SBC Gen 1 parts compatibility

Have some questions regarding SBC Gen 1 parts compatibility.

The short block is a 1988 350CID (5.7L) non-corvette with factory roller cam and center bolt valve covers; one piece main seal.
The block ID number verifies it is a 350CID, cast between 1987-1995. Unfortunately the VIN tag on the head deck has been shaved off probably from decking the block.

Apparently during these years, 350 engines for Corvette and maybe some model Camaro is completely different? Heads and intake from a 1988 Corvette engine will not work on the block I have because of the reverse water flow design.

Also will earlier SBC model heads made for the 2 piece rear main style SBC block fit on this 1988 block?

if you have a REVERSE FLOW BLOCK
your very likely looking at an LT1/lt4 style engine

pictures difference between lt1 and gen1 chevy block
by Aron213 » Wed Apr 13, 2005 5:44 pm

Ok, maybe some of you will now understand what angles and spacing I am talking about when I say you can and can not do somethings. I didnt have a set of Vortec 350 heads laying around so I used a set of 305 heads which doesnt use the same intake design(actually they are still swirl port junkers) but does use the same bolt pattern.

Pic one, is a Lt1 head, notice that the bolt angle is not flush with the intake face.



Now here is the same head next to a standard SBC head, notice the bolt angle as compared to the SBC gen 1 head, also notice the spacing is different between the two heads. LT1 head is on the left, SBC GEN1 head is on the right. Also notice there is no water jacket on the intake face of the LT1



Here is a SBC GEN1 head next to the LT1 head..This is the deck surface, notice all the water jacket openings are different..SBC Gen1 head is on the left, LT1 on the right



Now there two are for the vortec head, notice that the bolts are even more of an angle than the LT1, when you bolt this intake on, the bolts are facing straight down, also notice there are only 4 bolts per head on the intake, there isnt any bolt holes in the middle





http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/specs/c4/1996/lt1lt4.html











the later GEN2 LT!/LT4 reverse coolant flow block (ABOVE) differs from the first gen SBC
the LT1/LT4 second gen SBC engine was standard in the 1992-1996 corvette


look carefully at the first gen SBC block below


http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...ts-differences-useful-links.13141/#post-68540

Thanks Grumpy.
Very useful information and links.
Sorry I know very little about SBC Gen 1 engines made past 1975...

My buddy sent this picture of the short block he DOES have. Block casting number 14093638 notes it is a 350CID from 1987-1995.
The front block water passage holes looks like a regular Gen1 SBC with standard cooling, NOT reverse flow.
(Ignore the double timing chain crank gear)

Will heads like Edelbrock RPM 60999 or Dart Iron Eagle 10111112 work with this block?
These heads are for Gen 1 SBC with standard water cooling.

Thanks again for the advice!

yes the first gen sbc heads, will work on that block, but of course you'll want to match the heads you select,
to the intended rpm/power range and application and match the cam timing, compression ratio, and drive train gearing, etc.
so lets discus the current car/truck weight, transmission, tire size, rear gear ratio and what your intended goals and budget limitations are, as a start point.
the last thing you'll want to do is select parts that may cripple or restrict the engine performance by mis-matching components or selecting parts on price alone, we all work on limited budgets,
but its will pay big dividends in power produced too carefully select matched components
and generally the biggest mistake is mis-matching heads, intake and cam combos or scrimping on the quality of the components used,
a couple extra hours or even days spent in detailed of research may prove critical, in fact anything less than buying and reading through several books and reading a couple dozen links and all the sub-links is very likely to leave you missing valuable and critical info youll need later, and thats usually going to cost you wasted time and cash.
the big mistake's most people make is in not selecting the correct cam, to match the displacement and compression and drive train gearing or selecting a restrictive cylinder head or intake that does not match the intended power range

youll want to take the time to do the math and compare components, lets for a second assume your,debating these two heads,
if you compare the 195cc vs 210cc AFR heads, all the way
theres a significant improvement in flow and a negligible decrease in port flow speed
theres always a compromise made between cost and potential power,
and obviously you want to match components to the intended power and rpm range,
but having seen a bunch of 383 builds use both AFR heads,
I think the 210cc choice here, is a no brainer if you can afford the price.

heres a chart FROM THE BOOK,HOW TO BUILD BIG-INCH CHEVY SMALL BLOCKS with some common cross sectional port sizes
(measured at the smallest part of the ports)
...........................sq inches........port cc
edelbrock performer rpm ....1.43.............170
vortec......................1.66.............170
tfs195......................1.93.............195
afr 180.....................1.93.............180
afr 195.....................1.98.............195
afr 210.....................2.05.............210
dart pro 200................2.06.............200
dart pro 215................2.14.............215
brodix track 1 .............2.30.............221
dart pro 1 230..............2.40.............230
edelbrock 23 high port .....2.53.............238
edelbrock 18 deg............2.71.............266
tfs 18 deg..................2.80.............250

Potential HP based on Airflow (Hot Rod, Jun '99, p74):
Airflow at 28" of water x 0.257 x number of cylinders = potential HP
or required airflow based on HP:
HP / 0.257 / cylinders = required airflow

if we compare the head air flow rates between a 195cc and 210cc head on a 383-406 SBC and assuming a decent roller cam with the lift and duration,required, and intake that allows the heads to flow at their full potential,
195cc Street Head Flow Chart
.200 .300 .400 .500 .550
Int 146 201 247 275 280
Exh 119 166 197 213 218


210cc Race Ready Head Flow Chart
.200 .300 .400 .500 .550 .600 .650
Int 145 199 255 292 301 309 311
Exh 110 158 192 210 214 220 222

if you compare peak intake rated flow at .550 lift
280 cfm vs 301 cfm (about a 9% increase) youll see why
thats in theory potentially a 43 hp gain


yes allthe linked info below looks over whelming but ,
youll be amazed at the detailed info and,
the mistakes you can avoid by reading carefully and asking detailed questions, thus saving money and time
http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/sellecting-cylinder-heads.796/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/semi-fool-proof-cam-sellection.82/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/first-hotrod-build.12902/#post-67005

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...ing-a-383-sbc-combo-planing.12168/#post-58778

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/bare-minimum-tools.11026/#post-48785

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/matching-parts-and-a-logical-plan.7722/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/what-to-look-for-in-a-good-engine-combo.9930/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/another-383-build.12786/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/383-information-overload.11137/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/a-383-build.10991/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/impersonator.9600/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...e-springs-and-setting-up-the-valve-train.181/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/port-speeds-and-area.333/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/valve-seat-angles-and-air-flow.8460/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/tbucket-engine-project-dart-shp.3814/
a tip..never use a torque wrench to break loose bolts, own and use a 24"-25" breaker bar
a semi decent value
https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-drive-25-in-breaker-bar-62729.html?_br_psugg_q=breaker+bars
before removing main caps stamp /number them and place an indication which side faces the front

placing all the stamped numbers offset to one end of those main caps helps and yes even mark the rear main in a similar matter even if its obvious where it goes to help indicate which side on the other main caps face forward

https://www.harborfreight.com/14-in...JbTfxfVMYFOapuwWwxF6MpH4wpRnt0Z8aAs3REALw_wcB

and yes remove the casting flash and use gyptal to paint the interior surfaces to reduce chances of crud getting caught in the oil flow and replace the freeze plugs with brass once and use sealant
read related threads

oil system mods that help​

heres a short list REMEMBER the object or goal in building and maintaining the lubrication system is too maintain a 100% dependable pressurized cooling flow of lubricant to the bearings, rockers ,valves etc. your most important tool, is your ability to think about how things are supposed to...
garage.grumpysperformance.com

installing an oil pump pick-up tube​

there's two ways ,...... you can use the correct tool, which is ADVISABLE! use this oil pump(link below) in most stock SBC builds, as it produces a 10% increase in oil volume and standard pressure which is just fine , but obviously check your bearing clearances and oil pump to oil pan floor...
garage.grumpysperformance.com

whats a windage tray do?​

"OK GRUMPYVETTE< I have dumb question? What is a windage tray and whats it for?" windage trays don,t provide a huge boost in horse power, the purpose is mostly in providing much improved oil control, thus they can, if properly designed provide a much more consistent oil supply, and enhanced...
garage.grumpysperformance.com

yes the oil filter you sellect does make a differance​

READ THRU THESE SUB LINKS CAREFULLY theres a great deal of info here to look thru. pay attention to filter construction and the filter materials and total filter medium area, when discussing oil filters keep in mind their intended function, which is mostly too efficiently trap and remove...
garage.grumpysperformance.com

Last edited: 1 minute ago