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dmant

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I'm trying to work through fixing up my 72 Chevelle. As we all know that 350 engines doesn't have much to do with muscle, especially not comparing it to muscle cars nowadays. So I'm thinking either a SBC (396 SBC with EFI from BluePrint Engines) or an LS Swap (LS3 or LS6). My plan is to put a new engine in and call it a day. I'm not one to try to get more and more torque or horse power out of it, especially once I hit the 500 ft-lbs of torque mark.
Here is the question. I have never driven a high torque car, especially not one without electronic controls. I'm trying to not embarrass myself at the traffic light but I want to enjoy the drive and not constantly spin my tires.

so what are your guys' thought?
 
#4 ·
I did exactly what you’re talking… I replaced my stock 2bbl 350 with a Blueprint SBC 396(carb’d version) mated to a tremec TKX. I will say I love the power of the motor. Runs great and is the perfect amount of power for cruising and shuttling my kids around.
With that said I’ve had some dieseling issues upon shutdown. I had opened a warranty case with Blueprint and the tech made it sound like they’ve been having similar issues with several of their stroker configurations. I’m not sure if the EFI route would eliminate that. Ultimately if I keep my idle around 500 rpms it won’t diesel. For the price though to get fully forged internals, roller cam and 500hp/tq I couldn’t beat it. Even with the trouble I would buy from them again…
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
That was one of the thoughts to modify the 350. However I was unfortunate, after I bought the car, many of the claims, such as transmission and differential, were not what the previous owner claimed to be. So now I upgraded it to a manual TKX transmission and a 12 bolt Posi. I don't quite trust the engine either, the odometer says 220k miles on it.

So if I want to upgrade it, might as well start from scratch.
 
Discussion starter · #6 ·
Brody said:
I did exactly what you’re talking… I replaced my stock 2bbl 350 with a Blueprint SBC 396(carb’d version) mated to a tremec TKX. I will say I love the power of the motor. Runs great and is the perfect amount of power for cruising and shuttling my kids around.
With that said I’ve had some dieseling issues upon shutdown. I had opened a warranty case with Blueprint and the tech made it sound like they’ve been having similar issues with several of their stroker configurations. I’m not sure if the EFI route would eliminate that. Ultimately if I keep my idle around 500 rpms it won’t diesel. For the price though to get fully forged internals, roller cam and 500hp/tq I couldn’t beat it. Even with the trouble I would buy from them again…
Click to expand...
Thanks. I was hoping someone had done what I was planning on. I've heard many times, that what ever cars/engines are only good for going straight. So I wasn't sure if the 500hp/torq is too much. But it does sound like it.
 
#7 ·
Brody said:
I did exactly what you’re talking… I replaced my stock 2bbl 350 with a Blueprint SBC 396(carb’d version) mated to a tremec TKX. I will say I love the power of the motor. Runs great and is the perfect amount of power for cruising and shuttling my kids around.
With that said I’ve had some dieseling issues upon shutdown. I had opened a warranty case with Blueprint and the tech made it sound like they’ve been having similar issues with several of their stroker configurations. I’m not sure if the EFI route would eliminate that. Ultimately if I keep my idle around 500 rpms it won’t diesel. For the price though to get fully forged internals, roller cam and 500hp/tq I couldn’t beat it. Even with the trouble I would buy from them again…
Click to expand...
dmant said:
Thanks. I was hoping someone had done what I was planning on. I've heard many times, that what ever cars/engines are only good for going straight. So I wasn't sure if the 500hp/torq is too much. But it does sound like it.
Click to expand...
a good buddy of mine has the 396sb in his camino and loves it.
 
#8 ·
dmant said:
Thanks. I was hoping someone had done what I was planning on. I've heard many times, that what ever cars/engines are only good for going straight. So I wasn't sure if the 500hp/torq is too much. But it does sound like it.
Click to expand...
I upgraded my suspension and power steering box in hopes I may auto cross it once or twice a year just for fun. I also wouldn’t worry about lighting up the tires unintentionally. What gears do you have? That’s one of the things I still need to do is a posi and gears..
 
#12 ·
350 SBC don't have a lot of muscle??? Guess I will have to remember that when I run my pump gas .040 350 in the low 11's next time.
 
#14 ·
mrpaticular said:
OP is listening to those that have no clue. Most young guys only want LS. A good running small block will out run one with the same money.
M/T small block cross ram Plymouth, Michigan facebook.
Click to expand...
If you want a nice little powerhouse build yourself a nice 355 and if money is not a problem buy a set of A F R ,s190 runner and a small duration cam the power is all in the heads. if your on a budget use engine quest Vortec heads and a short cam you will make over 400 lbs of torque and you will light the tires quick , It will be reliable as the day is long.There is nothing wrong with a 350 better yet if you can latch onto anuntouched 400 just refresh the bottom end a good set of heads 200 runner for the street and a 225 / 230 duration cam and you will be very happy with ther results. Alex
 
#17 ·
Please don't do an LS swap. You will love the BPE 396 small block especially with EFI.
If the 350 has good compression/leakdown and numbers then I'd throw a set of aluminum heads on it from trikflow and a decent cam and save a ton of money.
 
#19 ·
dmant said:
Thanks to all the constructive feedback.
I forget some people in forums can get quickly butt hurt.
Click to expand...
Don't worry I am not butthurt at all :). One thing to look at is any decent engine can make power in any size, they key is to use the right parts. When I 1st. put the 350 together it was just a mid to high 12 sec ride but after a few changes I have had the car as quick as 11.30 running 91 octane N/A and when I go to a car show or two the 350 does surprise a lot of guys. When I could get nitrous for a good deal years ago I ran a 200 shot on the car to the best of 10.04@136mph triggering the "you can put it on the trailer" that day lol. I am not anti-LS it's just to run one cost me minimum of $1000 for new stuff and since the stuff I have works pretty well for me, I'll just keep on using it. If you are after torque get a good BBC, it'll make gobs of torque for you.
 
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