Engine block differences
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2024
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Engine block differences
Hello all, I've been using this forum a lot as I have recently purchased a 1984 corvette. I am not too familiar with the corvette family but this forum has really helped so thank you all. Now down to business, unfortunately the owner before me did not take care of the car at ALL and when purchased it had a blown head gasket. No worried got all that taken care of and put back together only to discover that some how previous owner cracked the block some place we could not see during initial inspection or when we tore it down and put it back together. My question here is what engine blocks can I look for to replace mine with, year model etc, I've found some later generation c4 corvettes that engines are available on but everything I have read says that the block is different. I would like to keep the heads and the CFI intake to keep it as original as possible. Thanks for your time!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,874
Likes: 764
From: Sligo PA
Just to add to this you can also use a short block from a newer truck or van but you might need an aftermarket oil pan and dip stick. Early 2000's express vans are a good source for these. If you live in the rust belt it's even likely you can find a low mileage 350 short block from a van with a rusted out frame for $200 or less.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 46
Likes: 13
Welcome
A fellow 1984 owner here.
You will find GREAT knowledge here with very informative solutions.
AND . . best of luck with your project . . they ALL are projects in one way or another. . or most are . .
Bill
A fellow 1984 owner here.
You will find GREAT knowledge here with very informative solutions.
AND . . best of luck with your project . . they ALL are projects in one way or another. . or most are . .
Bill
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2024
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Just to add to this you can also use a short block from a newer truck or van but you might need an aftermarket oil pan and dip stick. Early 2000's express vans are a good source for these. If you live in the rust belt it's even likely you can find a low mileage 350 short block from a van with a rusted out frame for $200 or less.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,874
Likes: 764
From: Sligo PA
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,360
Likes: 2,729
Not Corvettes. Chevy Express cargo vans. Look for a 2000 or 2001. This is a 350 small block with a four bolt main. A lot of these are low mileage and they are in a salvage yard because of a rusted frame. This short block will drop right in your car IF you get a different oil pan. In PA, OH and WV you're tripping over these things in the yards. Just look at a VIN number. You're looking for the 8th character. It should be an "R".
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,874
Likes: 764
From: Sligo PA
Not sure why it's wrong to suggest my opinion. I think it's wrong for you to say I shouldn't. My opinion is a 4 bolt 350 with a one piece rear seal is a very easy swap in an older C4. In fact if you do a little search it's been done by other members lots of times.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,192
Likes: 750
From: near the thumb in the mitten
The SBC had a few changes from 55 to 02. From 57 to 67 they are 2 bolt main small journal (2.30). From 1968 to 85 the main journal was increased to 2.45. Both 2 and 4 bolt blocks 0l0 casting is common found in both cars and trucks with both 2 & 4 bolt mains. A 400 sbc was built during the 70's it's unique to itself. 2.65 main journal and shorter connecting rods. In 86 one piece rear seal . 87-02 roller cam waa added. Finding the parts you might need should not be challenging. A book titled "how to hot a small block chevy " should answer most questions you might have.