oddscrounger

Hey folks....

I have an 87 305 TPI 5 speed and I am looking this 355 shortblock as a potential base to start building a 383 stroker to swap in by next summer...

Here is the link to the short block...

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-150100/overview/

Does this SBC differ from the 350s that came in the 87 IROCS and if so are there any major changes I would have to worry about (besides a new tranny set up to handle the power)? For example, engine mounts, rear main seals, etc...

Anyone have any opinions on this shortblock and my plans to go the 383 route? Thanks!

Kent from Chicago

Johnny Blaze

iTrader: (15)

Thats not a shortblock. thats a bare block, short blocks have rotating assmeblies assembled already.

It is the same block that would be in your camaro, if it was a 350. Its a bolt in.

I am not a fan of buying a block that has already been bored.

My machine shop bores to match the pistons I plan to use, cylinder to cylinder. There can be a bit of variation from manufacture to manufacture, and between forged and hyperutectic pistons as well.

Your T-5 will not last very long behind a 383 either, plan to beef up or swap to a t-56.

oddscrounger

Mine is a stock 305; aren't the engine mounts compatible with the 350?

So it might be better to have a machine shop bore a stock 350 block out to the pistons I plan on using? If I went with this bare block, what pistons are the best fit? Thanks for the reply!

And yea, all I hear is that T5's turn to scrap metal when you add considerable power. Too bad mine is fully rebuilt as of last summer; it works wonderfully now and I am sure I can sell it for a decent price since it's fully rebuilt with all new parts.

Johnny Blaze

iTrader: (15)

Yes, all extranal components from the 305 will bolt right up.

I would find a block and have a local machine shop do the work.

As for pistons, there are a ton of choices. For a budget street build, I have been very happy with Speed Pro hyperutectics.

I have seen some t-5's sell for over $500, others not so much. You may be able to sell it for more if you have documentation of the rebuild.

oddscrounger

Good deal. One more question. What's the typical cost for a machine shop to bore out the cylinders? I do have documentation of the rebuild. I'd probably ask for $750 as they do at Hawks but would be willing to negotiate and work out shipping. For now I am going to get my LB9 working as best as possible (only 82,000 orginal miles on it). Has a mild Comp cam and roller rockers. Edlebrock headers and exhuast. I just want more power.

Thanks,

Kent

Johnny Blaze

iTrader: (15)

Cost varies.

I recently had one done. Hot tank, install cam bearings and brass freeze plugs, bore block, install pistons on rods, including the price of cam bearings, freeze plugs, speed pro pistons and rings the total bill was $500.00

oddscrounger

Sounds like a good price to me if that's parts included. Looking forward giving my IROC a set of ***** in the next year. The 305 has enough torque to squirt all over the road with the tires spinning but no real power. Just looks (and sounds, with the headers and exhaust) cool to the uneducated individual. I appreciate all the feedback.

Johnny Blaze

iTrader: (15)

Yeah. Call around the local machine shops. Most all use a pretty standard pricing sheet. Just ask around to find a good one!

1gary

Nice Job Johnny.