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.

[@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

[@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.

[@PatchesOHoulihan-hi2tb]

​@@handyman3320Electric is lame

[@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.

[@michaelhuelsman296]

RIP Joe Elmore

[@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

[@lawrencefoster2120]

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

[@YellowBoy305]

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

[@easyeasely]

Joe was one of professors in college. Awesome professor!

[@normbarrows2]

I'm building something like this right now. 30 over 350 4-bolt, Eagle rods, Speed Pro pistons - all from Summit. Forged Chevy steel crank (non-stroker), true roller valvetrain (Crane, Melling, and Howards parts), Brodix Track-1 heads, Offenhauser individual runner intake w/ twin 390 double pumpers and non-progressive linkage (essentially 8 one-barrels), 10.25:1 CR, est. 511 HP, pump gas, no turbo, no blower, no nitrous. They don't mention that a high-volume Melling oil pump requires a longer bolt. I damaged my rear main saddle using the shorter bolt. Steel aftermarket saddles had to be line bored to fit. Couldn't find a used saddle - had to get another block and take the saddle off it. Now I have a spare block with a steel rear main saddle.

[@TheLionAndTheLamb777]

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

[@Baron-Von-1973]

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

[@SteelyEyedMissileDan]

​@@Baron-Von-1973No, but you can find all kinds of charts showing the recommended tolerance/clearance ranges for your application and power output.

[@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

[@dalebender7726]

Yup! Got a 351c from PAW... Good thing, they went outta business soon after. Still got some stickers to this day!!

[@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!

[@JONMEREDITH]

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

[@robertclymer6948]

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

[@bradpetersen92126]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@nathanrice1796]

Enjoyed the oil filter part of the video too.

[@BK-wy4uj]

Great tutorial and parts info through summit.

[@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

[@johnbehneman1546]

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

[@Twilightzoneisreal]

That is a good little combo for the street.

[@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.

[@normbarrows2]

fit the ring in the cylinder, measure the gap with feeler gauges, remove the ring, grind the ring a bit on an end gap grinder, reinstall and re-measure. repeat until you get the correct gap. then install the ring on the piston. pre-gapped or zero-gap rings are other possible options. My current build is a 30 over 350 w/ 10.25:1 CR rated at an estimated 511 HP on pump gas, and it uses pre-gapped Sealed Power rings as I recall.

[@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.

[@marx769]

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

[@lawrencefoster2120]

Thanks for living the last freedom built engine's that was denied most of us.

[@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!

[@yzScott]

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

[@mario64exprt37]

Wait....am I too late to win the engine?

[@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?

[@fuffoon]

Nice build. And in 17 minutes. Yeah!

[@figgiefigueroa7372]

I really need that engine for a 1967 chevy chevelle.

[@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

[@falcorthewonderdog2758]

All parts are listed in a catalog......

[@clefchef8121]

"To skin a cat" means to skin a CATFISH

[@hksjoshua]

Not to asians

[@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.

[@ralphvalkenhoff2887]

Great to see the RP filter manufacturing

[@loud-pedal-addict4503]

Says "don't go cheap on your heads" shows some over priced 185cc Edelbrock junk.

[@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.

[@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

[@sixx6sixx107]

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

[@royfcjr]

Why just peak numbers? Did it fall on its face down low? I can read the engine trace when the run is shown. I like low end grunt which makes it move, not just a top end number. Or, just show the gauges during the pull instead of your faces which have zero engine data.

[@KingJT80]

That engine made about all it's gonna make with those heads cam and intake. Solid 430 horse 383

[@doyouthinkbro5266]

He said over four hundred lb/ft of torque at 2500 rpm, before the tuning

[@craigstewart1532]

@@doyouthinkbro5266 Actually he said ft/lbs. So funny

[@aguitarhero007]

Why a 2000 rpm break in? It’s a roller cam. What’s the point?

[@superprettyko]

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

[@robertlittle2951]

I can not find this block on summit's website? And a list of parts would be awesome too

[@nathanrice1796]

I'm surprised they didn't use gapless piston rings. The leakage rate is 0-1% on those.

[@mitchellfenton3982]

More than one way to skin a cat. Someone has been overseas.

[@travisfisher2877]

Am I hearing wrong or did joe say the block has a 4.00” diameter bore yet .030” over pistons? Obviously he spoke wrong on the bore size if it’s a true 383 lol

[@BuzzLOLOL]

He's a musician/actor, not a mechanic...

[@georgeberndsen635]

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

[@martyfarrell9459]

Staggering rings is an old wives tale.

[@BuzzLOLOL]

Not...

[@duttonsgarage9400]

Anyone else noticed that he said a 4 inch bore and then later said the pistons were 30 overs

[@got8118]

ThESE GUYS is GOOOOOOOODDDDDD

[@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.

[@honeyridgehomestead3197]

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

[@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.

[@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..

[@darkmachine165]

Where can I find a remand FORD Short small block for $750.00 all I find is $1200.00 plus $300.00 core charge on Summit Racing, I'm to the point LKQ is looking good then the issue of finding a Machine shop that wont ask me to bend over just to bore some cylinders haha.

[@isabellab617]

Which one would be cheaper to build and get around ±600hp and ±550lb/ft: SBC or LS?

[@Santi240sxsti]

Imo it depends what it’s going in most guys in the import community use the ls because they don’t have to put a bunch of money into parts and make 400hp but if you do a sbc specifically the 350 you can make more than that

[@antifreeze7789]

LS is the cheapest bang for buck engine on the market today

[@tlegay9061]

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

[@MickCone]

It amazes me as to how many of these "experts" don't know they are building an ENGINE, not a motor. 'course they may build a motor to start it with.

[@timothyconner4255]

Roller lifters doesnt need any assembly lube…just oil…

[@smillish]

I like that engine!

[@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

[@Schlipperschlopper]

Sadly China told most politicians that they wont do any business with underdeveloped countries that still allow CO2 emitting traffic, aircrafts or industry after 2030...I am sure USA and UK also will be forced by China to 100% electric traffic because today no industrialized country can afford sanctions by China....:-( China also banned all kind of synthetic fuels or hydrogen combustion. Because these are not energy efficient) :-(((((

[@katuhtonik]

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

[@canabox7112]

Lol Royal purple filters are made by Wix! You’re just watching the Wix factory while they are making filters for Royal purple. You can get the same filter in black for one third the price

[@Torta--is--PLUR]

Now figure in having the motor completely assembled by a engine builder then dyno tuned and that extra $1200 just is gone. As much as I love these guys but they are very misleading with information at times

[@infango]

heisenberg is now doing cars ?! cool ..

[@JessicaTG2008]

Its 2022, literally any 10 year old kid can build a minimum 350hp small block Chevy for about $1500... using a USED stock bottom end 2 bolt. Hey I love the SBC just like everyone else but its been 70 years, time to move on with these generic builds

[@t00ls742]

15:05 who is running 180+ oil pressure....maybe 120 at most...most I have ever seen was 85-90 royal perple: our filters dont burst till 600 psi because we make our filter heavier save the weight guys

[@puch7261]

i have 97 c3500 5.7 vortec want crank do i use to make it an 383. would anybody know? crank and part number? i want h beam rods

[@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.

[@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.

[@peterchichitano9667]

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

[@ICONBADGTA]

They are the (ONLY ONES) who can get these "MAGICAL NEW 4 BOLT BLOCKS" at 700 bucks because you can (NEVER) find them when looking at the places they claim to get them from!!

[@bigredracer7848]

You have to be careful buying complete engines from summit racing because they used old parts in their reman engines and they will not stand behind it and warranty it until it fails they're not a very good company to buy products from

[@melissaweidman3326]

there good and cheap but u need to know ur engines like the back of ur hand to know ehat to buy and what not to buy from them never buy an engine from them first thing buy a real crate engine or build ur own motor homes are a good way to start they have good crate engines in them

[@craigstewart1532]

@@melissaweidman3326 Take a breath

[@melissaweidman3326]

@@craigstewart1532 i was on hold ordering parts like i am now

[@craigstewart1532]

@@melissaweidman3326 multi tasker. I always screw up when I try that

[@melissaweidman3326]

@@craigstewart1532 I don't see how I screwed up I just give people an easier way of doing things like get good engines cheap to start with but I guess i should not say a thing about what I know I just keep it to myself and I will keep getting free engines and rigs

[@joeszucs2190]

Um going for BIG power and no forged crank? Does not compute does not compute. 400 hp torq are Not BIG numbers. Big numbers would be 1000+

[@mgbchuck6527]

SBC GOODNESS--like it

[@up0820]

What dumb description, only using catalog parts, yeah guess what most home built engines are ordered from summit, jegs etc, since speed shops are pretty much gone since the turn of the century. I know Ramchargers in my area has been gone for a long while now.

[@peteswarr426]

Buy, buy, buy. Innovation is to be revered. Do research and figure out what you can do without spending all your money.

[@cheechnchong4347]

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

[@timmartin4798]

Not enough cam when you have more torque than hp.

[@Broadpaw_Fox]

That depends entirely on what you're looking for. Numbers like those here are great for heavier vehicles (trucks and full size vans). Power is nice, but it's the torque that moves the weight. Heavy vehicles benefit from more torque like the balance of these numbers. ;)

[@JerrysStuff]

How about something newer. ie LS2 or even LS3. worth while getting some recycled long block or rebuilding one from scrap yard

[@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.

[@ZombifiedWatermelon]

I think you're missing a part of the equation here. A crate motor shows up done and drops into the car. A pile of parts needs tools, way more know-how to assemble them, and you'd have to pay for dyno time to dial it in. I mean yea if you ha e access to all those things there's a cost savings......but the average person doesn't.

[@lonelybikr]

I can't believe you guys would do a sponsorship from the counteract anti corrosion bs. It's been proven it doesn't work. I like your shows but that was just bad.

[@jeff0nyschuk670]

I would like to build 1 more ...It would be a 383stroker😢..I bet Crade Engine would be cheaper 🤔

[@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

[@arijunal]

loved this video, just sad I'm just now seeing this, probably could've won this and dropped it in my c10, lol

[@petermontoya1796]

I'm not a Motörhead. I have no idea what you were talking about with all those specs. A little explanation for us non gassers please.

[@user-kf2lp3mz9s]

Who watching this know there never gonna build a engine

[@JohnW1711stock]

Buy American! The job/life you save, may be your own. Nice.

[@billbutler3578]

FYI in the saying there is.more than one way to skin a cat , they are referring to a catfish not a Feline

[@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

[@kevinblackmon6990]

Anyone building an engine like this. Is taking one hell of a chance. No mention of bearing clearance. No measure of nothing?? Heads right out of the box bolted on motor?? Motor running on dyno No pvc valve,no crankcase evacuation system?? Talk about no blow by. Keep running it like that, you'll have all the blow by you could ask for. This video is certainly nothing to watch for the inspiring engine builder. If it was this simple ,everyone would be a engine builder.you can't trust anyone When it comes to buying parts. Everything must be checked and verified that it is, What it is suppose to be. These guys are just fluffers.

[@eriklarson9137]

"Building A High-Performance Smallblock V8 From Scratch" - Oof. My first exposure to your channel, and it's that.

[@godblessamerica99]

Haha. Let me guess. Summit Racing sponsored the show. I buy from Summit all the time. But if I had the money to build an engine entirely from a catalog, I wouldn't be building my own junk.

[@justjim9723]

hey guys what would that engine build cost today? thanks much appreciated!