Small Block Chevy - Specs information & Casting Numbers
The Small Block Chevy Engine - Engine Specs, Engine Combinations and more.
The Small Block Chevy (SBC) engine is a legendary platform known for its versatility, performance and combinations. Whether you're building a street machine or a race car, the SBC is a popular choice thanks to its availability and extensive aftermarket support of parts and upgrades. At Total Performance, we provide the best range of high-quality parts to help you maximize & upgrade your Small Block Chevy’s potential and reliability.
What is an SBC Engine?
The Small Block Chevy is a series of V8 engines produced by Chevrolet between 1955 and 2003. Ranging from 262 to 400 cubic inches in displacement, these engines have powered countless GM Cars & trucks. Their long production run and widespread use make SBC engines a favourite among car enthusiasts, hot rodders, engine swaps and racers. The abundance of available parts and options in the aftermarket makes the SBC platform one of the most used.
Small Block Chevy Weight and Specifications
A cast-iron SBC bare block weighs around 200 lbs., while an aluminium block weighs between 110-140 lbs., depending on the manufacturer. When assembled with the rotating assembly and heads, a dressed cast-iron SBC engine tips the scales at approximately 550 lbs., whereas an aluminium variant is about 500 lbs.
Identifying a Small Block Chevy Engine
To identify your SBC engine, locate the casting number on the top back ledge of the block, typically on the driver’s side. This number helps determine the engine size, year range, and main cap configuration. Here are some common casting numbers:
140029: 350 CID, 1980-1984, 2-bolt main
330817: 400 CID, 1972-1980, 2-bolt main
355909: 262 CID, 1975, 2-bolt main; 305 CID, 1976-1979, 2-bolt main
Small Block Chevy Torque Specs
Proper torque specifications are crucial for engine assembly. Here are some key torque specs for SBC engines:
2-Bolt Main Caps: 7/16" bolts, 70 ft-lbs.
4-Bolt Main Caps: 7/16" inner bolts, 70 ft-lbs; 3/8" outer bolts, 40 ft-lbs.
Cylinder Head Bolts: 65 ft-lbs.
Connecting Rod Bolts: 3/8", 45 ft-lbs; 11/32", 35 ft-lbs. (please check with ARP for their recommend specs)
Spark Plugs: 20 ft-lbs. – on Aluminium heads, please use the washer/gasket type sparkplug.
Enhancing Your Small Block Chevy with High-Performance Parts – Engine Combinations, top end kits and how to hotrod a small block chevy.
There are many ways to upgrade and improve the power output of the SBC. You can either upgrade your chevy now or when you rebuild a small block chevy eninge. Below we will list some points and options for you to upgrade your Small Block Chevy in stages. We recommend taking a whole approach to what you want to do before you go and buy parts. We don’t want to see you buy parts that are incorrect or you should have upgraded correctly in the first place.
Stage 1: A basic first upgrade is to change and upgrade the chevy intake manifold, new carburettor, headers and exhaust system before you open up the engine. Have it tuned and the ignition system checked for efficiency or upgraded to a drop in a cruzer ignition distributor. This level of upgrade is cheap and cost effective if you just want to sharpen up what you have. We have a range of Intake manifolds, carburettor’s and ignition kits that we can help with. A set of the Cruzer chevy 350 block hugger headers are an easy swap and low cost.
Stage 2: Next level upgrade after you have completed step 1, would be a Chevy 350 cylinder head upgrade and Chevy camshaft upgrade and some Tri-y or long tube headers. Depending on budget and your desires, a Comp Cams retro fit hydraulic roller camshaft upgrade is a strong recommendation by us. Upgrading the camshaft and fitting some DRP Chevy 350 cylinder heads are the best upgrades you will see, value for money! These DRP branded heads are the best cylinder heads for chevy 350. When matched with the correct chevy 350 camshaft kit, these will put a smile on your face and fry some tyres. A great combo kit would consist of an Edelbrock 650 CFM carburettor, Edelbrock or a DRP Air Gap dual plane intake manifold, DRP-SBC200 cylinder heads, A Comp Cams 12-423-8 (224/230) or a step up if you have a zero decked block would be a Comp Cams 12-432-8 (230/236). This Small Block Chevy top end combination kit is perfect for majority of hot rodders and performance seeking car guys.
Stage 3: Next level up from that would be a Small Block Chevy stroker kit. By increasing the cubic capacity, along with the above upgrades, yields the best results. A combination kit would consist of a Chevy stoker kit. A cheaper option is to use the Cast SCAT stroker kit. If you are looking for better value, performance and reliability, a Forged stroker kit from DRP to give you a 383 stroker combination is the best option. We would recommend some flat top forged Autotec/Racetec pistons and this will also help to increase the compression. We can then select a slightly larger camshaft like a Comp Cams 12-433-8 (236/242) for even more power output while still maintaining driveability! This DRP Chevy combination is a real tyre fryer and a perfect combo to deliver crisp throttle response, super strong mid-range torque and about 450HP to 500HP, all with driveability!
Stage 4: Next level up is to tailor a combination to your desires and driving needs. A combination can be either an increase in the hydraulic roller or a level up to a solid roller combination and a single plane intake manifold along with lots of other upgrades. Further upgrades are a new big bore block with a larger stroker kit out the a 427 or 434 small block. Due to the complexities of matching up the correct parts, we strongly recommend a discussion.
We do these combinations all the time, so happy to help out and we have extremely knowledgeable sales staff on hand to help you with your next build.
Shop Now for the Best Small Block Chevy Parts.
Upgrade your Small Block Chevy with our top-rated performance parts and experience unmatched power and reliability. From exhaust headers to intake manifolds and timing chains, camshaft, cylinder heads, Stroker kits, Pistons and oil pumps and ARP bolts & studs. We provide everything you need to make your engine the best it can be. Explore our selection and range today and take your Small Block Chevy to the next level. Shop now and ensure your engine is equipped with the best parts available!
Contact Us
Have questions about your Small Block Chevy project? Contact our knowledgeable staff today for expert advice and the best prices on high-quality SBC parts. Enhance your engine's performance and reliability with our comprehensive range of Small Block Chevy components. We have free fast delivery on orders over $200 in Australia. We are located in Thomastown, Melbourne, Victoria in Australia.
