Building a S̶t̶r̶o̶n̶g̶ ̶3̶5̶0̶ 383 for Frank the Tank…

the answer is related to both where the current crack is and how much stress is applied.
factory SBC blocks are designed to handle about 350-400 hp, yes we all know guys that are pushing or exceeding 500 hp,
stress is cumulative , casting thickness and quality varies, internal corrosion, over time, is slow and difficult to analyze
one reason the much thicker DART block is suggested.

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/engine-block-cylinder-wall-thickness.976/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/block-choice.10472/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/grinding-block-for-stroker-assembly.2855/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/which-dart-shp-4-0-or-4-125.3219/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/some-sources-for-engine-blocks.439/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/new-block-for-sbc.12646/

Ok, I see some more research in my future.. ;)

But, am I hearing right Grumpy that it’s a big gamble to go with another used 350 block...? Even if crack tests come up clean..? I think I’m in that 400-425hp at the crank ballpark :confused:
 
Ok, I see some more research in my future.. ;)

But, am I hearing right Grumpy that it’s a big gamble to go with another used 350 block...? Even if crack tests come up clean..? I think I’m in that 400-425hp at the crank ballpark :confused:
You are almost looking to start all over again Jimmy.
Dart Little M is $3000 cash good for 1000 Hp.
Dart SHP is less but only good for 650 Hp.
Not much for $1500 + cash.

Maybe reuse pistons.
Usually get tossed on rebuilds or a new complete block.

The Engine torque reaction caused the stress crack.
 
You are almost looking to start all over again Jimmy.
Dart Little M is $3000 cash good for 1000 Hp.
Dart SHP is less but only good for 650 Hp.
Not much for $1500 + cash.

Maybe reuse pistons.
Usually get tossed on rebuilds or a new complete block.

The Engine torque reaction caused the stress crack.

So figure you need $5000 cash again.

Oh man.. I’m not liking what you’re saying Brian... :p I feel my wallet getting lighter already... :(

I would Repower with some other engine if it was mine.
Get it done low cost

What do you mean? Pick up a cheap built engine and just cruise it? Or, build a new one?
 
Oh man.. I’m not liking what you’re saying Brian... :p I feel my wallet getting lighter already... :(



What do you mean? Pick up a cheap built engine and just cruise it? Or, build a new one?
Well think about it Jimmy.
Grumpy is terrible at listing prices start to finish.

Just write down parts.
Add up.
Need big money again
 
I tried 1 month ago finding used mint Dart Little M Chevy Blocks for Unfogiven dirt cheep.
Near impossible to find.
 
Well think about it Jimmy.
Grumpy is terrible at listing prices start to finish.

Just write down parts.
Add up.
Need big money again
Yeah, I hear you.. big $$ again.. I knew that when I saw the crack..

When you said repower with some other engine, what did you mean?
 
Yeah, I hear you.. big $$ again.. I knew that when I saw the crack..

When you said repower with some other engine, what did you mean?
If Big Chevy as is found Camshaft swap.

Chevy LS . Only low cost as found.
5.3 LS only 300 cash here now.

Pontiac 455 if you can find running.
Used original supplied has dried up here.
Have to Scavange for parts now.
Or buy all aftermarket new.
Stocked up 5-6 years ago.

Pontiac 389 is still available dirt cheep.
All made 428- 430 Ft/lbs torque.
Hp varied 2bbl 230 up to 360 hp.

Most plentiful old school tough engine still available is Oldsmobile 455.
 
If Big Chevy as is found Camshaft swap.

Chevy LS . Only low cost as found.
5.3 LS only 300 cash here now.

Pontiac 455 if you can find running.
Used original supplied has dried up here.
Have to Scavange for parts now.
Or buy all aftermarket new.
Stocked up 5-6 years ago.

Pontiac 389 is still available dirt cheep.
All made 428- 430 Ft/lbs torque.
Hp varied 2bbl 230 up to 360 hp.

Most plentiful old school tough engine still available is Oldsmobile 455.

Ok, so maybe look for a lower cost engine swap..? All American V8s are much rarer in NZ.. no stock of old engines to be had here.. cant recall seeing a Pontiac or olds engine for sale but I don’t usually look, but, there’s not many of the cars here in NZ..

maybe rebuilding mine won’t be best value..?
 
Ok, so maybe look for a lower cost engine swap..? All American V8s are much rarer in NZ.. no stock of old engines to be had here.. cant recall seeing a Pontiac or olds engine for sale but I don’t usually look, but, there’s not many of the cars here in NZ..

maybe rebuilding mine won’t be best value..?
Could Try Welding.
Use Cast Iron Nickle Rod.
Nicknamed Ni Rod here by welders.
You use a Stick AC Welder.

There is lock and stitch method also done by machine shops.

Would be lowest cost at movement.
Cross your fingers and it holds up.

Needs a Front Engine motor plate.
Drag Racing a large heavy car.
All Chevy Block mounts terrible for Racing. Known to crack blocks unless a Front Motor Engine plate is used.
 
400-425 hp is generally OK in a carefully inspected OEM sbc,thats been carefully machined, engines built,on a decent non-core shift block,
yes its a bit over what the block was designed for,
but hundreds of thousands if not millions of guys build SBC engines,
in that power range that last for decades,
its when you push to over about 450 hp your just pushing reasonable limits.
keep in mind your engine may be making 430-hp at 6300 rpm,
but keep in mind, realistically,
it will spend 90% or more of its actual time making power at much lower rpm and stress levels
if it made 430 hp all the time like if you were running a circle track engine,
it would never last nearly as long as it can in street performance use,
where you may spend 40 seconds every few days at most embarrassing some kids turbo mazda.
one reason Im a big fan of the BBC, is a properly machined 396-496 BBC can use the O.E.M. block and crank and in many cases even connecting rods if the correct rod bolts are used,
to make 450 hp-550 hp and the O.E.M. block and carefully selected and carefully prepped O.E.M. components works just fine.
450 hp-550 hp, in a reasonably light weight car,
like a camaro,nova or cobra kit car, t-bucket, or Vega,
with the correctly set up suspension, tires and gearing can be a great deal of fun.
obviously you have options


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a set of those dart heads is almost $1780

youll spend a bit more (about $400 more)on profiler heads but they would easily boost power at least 20-30 hp
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as a general rule, on a SBC performance engine build ,
try to select a cylinder head that reaches or exceeds 250 cfm at .500 lift and ideally 280 cfm PLUS at max lift PLUS

or you could get similar performance to the dart heads for several hundred dollars less
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195cc SBC Enforcer Cylinder Head

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only loosely related but fun video
 
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