THE PLAN: BUY a DART 350 small block ( cast iron ) ,have it magmafluxed , buy 4340 forged pistons,conecting rods,crank. I am at a toss-up if wheather I should buy aluminum or cast iron heads? I also have planed for this to be around 11.5:1 compression ratio so supercharging and nitros are out of the question. I will most likely know what cc heads to buy after I know which kit will give me a C.R in that area or higher . What type of cam should I use for this setup ? I am hoping to be able to use a hydraulic roller . The intake is going to be the ACCEL pro-ram 6.2 w/ 30lb injectors , that I currently have : OK , now if anyone would like to shed some light on this for me that would be great! "Mabie someone who has done it." Please help because this is my 00-01 winter project that I am going to put up on my own web-page , so I don't want to look like the Idiot . I would like to make this as professional as possible without taking it to someone . I have the piston ring installer , engine brace/stand , torque wrench , and pullers ect...Thank you!

 

The best advice that I could give you is to get yourself a few books. I really don’t mean to be sarcastic or unhelpful, but there is just too much information to cover in this manner. It would take me an hour explaining how to work the block over in preparation for your proposed/possible power levels alone. After you have had time to read up on performance engine building/blueprinting, you will undoubtedly have many more specific questions that can be answered here to a level that will actually be helpful to you.

You will also need an assortment of tools and precision measuring devises. The bare minimum assortment that I would recommend, would run you in the neighborhood of $600.00. I have a bore gauge that cost me $600 and close to $1500 in outside micrometers alone (and I am not a "profesional" engine builder). Please don’t think I’m trying to scare you away from your project. I am only trying to make you aware of what is involved in building an engine that you are describing.

I have shelves of engine building/blueprinting books. The ones that I still use on occasion and would HIGHLY recommend for SBC’s are:

*Engine Blueprinting by Rick Voegelin. This is undoubtedly the best blueprinting book out there.

*Modifying the Small Block Chevy by John Lingenfelter. I know, everyone has this book, and there’s a good reason for that!

*How to Build Max Performance Chevy Small Blocks On a Budget by David Vizard. This book’s title is very deceiving. Vizard covers everything from junk yard jewels to high end builds and head porting.

*Small Block Chevy Performance by Dave Emanuel. Get the 2000 edition with the blue 3rd gen on the cover. I just got this book and haven’t completely digested it, but so far, it has been excellent.

The money you spend on these books will repay you ten fold on your first build and many more times with the next builds! There will be more, I guarantee it! Engine building is like eating cookies, you just can’t stop with one.


Mike

 

thanks , than that is what I will do , I'll get back to you when I "inhale" some tricks-of-the-trade , and some well needed knowledge on this matter . Later