whats the difference between early model and late model engines?

I heard that on the newer engine blocks that the cylinder walls are weaker. I was thinking about picking up a 350 from the local junk yard. It is from a 90's model car though. Can someone tell me if this is true? Is there any real difference?

thanks!

 

Who told you that your brothers,girl friends half brothers, uncle ? 1987 and up motors are different from 87 and under. mainly intake,cylinder heads,and cam.

 

What do you call "early and late"?
'87 on engines have a different crankshaft seal (1 piece seal ) arrangement and a roller cam.Minor non perf related differences in intake bolt pattern , rocker covers , etc
Otherwise the internal parts are the same as other SBC's

 

I believe early is 80's and up and late is pre 80's....
or 90's I am not a 100%.

 

Yeah that's why I asked I wasn't 100% sure. thought it sounded a bit hokey to me. Is there any major difference in this? Could I still get good horse power and torque out of an 87 up motor? Or do I have to worry about the engine tearing itself apart? Just wanted to make sure before I spent good money on this.

Thanks trying not to sound like a moron just want to be safe.

Thanks again

 

A sbc is a sbc all internals are the same. Only differences are stated above.

 

There is no difference in durability between pre-1987 blocks and newer engine blocks. An SBC is pretty much an SBC.

 

Thank you very much for clarifying that for me. The only thing I have ever really built are pre 80's engines. I didn't think there was a major difference but when I called the Auto salvage place looking for a 350 block they acted like it was a major deal.

Makes you say hmmm?

thanks

 

I have heard the 1 pc rear main seal roller blocks have thinner lifter valley areas and are more prone to cracking there when pushing big power numbers. Some people seem to agree on turboforums that 2 pc blocks have more power holding potential than the 87-99 roller 1 pc blocks because of that lifter valley area but I can not confirm this with real data on how thick those areas are.