hi people, just bought a 350 to rebuild, ive stripped down and found that it has 4 bolt mains, how common is this?? its a 69 block. didnt know if they all had them or not ??
also im looking at a mild cam but what 'lift at valve' can i get away with before having to get new springs and blah blah blah ???
cheers guys keep up the good work !

Pretty common.With ARP bolts,it should handle 500+ HP.Natural Asperated.ARP studs,are a must if you plan to lean on it. Are you sure it's a 69 block?Num.stamp on the back of the block should be3970010.On the pad,on the front there should be a series of numbers and letters.If you can post them,someone will be able to tell you what you're engine came with.As in a cast crank or steel crank, for instance.
Don't even consider a new cam without getting the springs to match it.New retainers and locks are a good idea also.You never know how many miles are on the old ones.
A cam on the conservative side would be one with around 212 duration at .050.on the intake.Use a split duration cam for most factory heads.
I use a XE256H in my 4100lb. work truck,and it clicks off 9.60's at 78MPH in the1/8,with a stock converter and 3.42 gears.I also use a Performer intake and Holley 600 Vac.Sec.carb.Idle vac. is 15" at 800 RPMs.And it has dished pistons and 186 cast heads with small valves.And it pulls hard till 5100RPMs.

If the center caps have 2482 on them GM rates those blocks with those caps at 450 horse.

hi thanks for all the info guys