Whats your favorite SB chevy motor and why?? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

69ChevyRazorback · 10-22-2008, 02:53 PM

just wondering what everyones opinion is. I'd like to build a smallblock from start to finish sometime and just wonder what the different options are that come with different size motors. I like the sound of a 400 small block personally but dont know alot about motors in general. opinions??

**steelhorse** · 10-22-2008, 03:29 PM

I like the ls motors.There is just too many improvements to list.

70rs/ss · 10-22-2008, 03:38 PM

SBC 454, yeah that'll do it! Can be a GEN I or III as the new GM LS casting will handle rediculous bore and stroke!

ulakovic22 · 10-22-2008, 04:07 PM

I've had a lot of experience with LTx motors so I'm familiar with them and can get stuff cheap so they are my favorite, but I wouldn't recommend them.

I would say for a beginner a Gen 1 400 stroked and poked will be badass. My favorite Chevy block period is a Gen VI 502.

**GOPAPA** · 10-22-2008, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69ChevyRazorback

just wondering what everyones opinion is. I'd like to build a smallblock from start to finish sometime and just wonder what the different options are that come with different size motors. I like the sound of a 400 small block personally but dont know alot about motors in general. opinions??

I would say the 350 ,,Maybe because I grew up with them.. papa

vectorit · 10-22-2008, 04:49 PM

I love the new LS-7, but my heart is always with the old 327. I mainly have a lot of history with the 327, but I love the shorter stroke and high winding it's capable of.

**LockDoc** · 10-22-2008, 04:52 PM

with vectorit. I've got 2 of them.... 327's that is.

LockDoc

big_al_71 · 10-22-2008, 04:53 PM

I have had 327's 350's and now I have a serious 406 in my truck.....
As you can see I am a small block fan...

**Wrenchbender Ret** · 10-22-2008, 05:10 PM

It depends on what you are after. For reliability & longivity you can't beat a Goodwrench 350 crate engine. You can't build one for the price.

**special-K** · 10-22-2008, 05:14 PM

I like`em all and it depends on what your needs are and what type of vehicle.I like the one that`s in my truck driving me down the road.

724x4a/cchevy · 10-22-2008, 05:28 PM

283's and 307's are my favorites. Short stroke high revving little monsters. This is why i love 283's

heavy71chevy · 10-22-2008, 05:35 PM

Me im a fan of the 327...Its a very diffrent evil then the rest with a sound all its own...My other is the the 4 bolt 350 stroked to a 383 itll boil the hell out of rear tires

mr48chev · 10-22-2008, 06:30 PM

Just like Special-K I like them all but for building your first engine I would go with a 350 starting with a 4 bolt main block out of a 71/80 or so pickup.

Very simply put the cost will be less due to the fact that there are ten times more pieces sold for a 350 than one of the other engines and there is a ton of information out there on doing one.

The process on all non roller cam Small blocks will be the same or very close to the same no matter which engine you do. Be it a 56 265 or a 77 400 the steps are basically the same. On the older heads you will have to spend extra to have hard seats put in the exhaust so that it will get along with today's gas. that is something you probably won't have to do with 350 heads.

As far as one being "best" over the others it all comes down to what one likes and if you are ok with some characters telling you you have a "bellybutton engine" because you have a 350 rather than a 283 or 327 or 400.

But don't turn down a good rebuildable engine for a right price just because it may cost a tad more for parts or it might not be the highly desired nostalgia or performance core.

Right now I'd suggest going into the parts books and adds and comparing prices for internal parts for various small blocks. Calculate what it would cost to rebuild the block and heads for various engines. 283,305,307, 327 350 and 400 and then decide which way you would like to go.

The external parts such as intakes, exhaust and valve covers are going to be the same so those don't count in the calculations.

Willys47 · 10-22-2008, 07:12 PM

how about a 1969 302 that was a sweet motor as well the could rev.

jrsmith_2010 · 10-22-2008, 07:21 PM

350 all the way. they are all the same and easy to get parts for. plus can get up and go

19673ontree · 10-22-2008, 08:06 PM

327 !
why ?
because of the fact it's the greatest little motor EVER ! and I like the nostalgia of them , they were in nova's camaro's corvette's chevelle's truck's and they are just hard to beat ,,,, they run great , they will last forever they get good gas mileage , just can't say enough , I like a 1970 350 motor too as long as it has 327 crank and piston's (LOL)

Bus Ted Knuckle · 10-22-2008, 08:07 PM

I love all of them, but I have special place in my heart for the 283 and 327. I used to build them with my Dad when I was a kid.

a 350 is hard to beat though, as far as practicality goes.

Bus Ted Knuckle · 10-22-2008, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 724x4a/cchevy

283's and 307's are my favorites. Short stroke high revving little monsters. This is why i love 283's

Man that is a heck of a sweet a model.

prostreetC-10 · 10-22-2008, 08:12 PM

Although I currently don't mess with those little SBC's.....that 383 is a great stroker motor.

mas09ts · 10-22-2008, 08:12 PM

I like my little 250 engine, because it is enough power for me. . . for now that is, and not too bad on gas.

72freak · 10-22-2008, 08:14 PM

Is there any question.......if you are speaking of reliability on longevity.......1987 to 1994 5.7/throttle body

*chevy29267truck* · 10-22-2008, 08:43 PM

i would have too say i like three chevy engines that are 292 inline
six engine the 327 engine and 396 engine i just like all three engines

crazy longhorn · 10-22-2008, 09:01 PM

I am old school as he!!, & will say that the old 327 has always been one of my all time favorites, BUT.....when you add 1/2 " to the stroke, mild cam, & good beathin heads. Well , lets just say that the 383 is one bad little mouse! The one I am running is 5700-5800 rpm (max power), but pulls a really flat tork curve(over 400 ft lbs from 2750-5200, & around 385 hp @ 5250). Horsepower figures SELL engines for the builder, but its the tork that you really "feel". Its got enough 'giddyup" to get a 4200 lb truck lost pretty quick, & will cruise 105 mph all day long in OD, on a 3.40 gear @ 3150 on the tach, without bustin a sweat. Not your "world killa", but a pretty respectable street ride......crazyL

69ChevyRazorback · 10-22-2008, 10:03 PM

awesome replies guys. I guess I could have added a little more info as to what i want in an engine.

i'd like something that I can build for a daily driver, but more of a street rod type motor not just a regular ol' "efficient" motor. I'd like to have maybe a little lope to it and one that sounds mean and runs like a beast but at the same time not being a big huge gas hog.....if you can get all that in one engine of course,

prg machine · 10-22-2008, 10:04 PM

I thought the 383 was the only small block chevy there was

10-22-2008, 02:53 PM	#1
69ChevyRazorback Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Searcy, AR Posts: 92	Whats your favorite SB chevy motor and why?? just wondering what everyones opinion is. I'd like to build a smallblock from start to finish sometime and just wonder what the different options are that come with different size motors. I like the sound of a 400 small block personally but dont know alot about motors in general. opinions??

10-22-2008, 03:29 PM	#2
steelhorse Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Franklinton NC Posts: 1,309	Re: Whats your favorite SB chevy motor and why?? I like the ls motors.There is just too many improvements to list.

10-22-2008, 03:38 PM	#3
70rs/ss Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,271	Re: Whats your favorite SB chevy motor and why?? SBC 454, yeah that'll do it! Can be a GEN I or III as the new GM LS casting will handle rediculous bore and stroke!

10-22-2008, 04:07 PM	#4
ulakovic22 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Lantana, TX Posts: 419	Re: Whats your favorite SB chevy motor and why?? I've had a lot of experience with LTx motors so I'm familiar with them and can get stuff cheap so they are my favorite, but I wouldn't recommend them. I would say for a beginner a Gen 1 400 stroked and poked will be badass. My favorite Chevy block period is a Gen VI 502.

10-22-2008, 04:49 PM	#6
vectorit What? Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 7,617	Re: Whats your favorite SB chevy motor and why?? I love the new LS-7, but my heart is always with the old 327. I mainly have a lot of history with the 327, but I love the shorter stroke and high winding it's capable of. __________________ Chris 1968 K20 Suburban 1972 K10 LWB PU

10-22-2008, 04:52 PM	#7
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,346	Re: Whats your favorite SB chevy motor and why?? with vectorit. I've got 2 of them.... 327's that is. LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 - Last edited by LockDoc; 10-22-2008 at 04:53 PM.

10-22-2008, 04:53 PM	#8
big_al_71 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South Florida Posts: 11,375	Re: Whats your favorite SB chevy motor and why?? I have had 327's 350's and now I have a serious 406 in my truck..... As you can see I am a small block fan... Attached Images __________________ Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please!!!!!. Sylvester's build thread >>>http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=big+rebuild

10-22-2008, 05:10 PM	#9
Wrenchbender Ret Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Overland Park, Ks. Posts: 5,193	Re: Whats your favorite SB chevy motor and why?? It depends on what you are after. For reliability & longivity you can't beat a Goodwrench 350 crate engine. You can't build one for the price.

10-22-2008, 05:14 PM	#10
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,863	Re: Whats your favorite SB chevy motor and why?? I like`em all and it depends on what your needs are and what type of vehicle.I like the one that`s in my truck driving me down the road. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

10-22-2008, 05:28 PM	#11
724x4a/cchevy Self-proclaimed LED man Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Harrisburg, Missouri Posts: 1,021	Re: Whats your favorite SB chevy motor and why?? 283's and 307's are my favorites. Short stroke high revving little monsters. This is why i love 283's __________________ My LED Website My Photobucket Album of LED's Ask me about hand-made custom L.E.D brake and reverse lights. <- LINK I also do LED: -Third Brake/Cargo -Brake (truck and burb) -Reverse (truck and burb) -67-68 Front Turn Signals -69-70 Front Turn Signals -71-72 Front Turn Signals -GMC Front Turn Signals I can also do custom lights for other vehicles....i did a set for a AMC Gremlin once Norwood Survivor

10-22-2008, 05:35 PM	#12
heavy71chevy Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: antreville, south carolina Posts: 873	Re: Whats your favorite SB chevy motor and why?? Me im a fan of the 327...Its a very diffrent evil then the rest with a sound all its own...My other is the the 4 bolt 350 stroked to a 383 itll boil the hell out of rear tires __________________ "Dixie Destroyer" 71 C10 LWB Fleet Future Blown Prostreet Monster

10-22-2008, 06:30 PM	#13
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,342	Re: Whats your favorite SB chevy motor and why?? Just like Special-K I like them all but for building your first engine I would go with a 350 starting with a 4 bolt main block out of a 71/80 or so pickup. Very simply put the cost will be less due to the fact that there are ten times more pieces sold for a 350 than one of the other engines and there is a ton of information out there on doing one. The process on all non roller cam Small blocks will be the same or very close to the same no matter which engine you do. Be it a 56 265 or a 77 400 the steps are basically the same. On the older heads you will have to spend extra to have hard seats put in the exhaust so that it will get along with today's gas. that is something you probably won't have to do with 350 heads. As far as one being "best" over the others it all comes down to what one likes and if you are ok with some characters telling you you have a "bellybutton engine" because you have a 350 rather than a 283 or 327 or 400. But don't turn down a good rebuildable engine for a right price just because it may cost a tad more for parts or it might not be the highly desired nostalgia or performance core. Right now I'd suggest going into the parts books and adds and comparing prices for internal parts for various small blocks. Calculate what it would cost to rebuild the block and heads for various engines. 283,305,307, 327 350 and 400 and then decide which way you would like to go. The external parts such as intakes, exhaust and valve covers are going to be the same so those don't count in the calculations. Last edited by mr48chev; 10-22-2008 at 06:31 PM.

10-22-2008, 07:12 PM	#14
Willys47 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Nanaimo B.C. Posts: 604	Re: Whats your favorite SB chevy motor and why?? how about a 1969 302 that was a sweet motor as well the could rev. __________________ I was hooked on these trucks since 1982 when I drove my budys fathers 1968 Custum GMC 396 automatic dana 60 rear with a power lock diff what a ride more fun then we will we can ever tell!!

10-22-2008, 07:21 PM	#15
jrsmith_2010 I like turtles... Join Date: May 2008 Location: Kansas Posts: 993	Re: Whats your favorite SB chevy motor and why?? 350 all the way. they are all the same and easy to get parts for. plus can get up and go __________________ 1979 Silverado- lowered 5/7, 20 inch Boss rims, everything shaved, caddy lights, billet interior, UP FOR SALE! 1983 Scottsdale-on the back burner...SOLD!!! 1992 Silverado- extended cab, stock for now, but no promises SOLD!!! 2006 Chevy Cobalt-college car, staying stock Whatever can't get fixed with a hammer, a roll of duct tape, a clothes hanger, a tube of glue, and a case of beer, can wait until tomorrow.

10-22-2008, 08:06 PM	#16
19673ontree CAN'T FIX NOTHIN Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: SOUTHRUST VIRGINIA !!! Posts: 2,112	Re: Whats your favorite SB chevy motor and why?? 327 ! why ? because of the fact it's the greatest little motor EVER ! and I like the nostalgia of them , they were in nova's camaro's corvette's chevelle's truck's and they are just hard to beat ,,,, they run great , they will last forever they get good gas mileage , just can't say enough , I like a 1970 350 motor too as long as it has 327 crank and piston's (LOL) __________________ 1967 C10 Shortbed Fleetside Small back glass 6 cyl 3spd on the tree 3.08 gears underdash AC



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10-22-2008, 08:07 PM	#17
Bus Ted Knuckle Son of a gun Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Hot Springs, Arkansas Posts: 1,636	Re: Whats your favorite SB chevy motor and why?? I love all of them, but I have special place in my heart for the 283 and 327. I used to build them with my Dad when I was a kid. a 350 is hard to beat though, as far as practicality goes. __________________ Bill BEATERS ARE NEATER

10-22-2008, 08:12 PM	#19
prostreetC-10 My Carbon Footprint Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Orygun Posts: 5,527	Re: Whats your favorite SB chevy motor and why?? Although I currently don't mess with those little SBC's.....that 383 is a great stroker motor. __________________ A quick "pedalfest" *Still getting loose (carb test)* 496 Initial fire up video!

10-22-2008, 08:12 PM	#20
mas09ts Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Gate City VA Posts: 576	Re: Whats your favorite SB chevy motor and why?? I like my little 250 engine, because it is enough power for me. . . for now that is, and not too bad on gas. __________________ Mitch 22yrs. Young 1970 GMC Short-Step 350/TH350 Combo. . . . Sold Dec 2011 Current Project 68 Gmc "Second Chance" Go to my 68 GMC Shorty Rebuild Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...39#post6341739 Last edited by mas09ts; 10-22-2008 at 08:12 PM.

10-22-2008, 08:14 PM	#21
72freak Rottenwood Garage Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Marietta, Georgia Posts: 4,321	Re: Whats your favorite SB chevy motor and why?? Is there any question.......if you are speaking of reliability on longevity.......1987 to 1994 5.7/throttle body __________________ 2004 Chevrolet Suburban C1500 2001 Chevrolet 2500HD Crew 6.0 1999 Harley Davidson Electra Glide 1972 Chevrolet C-20 Custom Camper "Dump Truck" 1972 Chevrolet C-20 Suburban "Big Green" 1969 Chevrolet C-50 Wedge Hauler "Leonidis" 1966 C-10 2x4 short fleet 327 4 speed "Race Truck" 1952 Plymouth Cranbrook "Rican" (my grandfathers) 1931 Ford Model A Coupe "Black Beauty" 1930 Ford Model A truck "Club Cab" 4x4 Rottenwood Garage and Speed Shop.....where everything must be racy! *It's not just a hobby..It's a LIFESTYLE!!!* Thanks for nothing Barrett-Jackson You cant fix stupid or teach accountability! Time wasters, looky Lous and tire kickers are everywhere!

10-22-2008, 08:43 PM	#22
chevy29267truck Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Alva Florida Posts: 668	Re: Whats your favorite SB chevy motor and why?? i would have too say i like three chevy engines that are 292 inline six engine the 327 engine and 396 engine i just like all three engines

10-22-2008, 09:01 PM	#23
crazy longhorn Fabricate till you "puke" Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Ill Posts: 9,403	Re: Whats your favorite SB chevy motor and why?? I am old school as he!!, & will say that the old 327 has always been one of my all time favorites, BUT.....when you add 1/2 " to the stroke, mild cam, & good beathin heads. Well , lets just say that the 383 is one bad little mouse! The one I am running is 5700-5800 rpm (max power), but pulls a really flat tork curve(over 400 ft lbs from 2750-5200, & around 385 hp @ 5250). Horsepower figures SELL engines for the builder, but its the tork that you really "feel". Its got enough 'giddyup" to get a 4200 lb truck lost pretty quick, & will cruise 105 mph all day long in OD, on a 3.40 gear @ 3150 on the tach, without bustin a sweat. Not your "world killa", but a pretty respectable street ride......crazyL __________________ 69 longhorn,4" chop,3/5 drop, 1/2 ton suspension/disc brakes,1 1/2" body drop,steel tilt clip, 5.3/Edelbrock rpm intake/600 carb, Hooker streetrod shorties,2 1/2" exhaust/ H pipe/50's Flows , 6 spd Richmond trans,12 bolt/ 3.40 gears....

10-22-2008, 10:03 PM	#24
69ChevyRazorback Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Searcy, AR Posts: 92	Re: Whats your favorite SB chevy motor and why?? awesome replies guys. I guess I could have added a little more info as to what i want in an engine. i'd like something that I can build for a daily driver, but more of a street rod type motor not just a regular ol' "efficient" motor. I'd like to have maybe a little lope to it and one that sounds mean and runs like a beast but at the same time not being a big huge gas hog.....if you can get all that in one engine of course, Last edited by 69ChevyRazorback; 10-22-2008 at 10:03 PM.

10-22-2008, 10:04 PM	#25
prg machine Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: oregon Posts: 1,069	Re: Whats your favorite SB chevy motor and why?? I thought the 383 was the only small block chevy there was __________________ 69 K-20 cloned to a 67 with front clip and some other stuff. 383 .040 over Crane roller cam lifters and rockers ,1.6 intake ratio, Open chamber heads, 9.5-1 compression ratio, 2.02 intake valves , Edelbrock performer Air Gap manifold Carter AFB performer 750cfm, MSD ignition, SM465 NP205 4.10 gears:

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