Well I'm still having a really tough time finding a block since I put the hole in my first one. (Chalk that up to experience). Besides one out of a 87-89 Camaro, what other 350 blocks can I use? It has to be roller cam and one piece rear main seal. What about 90-92 Camaro blocks? Also aren't there some truck blocks that I can use that would give me the added benefit of four bolt mains? What about a block out of a Vette? By the way if anyone in the NJ area has a block for sale that I can use feel free to e-mail me.

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Riccioli Performance Motorworks

--RPM Racing--

-Currently building first ever engine. 383 with Super Ram plenum and runners, Edelbrock lower intake, Bosch 24# injectors, AFR 190 heads, MSD ignition.
-Will be installing Baer Brakes
-Will be installing full Spohn suspension in rear
-Art Carr 700R4 trans??


Attention Everyone!!! I will be changing my name on the message boards to HardcoreZ28 sometime in the near future. Just wanted to let everyone know.

 

except for differances in alloys, maybe, all 87 and newer blocks should be the same, car or truck wouldn't matter. "they" always said the truck blocks were better.

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ICON Motorsports

1st & 3rd
MM Black Diamond 538 F&AM

 

Anyone else have any opinions on this one?

 

No, ede pretty well summed it all up. The only thing about Truck 350s is they may not have the roller cam, but they DO have the necessary holes setup to install an OEM roller cam (plus the spiders).

 

So can you tell by a casting number or something if a truck block has the roller cam?

 

I'm a little confused....Ede said I can use just about any block from 87 up, but aren't like the 4th gen Camaro blocks different than the old ones? What would be the cutoff date for the Camaro and truck blocks?

 

The 4th gens got the new LS1 motor in 98. Before that all the LT1's were the 350's with roller cams. Note that the LT1's use reverse cooling and you cannot use the pump with a 3rd gen radiator.

I wouldn't be too concerned with using a newer style block anyway. The older ones (69-79) use a higher nickel content and can take more abuse. Just remember that the older blocks will need the retrofit roller lifters.

 

1987-1991 vette blocks will work
1987-1992 fbody blocks will work

As sleeper stated earlier blocks will work but you have to retrofit the roller setup.



[This message has been edited by NavyVette (edited April 14, 2001).]

 

I use truck blocks for my engines. Try for a 3/4 ton+ truck block, they usually have 4-bolt mains and will have a small factory windage tray. Some of them come with factory brass freeze plugs also, may help you to identify one. The earliest one I have now is a 91 TBI engine from a Chevy 2500 pickup, it will accept all factory roller cam equipment, building that for a 73 Camaro.
The on I have in my 67 Camaro is from a 1999 Suburban, its not a 4-bolt but I got it for being a complete Vortec engine. Had factory roller cam in that one.
I have build a 383 from one of the TBI truck blocks I mentioned above (1993 block). It didn't need much clearancing for the rods. The bottom of each cylinder needed clearancing, and the oil pan rail needed some clearancing, but nothing real bad.
Try to buy a core engine from Autozone or Napa, You may be able to pickup a complete core for $150-200? You just need to know what your buying. Another place to look would be recycling centers, you may be able to pick up a core engine for $50. One of those casting number books would come in handy with all that.

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-Joseph
ASE Master Automobile Technician
Scoggin-Dickey Chevrolet

1967 Camaro (Vortec Heads, GM ZZ4 intake manifold, ZZ4 roller camshaft)
1992 Firebird (Weiler Vortec Heads, LT4 Hot Cam, GM ZZ4 Intake, Edelbrock 750, eventually will be Ram-Jet)

 

Great...I might try calling some junkyards on monday. I can't wait.....three more weeks of school and then everything starts coming apart!!!

 

Do you guys know if places like Pep Boys, Autozone, and NAPA would have a block for my application? Just figured I'd ask before I started going crazy calling tomorrow.


------------------
Riccioli Performance Motorworks

--RPM Racing--

-Currently building first ever engine. 383 with Super Ram plenum and runners, Edelbrock lower intake, Bosch 24# injectors, AFR 190 heads, MSD ignition.
-Will be installing Baer Brakes
-Will be installing full Spohn suspension in rear
-Art Carr 700R4 trans??


Attention Everyone!!! I will be changing my name on the message boards to HardcoreZ28 sometime in the near future. Just wanted to let everyone know.

 

Paul,
E-mail brandtmann@aol.com
He has my old L98 block from a 92 Z28. Someone else owns it but the owner is in Pensacola and Jonathan (brandtmann) is in Virginia Beach.
Maybe you can work a deal.


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Rob P
89RSconvtZZ4TPI
Edelbrock Hi-Flow Intake
SLP Dual Cold Air Intake
1 5/8" Headers
Semi-Siamesed Runners
MSD6AL/relocated MAT/ AdjFPR/IROC frnt@rear swaybar/wonderbar/steeringbox/alum drvshaft/ Alston SFC/3:23posi disc rear/MAC LCA/H.Adams Panhard Rod/KYB struts/ shocks/
92Z28convt5spd
71Impala convt 402BB
BETTER DRIVING THRU SUPERIOR HORSEPOWER!

 

Well I found a block today out of a truck with 4-bolt mains. All of the sensor holes and what not should be the same in the block right?? It's a one-piece rear main seal 350 with the roller cam casting.

Also any tips on how not to put a hole in this one would be greatly appreciated.

------------------
Riccioli Performance Motorworks

--RPM Racing--

-Currently building first ever engine. 383 with Super Ram plenum and runners, Edelbrock lower intake, Bosch 24# injectors, AFR 190 heads, MSD ignition.
-Will be installing Baer Brakes
-Will be installing full Spohn suspension in rear
-Art Carr 700R4 trans??


Attention Everyone!!! I will be changing my name on the message boards to HardcoreZ28 sometime in the near future. Just wanted to let everyone know.

 

I would also check the boar (sp/gr?) of the engine, I seem to recall late 70's and early 80's F-Body blocks (at least) used a different boar and stroke to produce 350 that say the vette's of the time. Later they switched to what we are familier w/ today! I might be remembering something else, but I am prettty sure there were 2 versions of the GM 350 block!


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Corry Lazarowitz
clazarow@voicenet.com
clazarowitz@hotmail.com
1987 Pontiac Trans AM (GTA?) 350 TPI
SLP 1 3/4" headers, 3" cat back (stock cat
MSD ignition.
MSD Blaster SS coil.
3.73 Rear end gears
Accell 8.8 Wires
Bosh +4 Spark Plugs (Don't know if they really help but hell!)
Holley AFPR
Race Built Automatic trans ('vette servo, shift kit, tightly packed clutches)--just needs titanium gears now!
Newly gutted cat (the car gutted it's own cat!)
More soon when funds are avail...