350 died what to build now

[original balzer]

well heres my options. the first few would be simple enough. if i go to big numbers in the power ill have to upgrade the drivetrain to handle the power.

well i figured i would go to the store this morning for cigs soda ect.
about half way there "boink" no oil pressure and about 3 seconds later clank rattle pow smokey smokey no go no more. popped the hood and there she is a nice rod hanging out the side of the block. NICE! last day off and my engine lets go for no apperant reason. see if i ever trust a used engine i have no background on ever again. so anyway now i dont know what i want to do. i have more 350's laying around and a 396 and a 454. problem is my trans is just a th350 so there wont be no 500hp mills going in it. im freash out of other parts trucks with sm465 to swap into it and i kinda like the auto. although i would love a th400/205 combo to replace my th350/203 but that isnt happening too soon. if i could just snap my fingers id have a 12v cummins a six speed manual and a 203/205 doubler but at this time thats a dream as well. so guys what should i do?

balzer

 

[Beast388]

383

 

[jagermiester]

396

 

[goldwing2000]

If you already have a 454, you might as well use it!

 

[wildmouse216]

Speed just breaks things. Go for the 383 torque. Easier to build with a lot of 350s laying around. Big block weight is not cool. And you gotta love the mouse. Have fun.

 

[mtn. burb]

Speed just breaks things. Go for the 383 torque. Easier to build with a lot of 350s laying around. Big block weight is not cool. And you gotta love the mouse. Have fun.

What he said. Motor monts, headers, all kinds of stuff you don't have to change. Plus BIG torque.

Good Luck.

 

[Inu-Hanyou1776]

I say 383 too. You've already got most of the parts you need in all the 350's, you won't have change motormounts and upgrade your drivetrain like you would have to with a big-block, and you'll get an engine that'll pump out buckets of torque for wheelin'.

 

[GM Man]

I'd keep a small block in it, its less weight on the front end. Big blocks are cool and make some good hp numbers, but are also very heavy..

 

[beater_k20]

about 100# heavier for the big block over the small block. and for those of you saying "speed breaks things. go for 383 torque." "you wont have to upgrade your drivetrain like you would with a big block." uhm, torque breaks things too... and a 383 is pushing big block torque territory.

 

[trailblazr81]

Im still using a "stock" th350 behind my 383. I have a good converter and the biggest cooler I could fit. Im sure I have decreased its life expectancy quite a bit, but its not hard to build a th350 to handle the torque. I too recomend 383, more torque than a 350 yet all the parts interchange except you need a 400 flexplate and balancer. Also alot easier to work on than a big block taking up so much more space. If I had the money I would build a 454 small block pumping out 500+ HP and torque!!

 

[lamberthkp]

383

 

[Greg72]

Go for a 305.....

Plentiful and cheap, and won't overwhelm your driveline with too much power.