a 468.
With aluminum heads & intake, it would weigh about 540 lbs. These are very strong motors with a high nickel content.
If you compare engines, a small block Chev 350 weighs 535 lbs, and big block comes in at a hefty 685 lbs.
Something to think about.
With aluminum heads & intake, it would weigh about 540 lbs. These are very strong motors with a high nickel content.
If you compare engines, a small block Chev 350 weighs 535 lbs, and big block comes in at a hefty 685 lbs.
Something to think about.
