Which kit would be best for rebuilding a sbc 350 4bolt main Summit has several but I'm not familiar with specs any help is much appreciated As for application I would like to keep it basiclly stock with a mild cam thanks, Tony
There are a lot of variables that you would have to address before knowing which kit to buy. Does your block need to be bored? Is the crank in good shape and does it need to be turned? Assuming that you'll strip the block bare and have it bored 30 over, and that your crank is OK, you could most likely use a basic overhaul kit like Summit's SUM-SBCKIT1-300. Look at Jeggs too. They have comparable kits and are often slightly cheaper. You'll need to buy the cam and lifters separately. Make sure your cam, lifters and rockers will all work together (I.E. all roller if that’s the way you decide to go. Most likely your current rockers are not rollers, so you’d just get regular hyd. lifters or have the heads rebuilt).
Like the other reply, there are a few things to consider. Which 350 block do you have 84 and earlier or 85 and up. Which type of heads 86 earlier, 87-95, or Vortec. There (Summit, Jegs) basic kit is for an 84 and earlier set-up with 86 and earlier heads. If you don't want to waste your money rebuilding your heads this place sells a vortec set-up that is an awsome bang for the buck and worth 20HP over stock chevy heads. http://www.sdparts.com/ . PAW has a nice rebuild kit for your application. Or try this place http://shop.enginekits.com/osb/specials.cfm .
if your not to familiar with building motors, the best place to start is strip the block, take it to a machinist that works with motors, have him due a full inspect, then ask his opinion on where you need to go from there, take in your pistons, connecting rods and crankshaft, have them checked, line bore the block, get the new parts the machinist suggests (pistons, rings, bearings, connecting rods) and have him balance the all that together. youll notice a amazing difference in the motor by simply having it balanced, the factory (ford chevy dodge.....) does not do this. your engine will rev much much better, more responcive, and alot less vibration. at that point you take it home, again if your not to familiar with building motors i suggest going with edelbrock parts (heads, intake, cam, lifters) they make it super simple by making kits that are ment to work with each other. it takes the guessing and experince out of peicing it together. go to edelbrock website and order there catalog. you cant buy direct but the catalog gives you all the specs (sizes, horse power-torque) makes it very simple to decide what to buy. be very carefull going with vortec heads, they take a different intake and etc etc.... more work then its worth in my opinion, plus cost more. definetly listen to your machinist and he can help you and explain the specs youll need to know when buying parts. i preffer felpro gaskets, they seem to be the best, never had leaks from them.
Edelbrock is a great source and their matched sets are hard to beat for quality and compatability, but they can get a bit pricey...
before stripping your engine talk to a machinist. mark your main caps 1 through 8 so you can put the back in order. just a suggestion.
yes, deffinetly mark everything, if you can, clear a safe area to keep everything lined out in order, keep a blanket on it to to keep dirt and dust off.
Thanks everyone Yeah I could disassemble and reassemble but thats about my extent all the machine work would definitely be done by a professional between machining and parts with the block and heads do yall think it's better to just get a crate motor. I'm thinking cost wise is it really worth it
Crate Motor I wasn't going to mention it but since you did, yes, I would definitely suggest a crate motor. Check with Jeg"s or Summit for prices and type of motor you want. I bought mine from Jeg"s [290 HP 350]. I think they were a little cheaper than Summit. Bob
Jeggs runs about $300.00 cheaper than Summit for the exact same engine. I don't know how the freight charges compare though. When I get ready for a rebuild, I will definitely be going with a crate engine instead of an overhaul.
crates are good but stay away from parts house crate motors (napa carquest, auto zone etc etc...) they do and will fail!! stay with summit, jegs
For rebuild kits, check out http://www.northernautoparts.com/ They have good prices and you can customize the rebuild kit the way you want it. I have rebuilt a couple of motors with their kits and have been very pleased with them.
