- Jul 6, 2014
- 9,265
We all could've, would've, should've something... am I right? Well I decided a long time ago if it's something I think I can afford, it isn't a matter of think but rather a matter of just doing it and putting my mind to it. Hence the Colorado among other things in my life I won't bother anyone here with.
Anyway, I'm sure a lot of the usual suspects remember the red truck build. That was a definite proving ground for myself if you will... a learning experience of what should and shouldn't be done. Mind you, that truck is fun as all hell but I learned a lot moving forward on what works and doesn't... the could've.
What you may not know is that I used it as a test subject of what did and didn't work when I went with the first iteration of the current engine in the vette. I can say that the 350 in the vette will handily beat the 383 in that truck in every measurable metric except maybe... maybe... peak torque. I know it makes more peak and average power. I know it drives better despite the cubic inch deficit and larger cam. I know a lot of these things and there was still a lot to be done better on both. The should've.
But what about the would've? Well it isn't often you get to go back and get a do over... yet here we are. Now, this adventure all started on an overnight shift at work. I browse marketplace regularly for car parts like any normal person does at 3am. And I came across an engine block... for 20$. It was a complete virgin, albeit neglected, 350. But to me, it is actually a very special one for several reasons. As an aside right here, I don't want to do an LS for this. Simply put, I want this to be my last GEN 1 project. (I also don't have the time for an LS swap right now, this will ultimately be a simple pull and swap once assembled vs months of custom fabbing and electronics integration.) From here on out I'm skipping LS and going right to GEN 5 because the LT platform is basically a production SB2. (go look at the heads, its nuts. LS is fantastic but the potential of the LT platform will go well beyond it in stock form than a lot of modded LS parts. The problem right now is support, which is why I'm not moving on it.)
So, this 20$ block... it checks all my boxes. First it is a 638 casting which basically means, 1 piece RMS, roller block, standard style timing cover, and longer bores than the 880 block from the red truck. (less piston rock with a stroker) It also was a 2 bolt main block which means I can do studded and splayed mains which will be stronger than the factory 4 bolt main blocks.
Now for the internals... Basically I am building this so that the weak link is the block itself... The crank is a forged unit in an odd stroke, 3.8. This makes a 388 at a typical .030 overbore. The crank was a sale find for more than half off. A steal. The rods will be forged I beams, and the same thing. Found on sale. I am slowly accumulating the parts being frugal as there is no real rush to build this engine. I already have the heads, the pistons will come eventually. The engine will be seeing near 11.5:1 compression and yet will be pump gas friendly do to good cooling, chamber design and cam selection. (Having 93 readily available helps too.)
The goal? 650hp capable. With the parts I have available I know the heads will support it. It is a matter of the cam selection and induction being able to as well. This will be going in the vette and will be more power than any reasonable person needs in a roughly 3000lb street car. The car makes 275 wheel right now (granted the power curve is that of a 375 wheel car, it makes 300+ lb-ft from 1900-5000 rpms or so but the intake cuts the power peak at 4000 at 275 and carries it table flat out to 6300. A better intake and it would climb all the way to 6k.) But with the 275 wheel it is already a handful in a good way. I'm figuring to basically double that and have it be an adult sized go kart.
Anyway, I've rambled along too much. I will be keeping tabs on parts and the build here as it comes along but it could very well be a couple year ordeal. Sorry if it seems incoherent. I've been up damn near 24 hours but this is something I thought I'd share as I think it is interesting to see what would've gone in the red truck knowing what I know now and if I had an unlimited budget back then.
Anyway, I'm sure a lot of the usual suspects remember the red truck build. That was a definite proving ground for myself if you will... a learning experience of what should and shouldn't be done. Mind you, that truck is fun as all hell but I learned a lot moving forward on what works and doesn't... the could've.
What you may not know is that I used it as a test subject of what did and didn't work when I went with the first iteration of the current engine in the vette. I can say that the 350 in the vette will handily beat the 383 in that truck in every measurable metric except maybe... maybe... peak torque. I know it makes more peak and average power. I know it drives better despite the cubic inch deficit and larger cam. I know a lot of these things and there was still a lot to be done better on both. The should've.
But what about the would've? Well it isn't often you get to go back and get a do over... yet here we are. Now, this adventure all started on an overnight shift at work. I browse marketplace regularly for car parts like any normal person does at 3am. And I came across an engine block... for 20$. It was a complete virgin, albeit neglected, 350. But to me, it is actually a very special one for several reasons. As an aside right here, I don't want to do an LS for this. Simply put, I want this to be my last GEN 1 project. (I also don't have the time for an LS swap right now, this will ultimately be a simple pull and swap once assembled vs months of custom fabbing and electronics integration.) From here on out I'm skipping LS and going right to GEN 5 because the LT platform is basically a production SB2. (go look at the heads, its nuts. LS is fantastic but the potential of the LT platform will go well beyond it in stock form than a lot of modded LS parts. The problem right now is support, which is why I'm not moving on it.)
So, this 20$ block... it checks all my boxes. First it is a 638 casting which basically means, 1 piece RMS, roller block, standard style timing cover, and longer bores than the 880 block from the red truck. (less piston rock with a stroker) It also was a 2 bolt main block which means I can do studded and splayed mains which will be stronger than the factory 4 bolt main blocks.
Now for the internals... Basically I am building this so that the weak link is the block itself... The crank is a forged unit in an odd stroke, 3.8. This makes a 388 at a typical .030 overbore. The crank was a sale find for more than half off. A steal. The rods will be forged I beams, and the same thing. Found on sale. I am slowly accumulating the parts being frugal as there is no real rush to build this engine. I already have the heads, the pistons will come eventually. The engine will be seeing near 11.5:1 compression and yet will be pump gas friendly do to good cooling, chamber design and cam selection. (Having 93 readily available helps too.)
The goal? 650hp capable. With the parts I have available I know the heads will support it. It is a matter of the cam selection and induction being able to as well. This will be going in the vette and will be more power than any reasonable person needs in a roughly 3000lb street car. The car makes 275 wheel right now (granted the power curve is that of a 375 wheel car, it makes 300+ lb-ft from 1900-5000 rpms or so but the intake cuts the power peak at 4000 at 275 and carries it table flat out to 6300. A better intake and it would climb all the way to 6k.) But with the 275 wheel it is already a handful in a good way. I'm figuring to basically double that and have it be an adult sized go kart.
Anyway, I've rambled along too much. I will be keeping tabs on parts and the build here as it comes along but it could very well be a couple year ordeal. Sorry if it seems incoherent. I've been up damn near 24 hours but this is something I thought I'd share as I think it is interesting to see what would've gone in the red truck knowing what I know now and if I had an unlimited budget back then.