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#1 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: From Kansas now in Palmer, Alaska
Posts: 807
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Best 350 Block for buildup.
I am getting ready to start a 350 buildup to replace the underpowered 350 in my 72 blazer. I am looking for a good block to start with. Does anyone know what the best year/number block would be to look for. I am wanting 300hp or so, nothing too outrageous. I have an original 350 out of another 72 blazer casing number 3970010. Is is a 4 bolt? Would it be a solid building block? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks JOHN
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63 Buick Wildcat 425 72 Chevy Blazer CST 72 Chevy C10 Cheyenne 00 Ford F-350 Super Duty 7.3L 09 Dodge Challenger SRT-8 10 Ford Expedition Limited |
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#2 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Centennial, CO
Posts: 2,954
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Re: Best 350 Block for buildup.
The mortec site shows it could be 302/327/350 2 or 4 bolt.
http://www.mortec.com/castnum.htm The only way to be sure is to pull the pan and look. I've always heard the #'s behind the timing cover give the alloy composition of the block. The 010 020 sticks in my head as a desirable one. It was supposed to have a good amount of nickel in the iron which is good for wear... Any 4-bolt is ok for 300hp. You could build a stroker for just a little bit more $. They're cheap these days.
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ClusterTruck: 68 C10 Bought in 89, wrecked in 03. Slow low $ rebuild started '17. 6.0 & TKO http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=788602 93 K1500 Short Step, 350, NV4500, EBL flash ECU. Vortec heads & roller cam someday... 05 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. 3” lift & 6-speed 02 E320 the insurance total “free car” 13 Tahoe LTZ Last edited by clay68c10; 10-13-2006 at 09:15 PM. |
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#3 |
Weekend Warrior
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: CT
Posts: 1,787
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Re: Best 350 Block for buildup.
the '72 block will be fine for 300 hp
only way to see if a 3970010 motor is a 4 bolt is to pull the pan. Doesn't really matter either way - 2 bolts can handle 500 horse if main studs are used and the motor is built right. Clay is right about the 010/020 being the "high nickel" block - a little more desirable but for what you are looking for a regular 010 block is fine. You have a realistic power goal and it won't be hard to acheive that with a 350. you can get balanced rotating assemblies from www.enginekits.com for $500 -they seem like a good foundation.
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-'07 GMC Sierra K2500HD -'66 C10 Suburban -'68/'71 K20 Service Bed Project -'69 Chevy C30 Mason Dump -'33Ford P/U 396ChevyPowered ![]() ![]() ![]() Last edited by arkracing; 10-13-2006 at 09:35 PM. |
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#4 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: MISSOURI
Posts: 3,256
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Re: Best 350 Block for buildup.
There is a built 350 in the classifieds with 280 cam plus more. 300 DOLLARS. As for id of 4 bolt main engine I've noticed if the top center hole on back of the block is threaded have been 4 bolt . Also this hole being tapped was in a previous thread by another member .Do not remember how long ago been awhile. Good luck
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Birmingham,Alabama
Posts: 260
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Re: Best 350 Block for buildup.
id rather start with a 2 bolt main, you get stronger bottom end when you splay the caps and turn the 2 bolt into a 4 bolt
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1969 c10 stepside 250 inline six, 4speed granny tranny, 4.11 posi rear end |
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#6 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Centennial, CO
Posts: 2,954
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Re: Best 350 Block for buildup.
I've also seen a lot of 4-bolt blocks with this 'extra' gallery plug. That was always a good thing to look for in the boneyard.
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ClusterTruck: 68 C10 Bought in 89, wrecked in 03. Slow low $ rebuild started '17. 6.0 & TKO http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=788602 93 K1500 Short Step, 350, NV4500, EBL flash ECU. Vortec heads & roller cam someday... 05 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. 3” lift & 6-speed 02 E320 the insurance total “free car” 13 Tahoe LTZ |
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#7 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Shelbyville, KY
Posts: 3,269
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Re: Best 350 Block for buildup.
Hey~~~welcome back from Alaska!! The typical "010" block from a 72 is an excellent base 350 to build from. High nickle, 4 bolt, etc. Get the short block rebuilt then throw on some late model Vortec heads, a matching intake, good edelbrock carb, RV Cam for simplicity, and you are pushing well over 300HP with no strain or pain. BUT, for a meer $1400 or so, you can buy a NEW GM 350 that puts out about 265-75 HP with a 3 year, 50,000 mile factory warranty which is hard to beat and one I used for years with no problems at all. I am running a super rebuilt 350 with hi-po cam in my 72 blazer that never gives me more then 13mpg---too much cam for a low geared (373) 4x4. Make sure you think clearly as to what you want, why you want it and how you will be using it. My PO didn't do that too well~. Huck
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#8 |
KEEP ON TRUCKIN'
![]() Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Sterling, Va.
Posts: 5,731
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Re: Best 350 Block for buildup.
For a little more cash ($3400.00) you can get the 350 H.O. Deluxe with 330 H.P.. Comes complete from air cleaner to oil pan. I put one in my '71 2 wheel drive and ran it for about 3 years and then moved it to my '71 4X4 and it still runs as good as the day I bought it. It also comes with a warrenty and is a very reliable engine. Just my opinion.
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#9 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: northwestern wi
Posts: 2,111
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Re: Best 350 Block for buildup.
1970 oldsmobiel if you must have a lil 350
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common sense isn't so common anymore |
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#10 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Foley, Alabama
Posts: 85
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Re: Best 350 Block for buildup.
didn't know it til 'bout a year ago, but the pre '69 blocks have a taller distributor shaft housing and some other structural differences, plus it's very easy to see that the castings where much better on these blocks (less rough/sharp edges, smoother), seems like as the 70's went by the castings got sloppy.
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#11 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: North Texas
Posts: 3,499
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Re: Best 350 Block for buildup.
You might want to consider an 86-up block with 1-piece main seal. They're a lot easier to find unmolested.
I paid $175 for my truck's short block at a junkyard, and took the rods and crank to a machinist. He had to slightly hone the big ends of 2 or 3 rods, and then polished the STD/STD crank for a total of $45. The main bore was perfect, so didn't even have to hone it. Had the block bored to +.030. but it cleaned up at less than .010". Also, I took the deck down to 9.010", but it cleaned up after taking off just a few thousandths. Older 010 blocks usually need much more removed to make the decks square to each other. Same for the bores. I ended up using an inexpensive flat tappet cam, but the block is machined for an OE-type roller cam and lifters if I ever want to go that route. That's another advantage to the later model blocks, assuming it's not a 3/4 ton or larger truck block. Most of those had flat tappet cams, and some were NOT machined for cam and roller lifter retainers.
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Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 35 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then! |
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#12 | |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Monroe, WA
Posts: 3,815
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Re: Best 350 Block for buildup.
Quote:
A couple of notes:
Any SBC block is a good start; my oft-repeated advice is start with your budget - that number will guide every decision you make and otherwise you end up with something 1/2 finished. Let us know how it goes!! |
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#13 |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Monroe, WA
Posts: 3,815
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Re: Best 350 Block for buildup.
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#14 | |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 985
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Re: Best 350 Block for buildup.
Quote:
i really have to agree with this as the one peice rear seal is the big seller for me. whether the bock is made to have roller lifters however really isin't an issue though as there are literaly tons of manufactures that make roller lifters for just that type of application. in my situation i got my 350 one peice rear seal 4 bolt main with roller cam provisions from a 3/4 ton van. gotta love free stuff! |
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#15 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Centennial, CO
Posts: 2,954
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Re: Best 350 Block for buildup.
Yes, one piece rear main is the way to go. I've never seen a 2-piece that didn't at least seep a bit. And the benefit of a roller cam is a plus.
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ClusterTruck: 68 C10 Bought in 89, wrecked in 03. Slow low $ rebuild started '17. 6.0 & TKO http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=788602 93 K1500 Short Step, 350, NV4500, EBL flash ECU. Vortec heads & roller cam someday... 05 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. 3” lift & 6-speed 02 E320 the insurance total “free car” 13 Tahoe LTZ |
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#16 | |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: North Texas
Posts: 3,499
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Re: Best 350 Block for buildup.
Quote:
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Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 35 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then! |
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#17 | |
Weekend Warrior
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: CT
Posts: 1,787
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Re: Best 350 Block for buildup.
Quote:
"Distributor shaft housing" is the same on ALL Small Block and Big Block Cevrolets - except for Tall Deck BigBlocks and 348/409 "W" motors. Structural differances??? - the early motors '69-'75 or so had more "meat" than the later model 80's and early 90's blocks - if you bore a later model motor over .040 and plan to make alot of horsepower - you are wasting your time - as the bores actually flex more than the early motors. BUT for 300-350HP any block is fine. Watch the '87+ (1-piece rear main seal) motors, as some of them did not have provisions for a "mechanical fuel pump" - there is no hole for the fuel pump push rod. 2-bolt mains are good to 500 horse with Main Studs - if you install main studs you MUST have the block AlignHoned
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-'07 GMC Sierra K2500HD -'66 C10 Suburban -'68/'71 K20 Service Bed Project -'69 Chevy C30 Mason Dump -'33Ford P/U 396ChevyPowered ![]() ![]() ![]() Last edited by arkracing; 10-15-2006 at 07:24 PM. |
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#18 |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Monroe, WA
Posts: 3,815
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Re: Best 350 Block for buildup.
[QUOTE=arkracing;1829169if you install main studs you MUST have the block AlignHoned[/QUOTE]
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#19 |
Weekend Warrior
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: CT
Posts: 1,787
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Re: Best 350 Block for buildup.
Yeh you really should have it done - because they will changed the clamping load on the bearing caps - you'll just shorten the life of you bearings and crank if you don't
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-'07 GMC Sierra K2500HD -'66 C10 Suburban -'68/'71 K20 Service Bed Project -'69 Chevy C30 Mason Dump -'33Ford P/U 396ChevyPowered ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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