How to choose a SBC engine
From Crankshaft Coalition Wiki
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| − | * 262 CI: Used in 1975, low hp, smog engine designed for reliability with high MPG. | + | * 262 CI: Used in 1975, low hp, smog engine designed for reliability with high MPG. Only used with the Chevrolet Nova and Monza (with 4.3L badges when optioned with the Monza) - NOT to be confused with the 1985-2014 4.3L V6-90 which has the bore/stroke of the SBC 350. Was replaced by the 305. |
| − | * 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). | + | * 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). An unrelated 265 appeared in 1994 as an LT1 derivative using the bore of the 305 and fitted with a 3 inch stroke crank and 5.94" rods. |
| − | * 267 CI: Used from 1978-1981, low hp, smog engine designed for reliability with high MPG. | + | * 267 CI: Used from 1978-1981, low hp, smog engine designed for reliability with high MPG. Bore diameter shared with the 200 (a V6-90 which predated the 4.3L). |
| − | * 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. | + | * 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 in performance applications. |
| − | * 301 CI: This is a .125 | + | * 301 CI: This is a 0.125" overbored SBC 283, it needs a block with thick cylinder walls (recommend sonic testing first) and is no longer recommended (or necessary) practice, instead the preferred method is to use a 350 block and a 283 crank with spacer bearings if you want to build one. Actual displacement is 301.6 cid. |
| − | * 302 CI: The Z/28 engine | + | * 302 CI: The first Z/28 engine (1967-'69). Great for high RPM hp and was mandated for T/A racing. Original SBC 302 engines and 302-specific parts are usually 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]]. | + | * 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]]. Main deficit is the bore diameter limits valve size. |
| − | * 307 CI: Effectively a large-journal 327 crank with a 283 bore size. | + | * 307 CI: Effectively a large-journal 327 crank with a 283 bore size. Limited performance potential. |
| − | * 327 CI: Considered a good engine for higher RPM hp, can be built for street performance | + | * 327 CI: Considered a good engine for higher RPM hp, can be built for street performance. |
| − | * 334 CI: 305 block with 400 crank. | + | * 334 CI: 305 block with 400 crank. Most practical where emissions require specific engine/vehicle combinations (like CA). |
| − | * 350 CI: America's most popular SBC. Not much needs to be said, they fit most budgets and expectations, great all around engine. | + | * 350 CI: America's most popular SBC. Not much needs to be said, they fit most budgets and expectations, great all around engine. Mid-1980s onward have a 5.7L embossed on the bellhousing lip. |
* 353 CI: 400 block with 327 crank. | * 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 | + | * 377 CI: This is a 400 block with a 350 crank and either custom crankshaft, or factory spec main journal crank using special bearings or bearing spacers. |
| − | * 383 CI: 350 block with a 3.75 crank. | + | * 383 CI: 350 block with a 3.75 crank. Popular performance combination. 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. | * 400 CI: Stock cranks are external balanced, crank manufacturers are currently producing internal balanced cranks. | ||
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