How to get more power out of your Small block Chevy

how to upgrade your SBC on the cheap

[@ronniec1]

Its always fun to watch someone who knows so much about his craft.

[@johnkufeldt3564]

Please don't apoligize for rambling on too much, those are when you are dropping all the tidbits of info that you have learned through the years working on your craft, a pleasure to see someone who knows how to work within the tools capabilities and get the biggest productivity increases, nothing broken, no wasted time,

[@keithdaniels1994]

I realized the gen I SBC was pretty awesome some 45 years ago. It's good to see that still holds true.

[@kainhall]

i have a STOCK 400 sbc in my 77 chev 1/2 ton..... 265hp and 380 foot pounds..... beats any stock 350 from 73 till 96..... it has ZERO emissions equipment.... AKA.... dead simple, cheap parts, easy to work on id rather drive that 77 around than buy a new truck (im a mechanic.... new pickups CANT off road...AT ALL!!!!!) id rather buy fuel than parts.....

[@blondishasp572]

Gee a stock 400 beats a stock 350. Who would have known

[@johnslaughter7110]

I have learned more in the past 5 videos than in the past 58 years of buying, fixing and selling cars, trucks, vans, motorcycles both 2 strokes and 4 strokes etc. Absolutely THE most informative video I have ever had the privilege of watching! I bow to your superior knowledge. I subscribed and liked and truly enjoyed my morning. Nobody does it better, why'ed you have to be so good! I'm going to go check out numbers on my 327 in my 59 nomad and formulate the plan. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

[@Myvintageiron7512]

Thanks

[@brendanjm2005]

Thanks for the video, very well done as usual. I like the fact that you know what you need to do to make power out of the engines you’re working on and you show how it’s done in the shop. People with a shop background can see that tooling, fixtures and proper set up aren’t cheap or free. Skills are involved.

[@Tomgillchevy]

I try to learn something new every day. My day is now complete! Great video - thanks.

[@mdsci7894]

Thanks for the info! I am new to engine building and i have built my first engine and runs great. Thank for sharing your knowledge it really helps!

[@nrainfidelforlife]

Roadkill and Myvintageiron were the inspiration for my 350 build!

[@LastResortRecordingSessions]

I’ve been a follower of yours for years and I just have to say that I love this channel. I grew up in a family that was mostly girls. Didn’t have a dad growing up to teach me stuff like this. You’re actually the man who taught me about how engines work and how to improve the engine itself. In a sense, every time I see you upload a video, it’s like stepping into the garage with someone who I see is a father figure. I may not be the greatest engine builder in the world but everyone has to start somewhere right? Keep up the awesome work!

[@Myvintageiron7512]

Wow Thanks glad I could help

[@Myvintageiron7512]

You should Check out Universal Technical Institute

[@LastResortRecordingSessions]

Myvintageiron7512 I’ll look into it. Keep up the great work!

[@richardwimmer6846]

I did a set of 062 casting up, shoulder studs, cut bowls for 2.02-1.60 valves +100,cut down guide boss, opened up the spring pockets also pocket ported the bowls (drilled steam holes for a 400 block) and used a howards hydraulic roller Cam,, made great power

[@MLFranklin]

I love Engine Masters, too. And I also love that you're showing us the machine work that goes into making the heads right.

[@davevangemert2946]

You are the man! You keep me glued to KZbin! All.the knowledge without the b.s. I got a yew 350 rebuild kit from Santa when I was 15 and haven't stopped loving the sbc yet!

[@davevangemert2946]

Oops, TRW rebuild kit!

[@codys3579]

I enjoy your videos, I'm in the middle of doing my very first engine rebuild a Chevy 350 I had the same issue dished pistons crappy 76 cc heads and barely any compression. I'm putting some go fast stuff in and the videos are teaching me a lot and helping me a lot on do's and don'ts as well as the process of what goes into, thanks for the videos.

[@trevor1360]

Really great video and absolutely phenomenal job explaining and showing. I’m about to dig into a 350 for a wicked town panel. Everyone is so wishy washy with parts and power really appreciate your knowledge.

[@jayree379]

Superb video! Excellent explanations of everything going on machine wise and work being done. As one of the "regular guys" I truly appreciate all the effort and work you put forth into your videos. Thank you!!

[@redryder8834]

This guy is freaking awesome! Thanks for dropping knowledge and giving everybody a hand, You’re the man!

[@Z06Doug]

Thanks for the info. I kept thinking some people watching this might be getting a little trouble though. When using old blocks that may have already been decked, add the head milling and after market Chinese intakes available, you can find all kind of problems with the end of the intake and block gap or as you said, the side of the intake sealing. With some pistons, you might cut the block .040" to even get -.010" deck height. Need to really check the correct valve stem seals with machine shop for valve guild / seal / retainer clearance. Rocker arm clearance between new studs and rocker and the thread on the rocker stud available for adjustment. Need to have the extra valve to retainer clearance if the owner changes to aluminum 1.6 ratio rockers later, and of course pushrod length and coil bind.. With all the parts available, the possible combos are endless. People buy a lot of mix match parts online. Of coarse you check your stuff, but some people buy the wrong parts and don't tell the machine shop what they want. This sounds like a high torque driver that has a small cam rumble and fun to drive. Good video, Thanks again.

[@tedl178]

9⁰⁰0⁰⁰⁰

[@Uppercut314]

Your candor and honesty is the very reason I watch your videos , plus the fact that you save me many potential headaches and plus save me tons of money! You are truly appreciated, please keep the videos coming, they are worth their weight in GOLD! KT

[@fromthebackofmymind]

SAE Engineers acknowledged that the Vortec heads flow better than the early Iron heads. You can read their discussions. The extra two manifold bolts are good insurance if you use one of those carb pad plates for an engine hoist. More fastners is usually always better.

[@TheNachris720]

Truly enjoying your content, i'm in the process of rebuilding a 455 7.5L on a 1971 Buick Riviera for a client in my shop. GREAT INFO, keep it up!

[@Myvintageiron7512]

Right on!

[@tonicetobegood1]

I did that about 7 year ago on my racecar. It made a big different. They had to change the rule book. People were just jealous. It was even a gray area it’s just said stock heads. You do have to be careful you do drill in to water. You can drill your studs and put roll pin on if you want to go cheep. I had a friend weld inside and we drilled and taped it for a four bolt valve cover.

[@michaelvrooman5681]

Our rule book has also been changed from " stock heads" to " factory heads with minimum 72 cc combustion chambers". ... We do cut our decks to raise compression and get away with that.

[@EphICanIMite]

I agree on watching Engine Masters and Frieburgers various videos. A seriously good source and lots of experience in the hot rodding/racing world. Not to mention the added bonus of good humor.

[@hitman0119]

When I was a kid I used to have an old 66 T-bird never got to drive it had to sell it ran out of money the typical story but it had a 390 in it so I'm stoked see your 390 up and running

[@clydeallen9927]

I like the videos they help me out on my project. It's a 1970 350 sbc. I had heads ported and polished. Double springs. Set up for a 540 lift. I have to double check the studs. Thanks for info

[@88camaroman]

I love watching all you put out, you always explain everything with detail and why you like doing it that way for! Learn alot from you keep up the good work

[@jjmccloud]

You, me and at least 89,000 others lmao everything he makes is great and I've never left after a video without learning something

[@khmkhm23]

My machine shop told me the same as your video about the heads. So that's what I did when I was building mine

[@joekleffner9168]

As always great job! Awesome information on what it takes to get the most potential out of a small block 350 Chevy.

[@jimjackson7000]

The old sbc! You will like my next build...1962 327 GM Mercury marine engine!! The little small journal is headed for my ³2 vicky.! Keep up the great work! Jacksons BodyShop...Auburn,KY!

[@zmxl1020]

You have just shown me how to make my dream budget SBC come true. Great idea for an old retired guy on a budget, like me !

[@peteranderson3273]

Thank

[@zmxl1020]

Thanks again!

[@cletisbolen8056]

I will say since I've been watching your videos you have enlighten me and to several different things about 350 engines they're not really all the same but they're all the same I'm putting together a 350 that has a set of double hump NASCAR 186 intake and valve covers all Edelbrock from the 1970s

[@mykline1]

Good video. Kind of stuff I've wanted to do for 40 years plus, but life got in the way.

[@MegaTrinity1234]

Start now little by little. Don't let it pass you by man!

[@DavidVarady56]

Thank you! Your videos have brought me back into rebuilding, which I haven't one since the 80's. Awesome

[@kylelove927]

Chevy left a lot of room to play but I wish they'd just made the dang heads like this in the first place. But then again, it creates jobs for all the machinists out there.

[@brendanberto-jones3352]

Also emissions

Great video. Just bought a Model A with an aftermarket 350 and am trying to get back up to speed on this engine. Have had cars with small block Chevys before but its been a while and the info provided in your video(s) really helps.

[@olderthanyoucali8512]

Road kill should have run the same cam, along with the older non vortex head, seeing as both engines used the same intake, it would have been a true comparison of what switching to a vortec is really worth.

[@marthabecker8734]

I have a 1978 Chevy Scottsdale with full time four wheel drive and an automatic trans mission. my 350 seems weaker than it should. has a bit of a pitter patter sound when it idols and i think it drinks antifreeze a little. its a farm truck so i want to get more power out of it so i can do things with it. this video was very helpful and gave me an idea of what work is ahead of me.

[@glenoneil3074]

Building a 355 ( 010 high nickel bk) 11:1 wanted a L46 clone 350/350.My engine builder also recommended these heads(which he has ready to go) because of their bang for the buck power.You and engine masters mite have sold me . Great video.

[@darrinstone49]

Interesting, I called Ken the founder of AFR & we talked for hours... theory & practical. Ken taught me the crazy amount of $ GM put into the TBI heads... I too thought they were junk! Ken asked me if I was willing to follow his instructions exactly to upgrade my 193 SP heads... I would be supprised. I ported, port matched the heads back in 92, added 202/160 valves, new guides, studs ect. I installed the heads on my 355 with flat top pistons, a modified TBI ect & it ran great in my 88 4wd suburban. Mileage jumped from 11mpg best ever to 15+mpg. The first build was with the wrong pistons aka 7.5 cr when breaking the engine in & got my first fuel mpg jump. The Vortec heads were not out yet... but still have these heads & worked great with a b&m roots supercharger, till I got greedy & added dual 350 TBI's with 4.3L injectors. Finally busted the crank, but without any damage. Have you ever drilled the center holes for vortec heads & counter sinked for flush mounted nutserts?

[@maryaliceboone3621]

Excellent video. Did a great job of describing the motivation for the upgrade including why it makes sense in terms of perf/$ and the theory behind it. Great how you spent time up front with the full discussion and lots of details. Also appreciate actually seeing all the work done including what could be done by machine shop and what could be done on your own. Hope to see more great videos in the future.

[@MikeS63301]

Not a Chevy guy personally, but you gotta get paid for your wealth of knowledge. Keep doing what you do!

[@kainhall]

what is wrong with you? sure.... the best modern pickup would be a GM powertrain.... on a ford frame and body.....with dodge options and fancy electronics (but wired by GM or ford.... so they actually work) but GM power and apple pie!!! MERKIA!!!! (but really.... GM has ALWAYS had their motors figured out.... fords 4.0 SOHC was so bad, the explorer is the EXPLODER!.... and dont get me started on 5.4 spark plugs!!!) or hemi spark plugs..... the fuck you need 16 for dodge?

[@gregg4164]

LS motors are great but! in most cases you need to have an engineering degree in order to set them up and tune them. It is pretty pointless to put a carb on an Ls motor so you then need all the extra parts and work for the fuel injection system, computer fuel pump/pumps, and tuning. None of that is cheap or easy. The good old time tested SBC is still my favorite engine of all time.

[@2015_Rubicnn]

You don't need anything to set them up...they are a simple, stout design.

[@willparker3170]

gregg4164 dude LS’s are not that complicated pretty much plug and play once you know how to do it

[@gloriamaletta8667]

Oh yes you'll need a carburetor a intake manifold and a LS MSD box to ditch the fuel injection and stock computer mine has been running and running very very well with this setup since 2008

[@mr.christopherp.4851]

Aman as a person owning both an ls7 427 and a SB 350 I'd choose the 350 every day of the week even though the 427 is making about 430 hrs MORE than my 350 it takes a friggin genius to tune that ls right and that alone costs a fortune as for the 350 it was built right here in my basement and I am the only person to ever have worked on it (and I have no degrees, or fancy title just a backyard mechanic...) and it is more than enough to have the time of ur life on the streets will definitely set u back in the seat,smoke the tires straight off it and stop light to stop light its nasty:) the point is for almost 99 % of the population who is just wanting to have fun go small block the power is there no question about it and it is so so SOOOO MUCH SIMPLER AND CHEAPER to work on yeah I said my ls makes more power but only because I didn't choose to go that wild on the 350 I could've just as easily took that lil SB and tore that ls up with it u can get upwards of 1500 2000 hrs out of SB's if u choose to it's an amazing platform for anybody from the stock kind of guy to the professional big money big time drag racer its your choice and you can do it at home even the older generation can ( those who have never even seen a computer)

[@Levisnteeshirt1]

a carb works great on an LS ,, what are you talking about

[@corvettefever360]

I absolutely respect your comment, "i have to make money!" Because it is an absolute fact! Plus you didn't learn all of this for nothing. You put your time in, in getting these skills. Plus it is an art! I know, because not only as an artist & tattoo artist, i have been a contractor for many years, & always built & customized vehicles. Unfortunately here in the NYC area, unless you are grandfathered in to the very few shops that actually do that level of customizing vehicles, it would take to long for it to actually make enough money to really live out here. So contracting pays the bills. Regardless, i have built engines, bodywork, high end audio & outright complete customizing of vehicles for about 25 years. The point is that most don't understand the "art" that is involved in doing so. I love when people get cheap on the price, & i say to them, do you want me to cut little corners that you probably would never know? Or do you want me to take the time & perfect those little things that i know will make a difference, especially in the long run? Well guess what, while i will be fair with you, i still want to make a profit from this. Because if not, i can be doing something else! And this applies to anything i do, from contracting, to tattooing, to customizing a vehicle!

[@stcfabworx1687]

I’ve been hanging onto a small journal 327 steel crank motor. Just the lower end. Would love to do some dart heads on this motor for my 69 camaro. And use a nice old school Muncie transmission. I’ve learned a lot from your channel. Thank you for the info!!

[@ljbrizo]

NASTY LITTLE MOTORS

[@johnhayes9437]

I've got all the castings, a good 350 vortec block ( complete stock low mileage engine ), an edlebrock vortec intake, a milling drilling machine, measuring tools, machine shop experience etc. I think I can do this in my garage to these heads including the center bolts. Put a better cam in the engine and there it is... a decent small block in these days of LS swaps. I put together a 400 sbc with vortec heads, basic bearings and rings, cam, intake..... and the cam went flat :(( was my first motor in a very long time and I wasn't really aware of the oil and lube requirements for flat tappets due to todays oils. I've been researching a lot to avoid wasting another nice engine. I've been scared away from flat tappet engines for now... I'll try a few budget 5.0 chevy's with them as I've got them already. Thanks for the information and inspiration.

[@jerrygarner8566]

Some guys have moved on to the LS, but if your like me and have a lot of old school chevy parts, why not use them. Also more power can be made from the old chevy with less $ than the LS

[@shitbox7413]

jerry garner, Sorry buddy but you’re wrong, no small block will make as much power with as many stock parts as an LS engine will...

[@jerrygarner8566]

Shit box I was talking about chevy engine blocks when I said old parts.As for the more power,I was talking about aftermarket performance parts.

[@shitbox7413]

jerry garner, How can you make more power for less money with an old small block when you have to buy aftermarket parts just to make decent power?

[@ThePaulv12]

You're probably right in a sense, but the ancillary parts you need to de sophisticate it (do you like that?? lol) like adding a distributor, sump, intake and headers for our application make it a very expensive proposition so the cost is still extremely high for the relatively small added benefit even if a good runner core LS is dirt cheap. No doubt you're right on a level, I guess, but for many of us the LS in the real world is completely out of reach for the power gained. For us the cheaper option is to use half the money changing over to an LS and put that money into the old style. BTW, I have LS beehives on my aluminum head Vortec roller cam short block. Believe me I thought very, very hard about going LS but I couldn't justify the conversion cost for the power gained and I'd still be stuck with stamped steel rocker arms and a used motor because I spent all my money doing the conversion.. So now you know where jerry garner might of been coming from.

[@jerrygarner8566]

ThePaulv12 That was exactly what I was talking about.I should have gave more info.

[@mechanicalmike7320]

Just wanted to say, I bought a 350 from a rolled over 2000 Chevy 3500 express van. It had over 300k on the engine, I had little cash but needed an engine. I did rings and bearings, bolted an Edelbrock Air Gap intake on it, with an Edelbrock 600 carb, with factory roller cam and it was incredible how much that engine woke up. The Vortec fuel injection really choked these engines out. What a huge difference just by adding a carb and intake. All I had at the time was a butt dyno, so I dont have numbers but still very impressive.

[@Mingledbones]

Mike Ebz the vortec intake is just fine .

[@mechanicalmike7320]

@@Mingledbones We might not be talking about the same thing... I mean the plastic one with the injectors that have the spaghetti noodle spider injection contraption on them. They leak fuel into the oil, they have issues with vacuum leaks, and the fuel pressure regulator is located underneath... they are expensive to fix, and getting harder to find. I never liked it.

[@christophercordasco1739]

My issue is not having any money to do this stuff 😂😭

[@Myvintageiron7512]

HMMM yea I can't help you with that one

[@lordapophis5723]

Myvintageiron7512 you could give him a job... Lol!

[@caliman823]

The more you learn the less you need to pay someone else to do your mods

[@paulbull2880]

Christopher Cordasco work all the over time you can save the overtime money work your ass off

[@christophercordasco1739]

Paul Bull yeah the time I'm at work is time I'm not spending money too 👍

[@stevenbarnett2169]

Very enjoyable video from the most honest man on you tube.

[@jeffjankiewicz5100]

The brains of Engine Masters is Steve Brule...the dyno magician.

[@Cadwerx1]

Thank you for this, very enjoyable and informative. Everyone have a great Day!!

[@Myvintageiron7512]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@southgajeeepers2416]

That’s my exact motor except a computer friendly .440 lift cam. I have aftermarket vortecs and use the tbi. Turns my 38.5 boggers good with 4.11 gears. I asked you a few questions when building it and it was my first rebuild. Year later still running strong.

[@randy1ization]

did u have to get a computer chip ?

[@carpathian677]

did a howard cam swap and had a guy port my stock aluminum heads on my 1995 camaro lt1 and it made 420 rwhp and 400 rwtq. Did other mods like 1 5/8 headers and a cold air intake and this was done with a stock fuel pump and a mail order tune. The guys at the dyno shop were amazed, but good video I enjoy watching them, I miss old Tony videos from Headbytes.

[@derekstewart8175]

Super simple 385-405hp 350 Get a 96 and up R code 350 from a truck, rebuild it with flat top pistons, anything from 9-1 to 10-1, compression is what you want, use a gm hydraulic roller hot cam 218-228 at .050 Mill the valve guide bosses, use some LT4 or comp beehive springs Edelbrock rpm intake, 650 dp carb, long tube headers, super simple nice combo, the hencho en mexico blocks are better.

[@caliman823]

Derek Stewart nice, you can't put it any simpler than that. That combo will make a fun to drive street car or truck

[@Stainlessslayer]

Derek Stewart I used the same block, stroked to 383, dart heads, 230 cam,rpm airgap, 750 performer, with 10.2:1 comp. Can't wait to see what it does in an s10

[@dragonlips2005]

Stainless, I went close to that set-up. Stroked that blocked to 383, but went with a set of 195 AFRs, comp 288HR setup with EFI. I'm expecting to be right around 500hp with that combo. :)

[@Stainlessslayer]

Mike O'Hara 288 is what they recommended, I wish I had got it

[@derekstewart8175]

Mike O'Hara Yeah that's a totally different animal, depending on compression you will be 485-510hp 490-505tq This one did 508hp 505tq R code block 60 over 388 cid 11-1 compression Custom hyd roller 229in 237ex .539in .543ex lift with 1.6 111lsa 107ilc My ported 185cc edelbrock rpm heads, 193cc afterwards 273cfm in 228cfm ex at .600 lift my ported rpm intake Holley 750 Ultra HP 1-3/4 long tube headers 92 octane fuel 508hp at 5800 505tq at 4700 fwiw

[@kevinmcfadin2141]

I love your video's guy. You exsplain everything so well.

[@jeffjankiewicz5100]

They also enlarged the intake valves on Engine Masters to get that 364hp.

[@Myvintageiron7512]

yes I have an opinion about that I put 2.020/1.600 valves in a set of vortec heads years ago the gain in air flow on the flow bench was only about 5 CFM's honestly not really worth the expense in machine work and valves

[@bigsean2473]

nope not if you dont port out the heads its not. scoggin dickey has a large port vortec head that flow 281cfm at 600

[@dtorr222]

I had the machine shop 2.020/1.600 valves to my vortec heads it made zero difference in tq, and only about 5 HP it's a waste of money

[@markthegunplumber8376]

some years ago i spent good money to have an engine shop build my TBI 350. i wanted 300 hp for towing horse trailers. the engine has been a huge disappointent since day one. as a matter of fact when the engine was new it was better than what the shop did. i ran the head numbers on one of your vids and come to find out they used 305 heads. it has a edelbrock TBI manifold and the chip was replaced with an aftermarked programmed one. after watching this vid. i think i will invest in some ebay aluminum complete heads for $645 delivered and a new maniford and holley sniper and a new cam and lifters and some headers and see if i can make that boat anchor run better. thanks for the work on the video it hepled me to decide to do it myself and save quire a bit of money.

[@Myvintageiron7512]

Yep 305 heads are worthless on a 350

[@garystolworthy3365]

So some more details about the camshaft would be good to know , love center, cam centerline and rocker ratio you used? Roller tip rockers would be a great upgrade for not much money? Thx for the detailed video. Kent.

[@PerformanceBlueOverYou]

roller tip rockers are trash. highly unstable. engine masters did a video on it and i have a friend that broke two sets on his 383 lol

[@lyndleshelby6291]

Your information presentation is spotless! Great content!

[@Myvintageiron7512]

Glad you liked it

[@dinefishing]

Mr.T love your videos, I go back to see your video for a more accurate diagnostic.

[@devanstickrod8353]

We built one for a racecar had a 010 block 350 found some used vortec heads put a 12-240-4 cam and lifter set in it and it runs great!

[@carr7640]

Enjoyed the video , thanks .

[@dwightledlow3261]

I've done the same thing to mine and I love it

[@gkanderson92]

I really hope to see more on this motor. Could you please give the specs again on the cam that you used.

[@lesliescott4835]

Very informational to a beginner in building blocks. Thanks

[@stevelindsay3643]

There's many ways to get power out of the Gen One SBC motors. Some adders require little effort to make a jump in HP and ft lbs or trq. I build 406 sbc, they are my niche motor but like the 383 stroker to. If I was to take a typical 350 sbc from any pre 1980 vehicle and wanted to get over 300 hp and trq, with little money to throw at it, I would take a set of cast heads, work them, make sure you can either get large valves or start with a good set of stocker heads, 4 barrel intake and carb, headers, for those upgrades you're looking at next to nothing but time and few hundred bucks. Porting old cast heads will give you some decent power, the old double hump are great to port and cheap to buy, a used aluminum intake are a dime a dozen, and carb,,, headers are a hundred bucks on eBay. if you can weld make a H crossover exhaust and some easy flow mufflers. You'd be surprised what you can pull off on an extreme budget build. It will make you want to build more and soon you will be a collector of parts. Everyone has to start somewhere, and the sbc gen one is a great place to start. Bottom line is heads, Intake and Carb, Headers.. do what you can with those and see what you make. Next will be cam selection, do your research and get the right cam for the heads. The sky's the limit, but most of all have a blast.

[@Myvintageiron7512]

Well said I agree completely I had an old 73 nova with an oil burning 307 I bought the car for $300.00 they guy could not get it to start one Ignition coil later I had the 307 running I pulled that terd and put together a 350 with flat tops and some old iron heads they were the old 283/327 two barrel heads with the small 1.720 intake valves I opened up the throats and installed a set of 2.020/1.600 valves did some mild porting and gasket matching an old offy single plane intake long tube headers a holley 750 double pumper the crazy part is I was out of work at the time and all of those parts were stuff I had laying around or picked up at a swap meet ran the car at the drag strip with 10" drag radials and a 12 bolt posi I bought from my buddy for $50.00 it ran 13.5 I had about $700.00 bucks into the whole shabang that does not include my time of course but since I was out of work I had plenty of that I kept that car for 5 years and drove it pretty much every day I sold it to a family member and he still drives it pretty much every day he has put quite a bit of money in it as far as body and suspension goes but it still has the same 350 the old small valve 327/283 heads have 64 cc chambers and you can put big valves in they will run just about as good as camel humps

[@stevelindsay3643]

I had a 307 in a 1973 Chevy pickup three on the tree. It was a great little motor. The only upgrades was a duel exhaust and a flipped breather lid. It could lay a patch of rubber through first and second. Mind you it had a flat bed "because" the box sides literally fell off one night out performing. I went in the ditch on one side of the road shot across to the other side, got it back up on the road and the box sides were still in the ditch. I got it home, and made a quick flatbed with 2x4 racks before Dad saw it. He thought it looked great. LOL I painted the stock rims white with red and blue pinstriping to look like truck rims of the day. This was in 1978, I was 16. and a holy terror in Rural Ontario Canada Ottawa Valley. The deal with the truck was I do all the maintenance I got to use when I wanted. The trans blew, stuck in first gear and that was the end of it. He didn't make the same deal with his new truck, so I got one of my own. It was a 1968 Chevy 1/2 ton, with a inline 6. I took that out pronto and put a 350 sbc out of a 1970 Monte Carlo. That motor had some get up and went. That was back in my street rod days that went on from mid 70's to mid 80's, and just in the last few years getting back into it. Back when I was the go to guy for sbc builds. I enjoyed every minute of it and enjoy it even more now, building the infamous 406 sbc motors, Current project is a 1935 Chevy pickup truck street strip, 406,, 500 hp and ft lbs of trqish.

[@stevelindsay3643]

I appreciate the effort you put into explaining how things work and why, combinations etc. I wish I had those facts when I started out, but we just didn't back in the 70's. It was trial and error, and there was allot of error. The saving grace was how many sbc motors were available back when knowing which years to look for. Cylinder heads were another well kept secret of sorts back in highschool which I only visited to do burnouts going past the smoking area and then hightailing it out of there before Rookie caught up the town cop. Fuelie heads, 441 heads, were the cream dela creme and most kids had no idea why one sbc was so fast thinking it was all about headers 4 brrl and Tornado 60 tires LMAO... It was fun, that's what I remember the most was how much fun we had and trying to recapture that thrill today all these years later with a whole whack of aftermarket parts we could only dream about BACK WHEN.

[@Mingledbones]

A good set of built aluminum heads are cheaper than the price of having junk cast iron heads worked these days .

[@mschiffel1]

I like those Ford FE heads to the left of your drill press.

[@ml.2770]

Press in studs are for Grandmas. Classic.

[@rickjohnson1632]

I liked your video on that straight six ford 200ci. You did a nice job on that head. The customer got a deal. I'll be following your vids 👍👍

[@mcinkyt]

Don't be afraid to say what you have invested in your machinist tooling

[@Myvintageiron7512]

over 100K

[@mcinkyt]

That's why engine work costs more than $800 ;)

[@tradmanmike3360]

GREAT VIDEO! HE IS GETTING A DEAL! YOUR LABOR, YOUR LATH. SKILL SET! A GREAT DEAL. NEW SUB. ALWAYS THUMBS UP!

[@cougar1972xr7]

even easyer is to drill and pin your studs will do a good holding job on a street engine that's not hit hard all the time you do any port maching just to clean up the intake flow

[@Myvintageiron7512]

very true I pin studs on a regular basis I should probably do a video on that

[@dhackens]

If you have not seen RK you been live under a rock ...

[@TPVPRO]

A lot of people also don't realize how long it takes to do all that also. They see a 40 min video but don't know you probably spent all day on them head.

[@Myvintageiron7512]

Exactly

[@phillipmckay927]

Myvintageiron7512 I'm waiting for sbc 400 build

[@jimmy_olds]

Phillip Mckay I recently built a 400sbc with vortec heads and used Summit’s 1103 cam, it was incredibly torquey. I love the 400, these videos make me want to build another like crazy!

[@richardcrown8970]

Mypiemaker

[@bunnyking100]

I built a 350 30 over with that 1103 cam. it's nice . I have it in a 1989 1500 short bed. fun fun fun.Lol

[@bobbybentley8136]

At least your honest about what you really have money wise in it great video

[@forestlawrencegrading9154]

Wow you really took that the extra mile I can tell you're very meticulous

[@granadojl]

Try being his student.. LOL.. Definitely helped a whole lot with my engine builds.

[@GenerationAI2024]

I have a 305 chevy from 85 i think and i just buy used parts to get it running. I will ofcourse get new piston rings and pistons if they are too far gone, new bearings, cam and flat tappet lifters. New pushrods course i didnt get any with this engine lol, was missing a lot but darn i love v8's. Thanks for sharing, new viewer from Denmark :)

[@trillrifaxegrindor4411]

hopefully you didnt pay much,i bought my 225 horsepower 305 running well for $300

[@uhfnutbar1]

good video sir thank you :)

[@howtoguroo2686]

I was going to use a 1977 block and put all of my 1997 vortec parts on it , but crank is different , and the roller lifters too , I would have to use old school rollers with the bar between them . But I was able to get the 1997 block #7 cylinder sleeved , std. bore was still good with honing . now some new pistons and I'll have it back running.

[@20alphabet]

I'll just save up for a pair of Dart Iron Eagle SS heads and be done with it.

[@michealurias3010]

I hav a 350 chevy with 202 heads and a comp comp cam and i can't get it started please give me some idea on what i have done wrong .

[@dougedwards5042]

Love your video awesome there are some other things that can be done by a novice Builder (me) lol. Have done it successfully just took my time anyone with a die grinder .removed the valves ,bullet nose the guides,smooth out casting marks in runners (NO DIGGING), gasket matched intake gaskets, placed gaskets on cylinder head being careful to use them on the correct side when putting them on when you assemble the engine scribe around the inside of each cylinder remove material on each side of intake and exhaust valves I'm sure you have heard of it I believe they call it unshrouding valves also being very very careful not to go too far into the castings as not to get into the sealing surfaces of the head gasket, never dynoed my engine but a definite by the seat of the pants feel in the performance especially from around 1800 to 5000 never took it much further at all being hydraulic roller extremely satisfied

[@riddlemethiskk]

The government caused that.. GM had to comply with lower compression to make emissions. It sucks!!!!good video. But I’m an LS dude. Have you seen the video with a 4.8 making 1100 horse. I’ll stick with LS 6 volt mains baby

[@skylinefever]

Not entirely. Some of these engines have a low compression ratio in order to support 87 octane gasoline.

[@skylinefever]

The C4 LT1 Corvette had 10.5:1 compression and the LT4 had 10.8:1, so they were able to get a street legal engine with high compression. That compression ratio would have been impossible if 87 octane fuel was used. However, you are certainly correct that head design means that compression ratios can be increased without increasing octane requirements.

[@riddlemethiskk]

Skyline Fever my LS 2 in my tbss 10.9 to 1 and ran 87 octane in it to see why would happen and ran like a sewing machine. I lost 50 horse and may not the best for the cats. But other then that nothing.

[@TPVPRO]

I want to see that video could you post the link?

[@richardperkins6132]

Great video. I really appreciate you taking the time to educate everyone on how the old small blocks still rule the roost. They will never go away. An yes it is the best bang for the buck. An 25-3000.00 you just can't beat it. I'm pretty much old school myself. One wire alt. One wire dist. An a set of after market gauges an down the road I go. An i don't have to spend alot of money on wiring harnesses an computer boxes, an everything else to make it run. If that's what you like then more power to ya. If I was going to go that route then I would go total electric. (Tesla) lol. 😁👍👍 PS: I have a good friend that has a 55 Chevy convertible. Originally a 265 car. Which he still has. Is there any way you can get 300 hp out of a small block 265 without spending 10,000 dollars to build it ?

[@bartsarton2212]

And has a "d" in it.

[@peter455sd]

Make a video of how to make power on a budget

[@Myvintageiron7512]

You just watched one

[@charlesparr1611]

I've really liked your channel so far, although much of it goes over my head. And someone told me you don't mind answering questions once in a while. But please feel very free to tell me you don't have time for this. I will understand that, and certainly won't be upset. You have already shared huge knowledge through your channel, and I am grateful This wall of text is so that any info you might need is already in there and you won't have to waste time finding things out. so I have one of those awful tbi engines, a 1988, in my beloved shaggin wagon project. For various reasons I have decided to retain the classic sbc 350, and because I live in freezing Canada, I have decided to retain the tbi system. now I am going to upgrade the tbi with a high pressure fuel pump, a stronger regulator spring, and I have already ported the throttle body within an inch of it's life. I've also unshrouded the aircleaner housing, modified it for two massive cold air intakes that terminate behind the grill. So I have enormously increased the breathe-in system. Ive put in an edelbrock dual plane intake, I've bought some block hugger headers (might buy the hedmans that seem to be the only long tubes made) and will redo the exhaust to dual with an ex pipe, and frankensteined side pipes to be announced. I've replaced the distributor, coil, plug wires and plugs. I figure Ive got the air pumping in pretty good, it can leave pretty easily, and that the heads (and the cam) are going to be the issue. so you know what I have already. I was going to haul the tbi heads off and try porting them, I've seen a few you tubers who claim you can actually make them work. Or I could by a set of more or less reproduction fuelie heads from summit. part numbers. sum-152123 for about a grand Canadian money with gaskets and arp bolts. And then I noticed this show from you, and thought, this guy can answer the question. So I've been turning it over in my head, and I don't know what my best route is. Do I find vortec heads, buy a new intake, find a machine shop, etc etc. Do I see what I can do porting the tbi heads (I will anyway, once they are out, just for fun, but yeah) or do I buy these heads from summit? I should also mention this is the first v8, in fact almost the first car I've worked on. Im a tradesman, mechanically inclined, but my motor work is all 25 years ago on two stroke street and road race bikes. And I work in my driveway. in the Canadian winter. And you may have an idea that never occurred to me as well, I don't know My goal, for now, is at least 350hp. and as much torque as I can get. more would be good, but if I did the math right on air flow 350 is reasonable without radically switching up the throttle body and injectors. my secondary foal, once I learn a bunch more, is another van, an LS swap, 1300hp and go find the guys street racing a ccouplemiles away and race them for pinks. So they don't have cars to keep me awake anymore ;) Or maybe just join up, life has been boring. I doubt anything is boring in a full sized van that wheelies and runs in the low 10s

[@charlesparr1611]

I just noticed summit also sells their own knockoff vortex...yet another possibility

[@Myvintageiron7512]

I would go vortec you can buy them aftermarket with duel bolt pattern so you can retain your intake

[@charlesparr1611]

@@Myvintageiron7512 I had not even heard of the dual bolt pattern part... a quick search and I didn’t see anything, is the dual bolt pattern something a machine shop could do to any Vortec head? Or am I not understanding what the original incompatibility is?

[@charlesparr1611]

@@Myvintageiron7512 hi there. Have not found any vortex heads with a bolt pattern to allow using my existing Edelbrock tbi intake. The vortec intake I found is way too expensive for me. Summit has a pair of their vorteks to my door for under a grand. But then another 600 bucks for intake, then gaskets and rocker arms and pushrods and all the rest. Just how big is the horsepower advantage of the vorteks over summits double hump repels, do you figure?

[@charlesparr1611]

Someone sent me a link thanks!

[@harryguy76]

My thought is why mess with an old small block when the LS/Vortec 4.8/5.3 can be had for next to nothing and make near the same power as the old modded small block but with so much more potential... Even if you already got the SBC 350 by the time you spend the cash to buy a cam...get the vortex heads and go through them replacing seals, installing screw in studs ect...buy the gaskets plus R&R the engine along with disassembly and re assembly of the engine which unless you are doing it yourself but paying a shop to do it...which ain't cheap...you already spent more then to buy the scrap yard 4.8/5.3 with twice the potential.. As far as I am concerned the old SBC is a boat anchor unless it is a special one like a late 60ies 283, 302, 327, 350, 400...and even then I would sell it for good money as they are getting hard to find and put the money towards the LS swap...unless it is a matching number engine for my car that is...and only if it was an old 60ies muscle car lol.

[@southjerseysound7340]

I was going to do another LS turbo in my S10 but after pricing a crank,heads,pistons and rods i ended up going with a old sbc.I picked up a used Dart block,added a a billet crank and rods and am putting over 1400 to the tire before spray for a LOT less than had I gone with a LS.Say what you want and this is coming from someone who's been playing with and swapping LS motors for years but the old small block is cheap to build.

[@southjerseysound7340]

Oh and I'm currently running Vortec heads lol but that is subject to change when money comes around ;-)

[@Myvintageiron7512]

If you have an early small block in your truck it is far cheaper to do a head and cam swap that to swap an LS in don't get me wrong I am a big LS fan if you have seen my videos on the 5.3 than you know that but I half to disagree with you on one point swapping in a 5.3 requires engine mounts a ton of wiring and in many cases a transmission swap and revised oil pan and oil pick up + if you are going with a carb you need an intake as well you will be hard pressed to find a good used 5.3/4.8 for less than 1500 with computer and harness add everything else a new exhaust system and most likely having to have a new drive shaft made and possibly a new radiator I have done several bone yard LS swaps and it usually comes out to around 3K and that was the cheapest when all is said and done that is a far cry from $800.00 for the vortec upgrade I think you math is off

[@harryguy76]

Are you using vortex heads on the 1400 whp engine lol...

[@derekstewart8175]

harry guy There is more to it, harnesses, computer, adapters, ls specific trans or different flexplate, etc, it is better in the long run, plus it's 1500-2k for a 6 liter around here so although it seems easy there is more to it when you actually build it

[@deanmoody1434]

Excellent workmanship , seen this video before, still good to watch , we are a dying breed, build not buy , more satisfying when ya hammer down from 0- ?? Lol😂

[@paulcondie2520]

I always tell the tell of the engine masters episode with the header bashing and guys think im full of shit. Love the guys who put a bullshit air intake on their honda 4cyl and claim 20 more horses when they lost 5! Lol. Or the guy that puts a dual exhaut on a 200hp v8 and says he got 25 more horses! Lmfao

[@paulcondie2520]

BuzzLOLOL On a higher horsepower car maybe. Your not gonna get 25hp from an exhaust on an engine that makes 170 hp! Highly doubt it. And 250 hp from bolting on an exhaust? It better be a 3000hp engine or more!

[@paulcondie2520]

BuzzLOLOL Hmmm. I have the exact motor! I know they were underated but 435hp.Hard to believe you can restrict lets say a 500hp motor 180hp? I think theres more going on! But i guess crazier things have happened. Not sure if you ever watched engine masters header bashing episode, but if you havent you will find it very interesting!

[@paulcondie2520]

BuzzLOLOL 10-4. Lil story on how i got my l88, about 20 years ago a local speed shop rebuilt the L88 for their jet boat. Put the motor in the boat and run about a quarter mile down the river n it locked up. Come to find out they rebuilt it but forgot to put oil in it! Lol So one rod and a new crank and bearings later, its mine! Ive had it in a 67 chevelle, in my 75 f250 and now its sitting under the bench. You might of picked up 180 some horses from manifolds to headers but had to have some serious port mismatch or something going on. I know you pick up horsepower from stock manifolds to headers but almost 200hp is not usually the case! I can see 50 on a 500hp engine but 185 is crazy. Good for you.

[@raymondguzman5083]

BuzzLOLOL u dummy this duel duel exhaust only applies to engine with 400hp or more a 200hp v8 is gunna lose power with 3 inch exhuast as stated and dyno tested in the engine masters series on youtube look it up if you dont believe me

[@batman141111]

You dont gain shit if you have a computer .... No matter if you put a turbo cam fuel pump shit will run the same untill you get a tune... If your shit is carbed everything makes a diffrence yes i saw engine masters and saw the header bashing

[@markmcmillan2573]

YOUR the best ,l,ve watched tons of vids & after watching your shows l now see the short cuts or pieces left out completely,GREAT channel brilliant imfo

[@duaneafields]

You are the best...which is you're. Remember.. if you are sounds fine, use 're, if it does not, it's your. Like your car or your house. Like you're in your car and at your house. Simple.

[@h2bbuilt]

I suggest you guys run Autolite double platinum spark plugs. If your vortec heads are from the 1996 to 1999 Chevy's 5.7 Liter 350 then gap the plugs to .060 Check them before installing because they were off on mine from the store. That's what oem requires. You'll get a better spark. I did the change to my vortec heads and "wow" it made a difference. Itll cost you 45 bucks for all 8 at Autozone not unless you have the 20 rewards then youll get them cheaper.

[@bradleydennis1263]

Good to know

[@dragonlips2005]

Another great video. Glad to see we're both watching the same shows :) Keep on keeping on!

[@El_Rey_505]

Why haven’t you popped up sooner. I can watch 5 different videos on the same topic and everyone has there own insights and ways they do things it’s cool

[@konnerkramer329]

I was the exact same way as you thinking tbi heads are junk. I used to work at a machine shop for my senior year of high school and through college. This shop did pretty much nothing but old school v8s with the occasional straight 6 and ls. long story short I saw more 882, 993, 193, 062, 906 heads than I can even comprehend. for shits and giggles one day I CC the chamber and runners on the tbi heads. The chambers were 64cc but to my surprise the runners were 185cc. I was very confused and immediately went and cc another. Same thing 185cc. This got me thinking. The reason the tbi doesn't flow is because the running is pitched down right before it hits the screw. My thought process was If these have big runners and I could open up the pinch and machine down the screw these heads might actually flow decent. So I set out to make the ultimate FU truck engine. I took a tpi 350 out of a 3rd gen Camaro punched it .030 over with some $100 flat tops and zero decked it. Ran a 218/224 @.050 .450 lift cam and an edelbrock performer rpm with a quadra jet. Then I set about porting the TBI heads. I knew the heads won't flow above 4,500 rpm. So I ported them with that in mind. After 10 hours of port work. I assembled the engine. I ran it to the dyno and to my surprise it didn't run half bad. It made over 400tq at 1500rpm and held it all the way to 4000rpm where it basically hit a wall and power fell off quickly. I don't remember the HP numbers because I was too much in shock because this tbi headed 350 just made 454/ 12v Cummins torque. considering this engine cost my about 20hours worth of machine work, a few parts I had laying around and about $400 I was impressed. This engine is still in a 1990 Silverado welding rig to this day. Even in a 6,000lbs vehicle it gets 18mpg down the highway and pull 5,000-10,000lbs with little issue.

[@leonardgilbreath9004]

Good video on this fix your machine skills are the best I've ever seen to far away for the work I need done on my 429 heads.

[@jefflundquist5771]

Thank you for the explanation of the differences between the TBI and Vortec heads. Also, great info on the mods necessary for screw-in studs and lowered guide bosses for a higher lift cam. I already have Vortec heads on my 4-bolt GM Performance block from Summit Racing. But I wonder what kind of horsepower gains I'd get with a higher lift cam while still running the Holley Terminator EFI kit that's already in place?

[@jayhall1969]

Great video! Enjoyed actually seeing what is involved in the machine work... And removing the pressed studs tip was a good money saving idea... Thanks!

[@neomags]

I Totally agree... Engine Masters is a Great show.... loved the header one also...

[@roadkillsf.f.cgarage386]

Currently building the same engine, except with Comp Cams Magnum with 470 lift, flat top pistons, performer intake, and Holley 4 barrel carb 👊👊👊

[@workingman9745]

Back in the 90's l had a 350 small block bored. 030 over, flat top pistons double roller time chain 650 holly 4brl 882 iron heads 280 comp cam. The cam was 280/460 ,I installed slotted rockers for the cam lift. I ran it at about 12 degrees advanced and it was a little beast of a mill setting in a 1963 Chevy shortbed . Never should have sold it. Money and truck both just a memory now 😥

[@Stainlessslayer]

Good to see a new vid 👍. Appreciate all the help you given with my build.

[@jasonbarton766]

nice job!! i want to put a set of vortecs on a 400sbc. i got to get machine shop to do these upgrades plus drill steam holes! i really appriciate this vid!!!! take care!!!

[@sandyshoremann7524]

If you have an end mill you could just run across all those bosses in a couple passes and save a bunch of machining time. But if you don't you cant :) - Sandy