I have a 71 malibu 350, stock motor(245 horse) 2 barrel. I would like to know if its a 2 bolt main or 4 bolt, and what the big difference between the two. thanks

Ya gotta pull the pan. Either 2 bolts or 4 bolts hold the 3 center main caps to the block.

i had the same motor in my 71 originally. it was an 010 block, but was a 2 bolt main. pad behind the alternater was CGC.

Would it be worth it to rebuild the 2 bolt, or just buy a 4 bolt? Also if i did rebuild would it be worth it to make it into a 383? I was looking at the conversion kit that summit offers.

Originally posted by Brian71malibu:
Would it be worth it to rebuild the 2 bolt, or just buy a 4 bolt? Also if i did rebuild would it be worth it to make it into a 383? I was looking at the conversion kit that summit offers. A two bolt is fine for 90% of the people out there. If you want a really strong block, get the 4 bolt conversion kit with the angled (splayed) bolts. It's stronger than the factory 4 bolt.

A 383 is a sweet motor, but a 350 will be cheaper and easier to build, and make more than enough power.

Mike

what kind of hp do you plan on making? how many rpms to reach that level? i agree with the previous post that at least 90%, if not a higher percentage, that the 2 bolt is just fine. now if you're going to spin it 7000rpms and make over 500hp or something, then i'd look for more than just a 2 bolt stock block.

On my 350 , i have a 600 cfm edelbrock carb, edebrock perfrormer intake, and a "3/4" cam, not sure what it is was in their when i bought the car, the rest is stock. What would be the easiest way to get more horsepower out of the engine without making me broke.

I would like the horsepower to atleast be above 400. I think im probably around mid 300s. Just a guess though.

?

anyone?

try some GM Vortec heads. should boost your compression ration up quite a bit. maybe pull the cam out and put in a new one that you know will work with the heads.

Gee, I spin my rat to 7 and make somewhere close to the sticker on the air cleaner 435HP.

2 bolt is fine. Use ARP main studs. Have the machinist double check the trueness of the bearing saddles, DRIVE ON!

Whats wrong with the motor now? What is your gear ratio? Do you have a stall convertor? Headers? Whats the timing? Lots of things to check and dial in before you decide you need more power..
If your car has 2.56 or 2.73 gears,you won't get the most out of your current motor..a mild 350 with a 2200-2400 stall convertor and 3.55-3.73 gears would run and feel strong....too many people spend money on performance parts they don't need when all they have to do is tune their combo,or get a better gear ratio and convertor..IMHO,its best to do engine improvements last..

Good advice from Mr. 4 Speed.

I have a 67 and am in the same boat.

Got the car a year ago. 350, 010 block, 487 (1972 I think) heads 2.02/1.60 76cc, 600 CFM Performer carb on a performer intake, headers, HEI, 2 1/4 pipes into summit turbo mufflers out the back.

Unknown cam, pistons, CR. My guess is slightly over stock cam, flat tops, 8.75 to 1. Turbo 400 with stock converter, 3.08 10 bolt open carrier.

Seller said it was a Recon motor with 10K miles. No reason to doubt him, it runs great, no smoke, good compression,25/50 oil pressure, never goes over 190 degrees.

I would hate to tear it apart.

Looking for a little better performance and was thinking of 3.55 and a B&W or TCI 2,000 converter.

I figure if I am still not happy, then go after the motor. Any thoughts on this plan?

Thanks
Steve

Good advice from Mr. 4 Speed.

I have a 67 and am in the same boat.

Got the car a year ago. 350, 010 block, 487 (1972 I think) heads 2.02/1.60 76cc, 600 CFM Performer carb on a performer intake, headers, HEI, 2 1/4 pipes into summit turbo mufflers out the back.

Unknown cam, pistons, CR. My guess is slightly over stock cam, flat tops, 8.75 to 1. Turbo 400 with stock converter, 3.08 10 bolt open carrier.

Seller said it was a Recon motor with 10K miles. No reason to doubt him, it runs great, no smoke, good compression,25/50 oil pressure, never goes over 190 degrees.

I would hate to tear it apart.

Looking for a little better performance and was thinking of 3.55 and a B&W or TCI 2,000 converter.

I figure if I am still not happy, then go after the motor. Any thoughts on this plan?

Thanks
Steve

Steve,sounds like a good plan graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Originally posted by 427L88:
Gee, I spin my rat to 7 and make somewhere close to the sticker on the air cleaner 435HP.

2 bolt is fine. Use ARP main studs. Have the machinist double check the trueness of the bearing saddles, DRIVE ON! big difference between a steel crank bbc and a cast crank sbc. ;) if you're spinning your 427 to 7000rpms i'd sure hope it's surpassing what that sticker says. :confused:

My gears are stock, i believe they are 3.73, i am going to put a posi unit in soon. Tranny is th350 with the stock converter from what i know.

stock exhaust manifolds, and im not sure about the timing, the engine was just tuned and runs great. Chirps tires in 1st and second at about 3500 rpms, with the coulumn shifter, which im soon removing and putting a b&m shifter on the floor.