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...

GKsport67 · 10-23-2008, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by big_al_71

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...

Nice engine!!

**El Jay** · 10-23-2008, 05:12 PM

283, 327, 350; just because they're dang near bullet proof.

**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.

68,69 K20 · 10-23-2008, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K

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.

Hell yeah! They all rock!!

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

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.

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

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

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.

mr48chev · 10-22-2008, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willys47

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

A genuine and documented 69 302 if you could even find one would price it's self out of the ballpark due to the "collector" value/pricing. But that doesn't say that he couldn't buy a 350 4 bolt main block and build a 302 +cleanup bore with it.

It may be just because I'm an older guy who has helped a lot of younger guys (and gals) get started with building their first car or first engine and pie in the sky suggestions really don't seem helpful.

For a "first" build I would still stick with what I suggested before. A 70 something four bolt main 350 that can be built with a somewhat inexpensive rebuild kit from a number of vendors and add a few upgrades.

What I don't suggest is paying extra for a Corvette engine, a Z anything engine or one of the other low production performance small blocks.
If one happens to show up for a reasonable price go for it but don't pay extra for it just to say that you have one.

I've got the original 4 bolt main 350 that came in my 71 GMC complete with a bad rod. The plan at the moment is to buy a 383 stroker kit from one of the vendors who advertises in the magazines an online and then buy a pair of Vortec heads from Gilbert aka Salahee Chevrolet and build a 383 with Vortec heads, probably a performer intake and matching carb. By doing a bit of diligent shopping a.nd not going overboard I will be in it less than 2k running down the road. This the last engine I ever expect to build for this truck or run in it and it is my last full sized truck and it has to last as long as I want to use it and probably for my son beyond that. But it has a solid base, solid but simple plan and not a lot of expensive frills just to impress the guys at the gas station.

blukangoo · 10-22-2008, 11:02 PM

My favorite is the 327 probably because that is what I have.

I also like the ZZ383 we put in our Camaro last year with it´s 425 Horses.

hchad18 · 10-22-2008, 11:25 PM

I've always had 350's but I'm a young guy and have a good memory of a 327 in a big ol 57 chevy truck. I've got 2 327's right now and I'm going to make one run instead of using a running 350 that I have.

prairewolf · 10-22-2008, 11:34 PM

I may sound goofy but the words three twenty seven sound better when I hear them three fifty does ... and back in the day when fender badges meant something the 327 was a respected motor.

and I am biased I have a 327.

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: 25,334	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

10-23-2008, 05:12 PM	#10
El Jay Gone to greener pastures Join Date: May 2007 Location: Gateway to the Delta Posts: 7,354	Re: Whats your favorite SB chevy motor and why?? 283, 327, 350; just because they're dang near bullet proof. __________________ '69 Chevy 1/2 T LWB Stepper: Daily Beater '72 GMC 3/4 T Fleet: Another Daily Beater '72 Plymouth Gran Coupe: ? "Ah women. They make the highs higher and the lows more frequent." Friedrich Nietzsche "Never kick a fresh turd on a hot day." Harry S. Truman GUN CONTROL: Never having to say, "I missed you." Always fire two warning shots into your attacker's chest area before putting a bullet between his eyes. Paraphrased from Louis Awerbuck

10-22-2008, 05:10 PM	#11
Wrenchbender Ret Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Overland Park, Ks. Posts: 5,191	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	#12
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	#14
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, 08:12 PM	#16
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	#17
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, 09:01 PM	#18
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, 05:35 PM	#19
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



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10-22-2008, 06:30 PM	#20
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,322	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	#21
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, 11:02 PM	#23
blukangoo Neighborhood Pickle Slinger Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Cadolzburg, Bavaria, Germany Posts: 2,224	Re: Whats your favorite SB chevy motor and why?? My favorite is the 327 probably because that is what I have. I also like the ZZ383 we put in our Camaro last year with it´s 425 Horses. __________________ -------------------------------------------------- My C10 Diary Our cars: 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle 396 - TH350 1968 Chevrolet C10/CST 327 TH400/375 1969 Corvette Stingray 350 - Muncie Manual Trans 1969 Chevrolet ElCamino 350 - TH400 1970 Cutlass Supreme Convertible - 350 Rocket - TH350 1973 Camaro LT - New Engine Done - TH350 1973 Corvette Convertible 454 - TH400

10-22-2008, 11:25 PM	#24
hchad18 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: AZ Posts: 372	Re: Whats your favorite SB chevy motor and why?? I've always had 350's but I'm a young guy and have a good memory of a 327 in a big ol 57 chevy truck. I've got 2 327's right now and I'm going to make one run instead of using a running 350 that I have.

10-22-2008, 11:34 PM	#25
prairewolf Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: south dakota Posts: 1,890	Re: Whats your favorite SB chevy motor and why?? I may sound goofy but the words three twenty seven sound better when I hear them three fifty does ... and back in the day when fender badges meant something the 327 was a respected motor. and I am biased I have a 327.

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