How to choose a SBC engine

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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 their purpose. You wouldn't put a 262 in a truck, but you may put it in a Monza if you want [[Improving fuel economy|MPG]].
 
  
 
* 262 CI: Used in 1975, 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 [[Reducing vehicle weight|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 [[Reducing vehicle weight|lightweight car]].
 
* 307 CI: Effectively a large-journal 327 crank with a 283 bore size.
 
* 327 CI: Considered a good engine for higher RPM hp, can be built for street performance if you get tired of hearing: "350, 350, 350, 350".
 
* 334 CI: 305 block with 400 crank.
 
* 350 CI: America's most popular SBC. Not much needs to be said, they fit most budgets and expectations, great all around engine.
 
* 353 CI: 400 block with 327 crank.
 
* 377 CI: This is a 400 block with a 350 crank and either special bearings or bearing spacers, your choice.
 
* 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.
 
 
The original standard bore and stroke for each:
 
* 262 CI: 3.671" x 3.100"
 
* 265 CI: 3.750" x 3.000"
 
* 267 CI: 3.500" x 3.480"
 
* 283 CI: 3.875" x 3.000"
 
* 302 CI: 4.000" x 3.000"
 
* 305 CI: 3.736" x 3.480"
 
* 307 CI: 3.875" x 3.250"
 
* 327 CI: 4.000" x 3.250"
 
* 350 CI: 4.000" x 3.480"
 
* 400 CI: 4.125" x 3.750"
 
 
==Related articles==
 
*[[Why not to use a small-block Chevy engine]]
 
*[[The controversial Chevy small block engine]]
 
 
[[Category:Engine]]
 

Latest revision as of 08:52, 9 January 2025

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