Editing How to choose a SBC engine

Engine choices can be hard when there are so many to choose from.. The choice of a SBC can be an easy one if you want a cheap reliable engine that can produce a good amount of horsepower.. As a SBC can come in a size as small as 262 CI all the way to well over 400 CI in custom built engines, they all have there purpose. you wouldn't put a 262 in a truck, but you may put it in a Monza if you want MPG * 262 CI: used from 1978-1981, low hp, smog engine designed for reliability with high MPG * 265 CI: Chevrolet's first SBC. Far surpassed in performance by the 283 and 327 engines that came shortly after.. consider this one for restorations only (unless you like a challenge). * 267 CI: used from 1978-1981, low hp, smog engine designed for reliability with high MPG. * 283 CI: Chevy's first engine to produce 1hp per CI. provides hp in the higher RPM, good for light cars and higher RPM * 301 CI: This is a .125 overbore 283, it needs a block with thick cylinder walls (recommend sonic testing first) and is no longer recommended (or necessary) practice, use a 350 block and a 283 crank with spacer bearings if you want to build one. * 302 CI: The Z/28 engine used for a short while. Great for high RPM hp and T/A racing... if you can find one (original 302 cranks are very expensive). * 305 CI: Decent engine, many consider it too small for hi-performance, but decent enough for street performance in a lightweight car. * 327 CI: Considered a good engine for higher RPM hp, can be built for street performance if, like me, you get tired of hearing 350, 350, 350, 350, . . . * 350 CI: America's most popular SBC.. not much need be said, they fit most budgets and expectations, great all around engine * 383 CI: 350 block with a 3.75 crank.. Considered when low end hp or torque are necessary.. initially required external balancing but internal balance cranks are common today. * 400 CI: Stock cranks are external balanced, crank manufacturers are currently producing internal balanced cranks. [[Category:Engine]]

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