Z for XC Posted April 20, 2011 Author Share Posted April 20, 2011 Well I am still looking for options as to testing the block before I go back out friday. I am going to have my dad bring him compression checker so we can test it, and i'll double check all earlier signs I checked. Thanks forr the help thus far and still looking forward to other's opinions. Maybe someone has some suggestions as to a real simple cheap way to get some more horses out of the engine without having to do much, just to get by this next year before I do some real work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsicard Posted April 21, 2011 Share Posted April 21, 2011 Well I am still looking for options as to testing the block before I go back out friday. I am going to have my dad bring him compression checker so we can test it, and i'll double check all earlier signs I checked. Thanks forr the help thus far and still looking forward to other's opinions. Maybe someone has some suggestions as to a real simple cheap way to get some more horses out of the engine without having to do much, just to get by this next year before I do some real work. Get newer design cylinder heads and performance camshaft. More horsepower equals more money!!! Face this reality. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Z for XC Posted April 21, 2011 Author Share Posted April 21, 2011 Yea I knew it would. I'm looking about a $2000 set up for a top end, and probably another 1000 when I upgrade the rods and pistons. and then more if I decide to bore... I was just hoping there was something I could do now before I rebuild the engine next year for like $400 just to give it a little more spirit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GOTHALOSISM Posted April 21, 2011 Share Posted April 21, 2011 Juice it till it blows!! muh hahhahahaha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsicard Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 Yea I knew it would. I'm looking about a $2000 set up for a top end, and probably another 1000 when I upgrade the rods and pistons. and then more if I decide to bore... I was just hoping there was something I could do now before I rebuild the engine next year for like $400 just to give it a little more spirit Just make sure that you start with a good foundation aka a good block. The good choices are a late manufactured single piece 350 block as it likely was CNC machined and is precise. The best choice is an aftermarket block and this costs $1500.00 and is the best foundation to start from. Scat cast 3.75 stroker crank is $200. Scat I beam rods are $300. SRP lightweight pistons with Metric rings are $600 and the best choice. As for cylinder heads the AFR heads cannot be beat but the price must be paid. Internally balance the rotating assembly and use neutral balance fluid damper and neutral balance flywheel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsicard Posted April 24, 2011 Share Posted April 24, 2011 Yea I knew it would. I'm looking about a $2000 set up for a top end, and probably another 1000 when I upgrade the rods and pistons. and then more if I decide to bore... I was just hoping there was something I could do now before I rebuild the engine next year for like $400 just to give it a little more spirit Summit Racing has a 383 Small Block Chev for $651. If all the machining is done, this is a good deal. At most further machining for near zero deck and fit the pistons. Knowing Summit Racing the block is sound. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pyro Posted May 11, 2011 Share Posted May 11, 2011 http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/techarticles/148_0401_chevrolet_406_ci_engine_build/index.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsicard Posted May 11, 2011 Share Posted May 11, 2011 http://www.chevyhipe...uild/index.html The REALLY good factory small block are VERY RARE! The good ones have been sonic tested for cylinder wall thickness. The better choice is the Summit Racing block or Dart SHP blocks. When assembling with selected parts for the bottom end the level of quality will be KNOWN not in question. Per the linked article the AFR cylinder heads are ahead of their competitors for Gen I and II SBCs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kamikaZeS30 Posted May 11, 2011 Share Posted May 11, 2011 (edited) One thing I like about the AFR cylinder heads is that they're CARB approved. They also come nicely finished. So, if you do, by chance get pulled over the cops will say, "Whoa, now that's sweet." and then they'll see the E.O. # etched into the side of the head and then instead of getting a ref ticket, you'll get to shoot the breeze for a minute and be on your way. The extra grand is peace of mind, IMHO. That is really only applicable to California, at this point, though. Edited May 11, 2011 by kamikaZeS30 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavyZ Posted May 18, 2011 Share Posted May 18, 2011 Or, the other option is to convince the owner to test it with the new oil and filter as mentioned, BUT tell him that you will pay for the oil & filter. He should totally agree to doing it that way and if the engine is worthless, at least you'll only be out of oil change money vs. $250. Sensible. Davy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DatsunZman04 Posted June 9, 2011 Share Posted June 9, 2011 If the block is not cracked or needed bored it is worth the 250. My suggestion for an economic build would be to buy a alum performer intake, buy a mild cam and lifters, gasket kit, and find a pair of 305 heads 65cc from an old malibu/camaro tor bring up the compression to 9.8 to 10.1 give or take. what you have is 300 dollars plus the 250 for a total of 550 dollars for a decent mid 300 hp motor that can run on pump gas. SBC parts are dime a dozen and can be bought cheaply on craigslist. But thats my own opinion. good luck on your build. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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