Hey guys, just a few questions.
I have a 1985 Z28 with a sleezy 305 LG4 with Vortec heads and anEdelbrock Carb. I've decided to buy a 350 and turn it into a 383. I have a choice between a 350 block I saw for sale which is 4 boltmain from a 1974 heavy duty truck, or, another block, which is also 4 boltmain from a heavy duty truck, except the second one is from a 1994.
If I do decide to buy the 1994, and considering that my current application is from a 1985, will I run into some fitment issues such as alternator brackets, P/S pump, starter, bolt patterns for heads or tranny, or anything else for that matter???? My goal is to keep as many parts that I have now on my 85, and transfer them on the 383.


THANKS YOU GUYS!!!!

 

Well, I do not know that this will be much help, but I know something changes in sbc blocks in either the year 85 or 86, I don't remember what but I am next to positive that something changed. AS in all chevy blocks up to that point were the same, and then they made something different from that year on.

 

The '74 is probably a driverside dipstick and will be a 2 main rear seal. You'll need to get a flexible oil dipstick with it and be careful on your choice of headers. My 4-bolt is also a driverside oil stick and long tube hookers clear it fine. You'll need a replacement oil pan too. Not to mention you'll need a crankshaft for a 2 piece main seal. I know when I paid my $200 for the used core the first one was bad once spec'd at the machine shop, but seller provided me with a replacement.

Depending on how much your looking at spending Summit Racing has 383 blocks for aorund $650 that are fully machined. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-150100/

As long you bolt all the brackets back up you shouldn't have any issues with accessories. I bolted all my serpentine stuff onto my late '70s block.

Either way you're going to have to make sure the crankshaft is designed for which ever piece seal you go with 1 or 2.

Don't over look 400 sbc crankshafts. I know it was over $150 or so cheaper to buy a 400 Eagle 4340 forged crank and have the shop grind it to 350 mains than to just buy the same Eagle 4340 forged 383 crank.

You're probably going to want to look into replacement heads.

I found it was never the big stuff like assembly and heads that will put me over budget it's the little stuff like $400 in ARP fastners that I forgot to figure in.

Lots of fun things about building your own.

 

For me it was cheaper to go with the Summit block shipped to my door it was $750. After I buy it, have it checked and all the work done to it I was going to pay more. The block will be a roller block. UPS Freight will bring it to your door or you can pick it up at the closest terminal. UPS Freight is not the little brown truck it's the BIG truck '48 trailer.

Your '85 and the '74 is the same kind of block as far as cranks. You will just need to get a new crank for a 3.75" stroke. That way you can use the rods you have now.

 

Buy the '94 block ; should have provision for a roller cam
All SBC blocks have the correct holes at front ; all you have to do is get heads that have the accessory holes drilled and tapped to mount your '85 parts