Building A High-Performance Smallblock V8 From Scratch Using Only Catalog Parts -Horsepower S13, E18

The HorsePower guys use a Summit catalog to source all the parts they need for a budget-friendly, high performance smallblock engine build. We'll see what kind of dyno numbers they get from their little mail order monster.

[@youdig3691]

I won that engine.. it's great too, still going after 12 years.. she's a beast on the street, it's awesome.. I never won ANYTHING before but now I have.. then I woke up

[@modacare4546]

They told me I won. Guess we’ll have to rock, paper, scissors for it.

[@thomasstrawick9975]

@@modacare4546 mmmmm

[@atularikamalsolomon2324]

Lol

[@atularikamalsolomon2324]

I’ve got to win one too someday😊

[@200horsepower]

You really won that engine? That's the same engine need to build foe my 78 corvette lol

[@albertgaspar627]

boy, y'know you're old in the game when this many folks watch this show and don't know these guys aren't on anymore and want to know when the contest is going on...:)

[@modacare4546]

Damnit I've been waiting 11 yrs for that motor...I was told I won.

[@albertgaspar627]

@@modacare4546 send in your credit card information so they'll know your address, and they'll be sure to ship that right out to you :)

[@zorlacrogue9032]

Yeah dude one thing I do miss is not getting sent summit parts catalog, jegs and Doug Herbert😂✌️

[@albertgaspar627]

@@zorlacrogue9032 I'm old enough we got JC Whitney...the WalMart of car parts :)

[@kagesendo1999]

Y'all don't know do you, oh dear, these guys are still on tv. It is not Powerblock tv any more, it is Powernation tv, and Joe Elmore (the older one) is the host of Detroit muscle. the Powernation youtube channel has most of their content, more up-to-date stuff on their website, and you can still watch on satellite or cable on NBCSN or Paramount, and stream through those two as well.

[@TheGuitarman1968]

I can still remember back before the 90's (and public access to internet) when Summit Racing would not even ship to California due to the strict CARB smog laws in the state. We had to buy speed parts at the closest SUPER SHOP, or get them mail order from MIDWEST AUTO SPECIALTIES. I built quite a few motors and cars, with parts from both of those stores, back in the day. Does anybody else remember those places?🤔

[@rosskrause3926]

Yes I do..I spent a lot at Super Shops in River Oaks Texas in the early to mid 80's before they closed up..I loved going there !

[@ekitching]

Yes I do. How about PAW? They were awesome, loved that warehouse in Chatsworth with that pretty C2 corvette on display along with some dragsters.

[@jordandeangelo1118]

I grew up watching these guys on shows in the morning as a kid and that’s what influenced my passion for cars. I learned more watching these shows then we did at school lmfao

[@JONMEREDITH]

WHAT A KICK-ASS VIDEO!! Thank you very much. I just loved the engine work and the oil filter plant!

[@lawrencefoster2120]

That was great that you showed the value of doing things ourselves. Thanks.

[@marx769]

I've been watching these guys for years. They're great!

[@themaintguy9366]

I miss the days of watching these shows every Sunday morning. Even the days when it seemed like they played the same 5 shows every weekend. 😂

[@ShannonpdpHammond-yy7yh]

they are still on every weekend, i watch on freevee. powernation and motortrend show lots of stuff

[@LionWithTheLamb]

Always check your clearances, even on pre packaged kits such as the one that they used.

[@ringodog4975]

Do these kits come with a list of all the proper clearances?

[@BK-wy4uj]

Great tutorial and parts info through summit.

[@baby-sharkgto4902]

Anyone remember P.A.W.? Man I cherished those catalogs like they were the bible. Built some fantastic engines from those guys.

[@jjsbluz6081]

30 years before PAW, we used Speed-O-Motive. I built some nice $300 solid Manley Cam'd 289's went low 12's with their "Superstock" kits!

[@jjsbluz6081]

I guess Crate motors, Summit & Jeg's have used up all the "Oxygen" in the backyard motor builders domain!

[@baby-sharkgto4902]

@@jjsbluz6081 that's cool! I think speed o motive was long before my time

[@johnbehneman1546]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! JUST WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR!!!!!MUST WATCH!!!! GREAT EDUCATION!!!!

[@nathanrice1796]

Enjoyed the oil filter part of the video too.

[@easyeasely]

Joe was one of professors in college. Awesome professor!

[@lawrencefoster2120]

That's nice that you give the answers to the why's.

[@stevenbohannon956]

Nice going guys always enjoy n get a lot of great info n tech from the videos yu both star in Great Show👍 later Rev

[@katuhtonik]

i have no idea what i just witnessed but it was great thanks guys i learned some things i'll never use

[@humancattoy7767]

Sweet music to my ears.

[@ufcwescodmobile1199]

i love this channel ! guys are beasts

[@ramonrivera5467]

It ran fairly good I like the power it through out

[@robertclymer6948]

Hi Guys! Very Impressive. Nice build and I love the cost factor. Would love to have that motor in a little Chevy Nova!

[@GT-43]

Hmm, I'm intrigued with this exotic process of ordering parts to build an engine.

[@YellowBoy305]

I want that motor...& the mechanics 😂. Great build 👍🏾

[@chefmike4414]

Where was the part about the 383 giveaway, did I miss it? I wanna win that beast. Oh wait I just realized the video credits at the end said 2009 Damn!!

[@RyanSteele92]

Yeah I know this show is old when he said five grand for a zz 383 prices have increased drastically it's not worth building this motor for the price might as well go LS ..power for less money and work

[@handyman3320]

@@RyanSteele92 Why LS, Tesla motor now.

[@larrysouthern5098]

This should be required veiwing and study by all basic highschool shop classes... Great video!!!! I loved those old. Haynes auto books I learned a lot from them!!!!

[@saidufofanah2210]

Man I wish I knew how to work on cars.

[@stevenmetz5363]

I still buy them books at 31 y/o. My dad was always recommending I get them for my cars.

[@tuitonga7873]

Great build!

[@cheechnchong4347]

Woohoo ....that would be a perfect fit in my '50 Chevy!!

[@RozsaAmplificationLLC]

I was gonna ask cost, but see it's called out at 11:19 in and difference between ZZ383 + parts OR horsepower summit and difference = $5,840 v. $4,637 diff $1,202. WOW, have times changed as you could get this for about $800-1000 back in 1990 (32 years ago) and produce 400HP v. 440HP for this!!

[@Schlipperschlopper]

From 2030 on in USA and EU all gas engines will be banned due to Babvvo laws!

[@whirlwindcochran8361]

That engine build is exactly the same as what I am looking to do to my 84 chevy Scottsdale that I got from my grandfather. One part at time right..it will get done.

[@BuzzLOLOL]

Get more than 443 HP from that 500 HP cam...

[@Hawkers02]

Once my 305 goes, 350 or 383 inbound

[@GreatLakesLogger]

@@BuzzLOLOL always that one guy

[@BuzzLOLOL]

@@GreatLakesLogger - Mismatched parts don't produce the best engine...

[@quienvega1542]

@@BuzzLOLOL always that one guy

[@28tpi]

That is a good little combo for the street.

[@lewisdeclouette6342]

Man I love this show

[@Firetech412]

I grew up watching the power block shows. Breaks my heart they’re not on anymore. Jessi combs was my first crush lol.

[@rogermontee8264]

Nice engine build!!!!!

[@craigstewart1532]

I built that engine for my 78 Blazer. The cam was a little milder and I stayed with a 600 cfm carb. It makes 400hp and about 450 torque.

[@kyleolin3566]

Sounds like a great setup. How well did it work for you.

[@craigstewart1532]

@@kyleolin3566 It's a strong engine. I put a 4l60 tranny behind it and 4:56 gears with 35" tires. It's really torquey. It's got an old Brodix aluminum head.

[@kyleolin3566]

With the cost of machining up here in Canada, I am thinking of taking thie route these guys used for an engine build. Just boring the cylinders here is $150 a hole! That’s not including a hot tank, and there is not equipment for a proper line bore, etc...

[@craigstewart1532]

@@kyleolin3566 Wow, 1200 just for the bore? Then you need all of the other stuff like decking and hot tank. I agree, you are better off buying a new engine.

[@jasonveto2320]

@@kyleolin3566 that's insane... what area of canada are you in? You should consider shipping down to Washington or Montana? When I got my straight 6 done a couple years ago it was less than half of that. I dont remember exact price, but I want to say it was about 80 bucks a hole.

[@bradpetersen92126]

My Plastiguage was frowning not seeing it used on the bottom end... 😜

[@stevensanderson2817]

I miss looking through those old Summit and JEGS catalogs.

[@turboboy0]

i always set my ring gaps for nitrous applications to be safe because i know myself. even if i think im just going to do a naturally aspirated engine, somehow they always end up with nitrous. i also port match everything and do a little "clean-up" on the ports. it may not do very much but it is free horsepower.

[@Themothership90]

I would love for you to work on my car. I want to learn from you guys so badly. Marvelous video

[@jryer1]

Awesome build. Love me some 383 stroker engine!

[@BuzzLOLOL]

Start with a used SBC 350 and can prolly build a similar engine under $2000.00

[@tomrose6292]

@@BuzzLOLOL yea I went with forged internals but .040 over (385) 13.7 pistons solid roller cam 615/620 bump stick.its lots of fun . But i have that old problem with having to run race fuel ...don't get to drive it as much but it lets me appreciate it more when I do..about $3500 +or -check it out if ya want @ old ridge runner race truck on the tube

[@BuzzLOLOL]

@@tomrose6292 - You were brave running that much compression with a .040" overbore... I checked it out, didn't think there was any sound at first but then things started happening... nice truck... reminded me of when I rowed my '65 GTO through all 4 gears with tires spinning and then it started shaking violently from side to side and I was afraid I wouldn't get it back under control and there were ditches on both sides of the road...

[@tomrose6292]

@@BuzzLOLOL well comp test says 210 psi.and it's a 1993 block made in mexico. My 68 block had 12.5 to 1s 185 psi it lifted the deck loose from the valley..both sides.a old friend of mine said looks like the jiggling pin come loose from the wobbling shaft.after a long laugh we just got another block of the shelf and started over.lol

[@BuzzLOLOL]

@@tomrose6292 - Mexico blocks all 4 bolt, right?

[@peterchichitano9667]

Great build, did you degree the cam according to the manufacturer recommended install? Thanks

[@johnbehneman1546]

I can build the complete engine myself. I just need help in understanding the piston rings. Getting the right gap before you attach them to the pistons. I need to learn more in this area, then I am ready to save my money. So I may buy and build in the future. Thank you so much!!!! I learned so much.

[@marcuslimbaugh4592]

Great video.

[@mgbchuck6527]

SBC GOODNESS--like it

[@subiemon]

i like the rb oil filter till i saw the flat spring they use , i will only use filters that have a coil spring in them keeps the filter working better longer..

[@fuffoon]

Nice build. And in 17 minutes. Yeah!

[@osoblizz7937]

That's wild, the 331 and 347 sbf made mo powa baby.

[@graemetd46]

Top build

[@Slingersbullseye]

Idk what I stumbled on but I seen your name is gunpowder and gasoline, yeah you're alright:) in my book subbed no questions. I was looking at LS 1 budget build by hand. Great job!

[@carlmcdaniel5681]

Awesome video

[@smillish]

I like that engine!

[@roberthunter3734]

Thanks!

[@sixx6sixx107]

All its missing now is 14lbs of boost & a 1ton Pickup 😁

[@jonathanlawson4667]

This is my exact build except I went with dart heads but they're the same cc and flow as those edelbrock heads and I'm at 403hp and 421torque on the engine dyno at the crank

[@romper4444]

So what do u think the difference is?

[@peterhatch1583]

My name is up and ready to put and pull my name out of that hat ! Why ! Just a great guy!!

[@ralphvalkenhoff2887]

Great to see the RP filter manufacturing

[@georgeberndsen635]

Would be cool to see you guys build a marine 350 SBC

[@pedroorozco5136]

This would be great for the Cutlass.

[@galenyoung8349]

Yea.... that little engine would be sweeeeeeet in my 96 4WD, S10 Blazer!! According to my research? Any oil filter is gonna be BETTER than a "FRAM", oil filter. If you've already given away my 383? Maybe yall have a 4.3 laying around thats; "ready, set, go?" Hook that up for me & I'll let you use the entire vehicle for a canvas. You can put whatever you like on the vehicle (paint/wrap), your choice,...... I will ROCK THAT stuff!

[@keithalbrecht4785]

That motor be a perfect fit for my 92'Sonoma GT, That I have for 29yrs. Motor getting pretty tired, out with the 4.3V6 in with small block!!!!!!!!!!

[@footz71]

I would ls swap it.

[@BuzzLOLOL]

Here you go: www.dailymotion.com/video/x3rfhrk

[@xmo552]

I'd clone the Typhoon/Cyclone.

[@ppatel8774]

Good old days man I miss this

[@michaelhill2844]

I was hoping that "from scratch" would have started with you mining Iron and Aluminum ore. :(

[@myownidenity4955]

Aluminum ore is commonly called Bauxite. js

[@flinch622]

Well... go whole hog: watch the bamboo grow thats needed to build the huts that will house the miners of said ore. Dedicate an entire channel, and put it next to c-span: the maximum boredom zone.

[@robertcline9170]

Sure wish u guys were still on learned a lot from y'all

[@mariocooldude9092]

Aaahhhhh the good old days 😂

[@irockz281982]

Awesome.

[@yzScott]

Time for the "How much power can we make with a catalog parts LS" episode.

[@kellyjones334]

Some very good content

[@milospuric9063]

If I had enough money to go for such an expensive engine I don't I'd bother lowering the price from 6 to 5 grand Nice video btw

[@ollicron7397]

Man we flew through this stuff, lol.

[@figgiefigueroa7372]

I really need that engine for a 1967 chevy chevelle.

[@ckmoore101]

This show has always been an enigma to me. Even after leaving out 99.999% of everything they do, what they do show, they show for about 2 seconds, then cut to someone talking about it for 10 more seconds. And then the writers feel that, even after considering their audience (gearheads), they feel its necessary to explain what pressfit means. Thats like Kardashians feeling it necessary to explain what eyeliner was to their audience. Plus, on top of all that, their projects are all sponsored with unlimited budgets.

[@KingJT80]

The parts they're using on this engine is literally what most guys use in their backyard as blue collar working people I'd be using the same stuff on my 302 Ford so it's not very far-fetched

[@ckmoore101]

@@KingJT80 Who said anything about being far fetched? I only said they always have the high-end components, without regard to cost. If thats how you do your rebuilds, then you clearly are out of touch.

[@KingJT80]

@@ckmoore101 there's literally no high end components in this video. Nothing was a custom CNC head or no custom cams. Literally a catalog build that you can find like 10000 videos on...

[@ckmoore101]

@@KingJT80 Fine buddy. This is a budget build. You got me. 🤪

[@KingJT80]

@@ckmoore101 if you're hot rodding and want this HP level. Save up 5000.00 or just don't and use the stock engine.. whatever....

[@NewEngland462]

Tfs 11r heads 190cc. 58cc. Tfs stage 2 cam. 1.7 rockers. Rpm airgap. 351w f4 roller block stock as junkyard ford bottom end. 440 rwhp.

[@got8118]

ThESE GUYS is GOOOOOOOODDDDDD

[@averymackey2966]

It doesn't matter how you place your rings as long as they're roughly 120° separated. Once that engine starts spinning they're gonna move so don't worry about it

[@justinstewart2504]

Glad I’m not the only one who said something..

[@ShortArmOfGod]

Alignment doesn't matter, as the gaps will be aligned at some point as they are free to rotate.

[@arcorob]

This is great and I think answers a question for me (I think ) can you buy the parts like this and NOT have a machine shop balance the crank using the bob weight and such ? How much would it be off ?

[@GreatLakesLogger]

No you should ALWAYS balance your rotating assembly. That said, there are a few people that sell entire rotating assemblies, but they are kinda pricey and you have to use their rings, bearings, etc.

[@hayden6056]

@@GreatLakesLogger in all fairness you should always be balancing the ring pack to and then include them in the counter weight number. Yes Robert you can buy pre balanced assemblies. But they usually don't balance them to what a performance machine shop does. Most pre balanced assemblies are +-1 gram. Which is much better then factory. Can have anywhere between +-4 to +-9 depending manafacturer and the engine. Most machine shops balance to +- 0.1 gram.

[@GreatLakesLogger]

@@hayden6056 exactly

[@johnnywalker640]

This is a balanced assembly

[@bemhibbits4157]

I want that Monte behind you in the opening shot.....

[@canyncarvr]

With an out-of-the-box crank and a new set of rods, how was rod side-clearance set? What was the matching process for rods-to-crank journal clearance(s)?

[@HerculesRockefellerESQ]

Probably sold as a matched kit, and comes numbered. That being said though, there's more measurements than ring gap (the only one they showed) needed when assembling an engine.

[@bigredracer7848]

First 👍's up guys thanks again for taking us all along with you for the great show

[@bertclayton6597]

It was said at one point a person could buy parts and build an engine/car much cheaper than buying assembled. I think it was said they changed the prices afterwards.

[@honeyridgehomestead3197]

A complete parts list would be nice. Is there a link?

[@396375a]

AFR heads rather than the middle of the pack Edelbrock alum ones are the way to go!!! It might be a G note extra but it's worth it!!!

[@mariocooldude9092]

Yeah I fucked up when I bawt heads for my Vette...I called AFR and they were out of the heads I needed so I got Edelbrocks...back then retailers like summit and jegs didn't carry AFR 😢

[@MrMasterman6969]

so the cost to put together equal to one already to drop in?

[@tbas8741]

Could easily push the power up. Proper Multipoint Fuel injection Coil on Plug For Sparkies. Good ecu for tuning and push 500 HP

[@user-vl9xo4wy6i]

Lol carb will always make a little more power there head's are just absolutely garbage I mean just look at the holes in the casting and a 380 needs 210 wider lsa like 113 or 115 to push the rpm out past 5500

[@robertweitlauf4653]

you dont need to put assembly lube on a roller cam, your better off soaking them in oil over night, it soaks into the roller bearing.

[@deshaunspencer6985]

I love this show mane

[@Supanova70]

well the felpro 1266 did not work i have deeper issues.. Great Vid. I have a fresh 355 with Dart heads that were from a circle track car. Heads were milled and i can see light on #8 intake through my victor Jr intake. My machine shop said to use washers on all 4 corners that equal gasket I'd. Then mold BB` model clay on all runners top and bottom. Slice in half and measure depth. Going to try tomorrow. Also china wall close but not hitting yet. Anything else i can try? Thanks. John

[@rtaggs8178]

Put a quart of Royal Purple oil in your freezer overnight. In the morning try to get it to pour, good luck. Might be ok in warm weather but, would never run it in winter.

[@logannaslund1057]

great power numbers for the price

[@chriswest5360]

What’s the rust inhibitor coating that they used for storage and shipping that they had to remove? I would like to get some for the engines, blocks, cranks, rods, heads (yes some people still use iron heads, whether it’s because the class doesn’t allow aluminum, or because there isn’t an aluminum head in your budget range that would outflow your current heads) and instead of coating them with lithium grease, or rust killer spray…

[@michael931]

The classic is Cosmoline but there are plenty of others including Boshield and Fluid Film.

[@xXdarkcloud47Xx]

Man I miss these guy I always wanted to be like them

[@joshua6839]

I miss this show

[@SPEEDEMONR]

Hook me up that’s a damn good build guys

[@stevejohnson7132]

It was an enjoyable video. One suggestion, when giving the cam specs it would be nice to know the lift.

[@goBlue1776]

Watch the video again, he did in fact state that it had 50 thousands lift

[@stevejohnson7132]

@@goBlue1776 that's not the lift, it's the beginning and ending of the lobe ramp.

[@khrisyeet8022]

They did. You just got to listen. They even show it in the catalog. 5:35 mark to be exact. If you need more help than that suck start a pistol and don't ever think about working on a car. I bet your a boomer.

[@stevejohnson7132]

@@khrisyeet8022 You must be miserable. But aside from that your post is nonsense.

[@travisfisher2877]

@@khrisyeet8022 lmao they never showed or said the valve lift. They said the duration is 234 at .050 lift. That’s not the lift!!! And the pic they showed of the same didn’t show the cam specs.

[@fluggaenkoecchicebolsen]

A good wholesome video

[@biglon74]

All is good but all the "special" tools (ring grinder, ring setter, pushrod rocker set tool, push the cost waaaaaay up. maybe not as high as your savings..but i'd opt for a forged crank

[@neotheseattledj]

im curious about the oil you use to break in the engine for the first run. what is special about it ?

[@tlegay9061]

Could you please give a list of all part you bought at summit

[@superprettyko]

That small block would make my 69 NOVA move down the street just fine. Want it.

[@grantellis3046]

Pretty good numbers for 89 pump octane

[@utahcountypicazospage5412]

10-1 compression 224-230 or so duration aluminum heads more cubic inches if possible easy power if boosted forged pistons 212-218 or so duration budget builds

[@lawrencebryan1867]

Thanks for the good learning experience..i was always better at tearing them up..

[@manuelmarin6793]

Can someone recommend a shop ,honest quality like that in las vegas,I have a 1975 monte carlo I would love to have rebuilt