Hi All,
OK, quick synopsis...
69 vert, 350hp 350ci L-46, TI, M20, 3:36 rear, 46k original miles on the odometer. Been sitting since 1976, all numbers matching, mostly (99%) original. Engine is seized. Will probably need to punch .030 over and rebuild. Where/how do I start deciding on replacement parts? Is this something I should rely on the speed shop to determine for me or can/should I do this research myself? I've done a lot of research and reading, I have read David Vizard's book, searched here and on the internet. I know most of the original specs on the L-46, but am leery building an 11:1 compression engine to run on today's gas, plus I know the hp was rated differently back then. The car will be a weekend cruiser so I don't need 500 hp, but it is a Vette after all so having the option to light them up once in a while should be available.
I would like to re-use (if possible) the block, heads (186 castings with 2.02/1.60 valves), rods, crank, intake, carb, and exhaust manifolds, and just replace the pistons, rings, cam, lifters and rockers (go roller?), pushrods, and any other internals that should be replaced.
Where/how do I start? I've never built an engine before so I have no experience in determining how to get to that 350hp number.
Can any of you engine gurus out there point me at the starting line for a project like this? What don't I know that I don't know???
Thanks in advance for any help!!!
Jeff

 

You need to set a budget first. Then ask around who does good machine work in your area. Get the block, crank and heads to them and get them inspected as to what they need and get a quote.

350 HP out of 350CID is not an issue these days with some modern day valvetrain and pump gas.

 

I would get it torn down first and see what you're dealing with. Many of us have many years of experience building engines so we're here to guide you.

 

There are dozens of books explaining SBC rebuilds. Before you do anything read one of them.

 

StraubTech is right on the mark. I would find out who the local guys use.

When I redid my L79 I let my local guy do the head and short block. After that it's just bolting everything together. I followed his recommendation for the pistons and cam.

Bob K.

 

I agree with toobroketoretire - first tear it down and see what you are working with, have an idea of what you want to do, and then like Chris said, set a budget and make a plan. I did the same thing with mine and reused a lot of parts:

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...o-intense.html

Good luck.

 

 

Engine going to the machine shop anyway, block bored/honed/balanced need to have it boiled too, by time it's all done, may as well have them assemble the short block at minimum, anyway....cam is easy to slip in timing/chain is obvious.....if you have decent torque wrench, you can install heads easily.....they need to be totally gone over if not replace, certainly new springs all check for clearances given the cam specs/LIFT, I find it easy to install the simple stuff, but doing the crank/balanced/rings/pistons/bearings, no, leave that to the guys who do that all day long....