Getting time to rebuild the motor on my 72

[PGG]

I am thinking about using something like Scat balanced forged rotating assembly to add a little power and a pair of aluminum heads likely AFR or Trick Flow. It has the original 350 and 3spd auto trans. Any suggestions for other better or better valued options? I know a top builder will be needed Ive got one in mind I am just wondering about the parts.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/s...make/chevrolet

Any opinions on the ultra light forged crankshaft?
Might not be worth it or would I notice a difference?

[Spf79]

How are you using the motor? 4wd or 2wd? Mainly street driven?

[PGG]

Originally Posted by Spf79

How are you using the motor? 4wd or 2wd? Mainly street driven?

4x4 very little mostly city but i want the gain noticeable HP and Torque and last past my life.

Thanks PG

[Spf79]

Originally Posted by PGG

4x4 very little mostly city but i want the gain noticeable HP and Torque and last past my life.

Thanks PG

I was just at this crossroads.

Well the link you posted didn't work, the page was unavailable?
So I don't know if you are looking for a small block or a big block.

My limited experience has made me appreciate keeping it clean and simple. If you are going big block, you can have a real nice torque monster that will be a turn key motor without constant tinkering. ( I was on a budget that did not allow for this, I wanted to go this route with a built overdrive auto trans)

If it is a small block, go with a 383. If you are already buying a rotating assembly then it is a no-brainer. Forged lower end? Unless you are spending a lot of time above 5,000 rpms I would go with a cast rotating assembly. Save the money for EFI, heads or a tranny rebuild to go with the new motor.

I went and tallked to about 3 or 4 shops that had a reputation for high performance motors. Every one of them wanted an arm and a leg for a long block 383, with zero customer service. I finally found an older fella that had a small shop and he was willing to take the time to work with me on what I wanted. (Find the older fella with the small shop)

If you are looking at high end heads, talk to your builder first - they will have input. I love the AFR 195's, but the Brodix IK200 for almost $700 less makes it hard to buy AFR. If you can swing it, get bare castings and have the builder assemble the heads... he will make sure they are right since his name is on them. I went with summit bare castings.

This is just my uneducated 2-cents.

Good luck sir, I hope you are happy with whatever you decide.
Lol, and fingers crossed mine runs and does not implode on startup.

[truckster]

I recently was facing a similar question. After much research, I decided on a Vortec block and heads. The Vortec blocks have several advantages that are going to contribute to your goal of HP and torque and longer life. The one-piece rear seal rarely leaks; you get a true roller cam (no chance of a wiped cam and better torque); and if you go with the Vortec heads you get the best-flowing SBC heads ever made by GM. The one I've built is mostly stock with an upgraded cam (HT 383 cam) and HEI and remanufactured Quadrajet. It's good for around 330 HP and close to 400 ft-lbs of torque.

[PGG]

Thanks everyone all good advise like always here.
I préfère to keep the original block and stroke it my mechanic
said once you do that its not the stock engine anyway.
Anyone agree? I know putting a modern engine in is more reliable and make more power but I am trying to get the best combo of both worlds.
Thanks PG

[truckster]

Originally Posted by PGG

Thanks everyone all good advise like always here.
I préfère to keep the original block and stroke it my mechanic
said once you do that its not the stock engine anyway.
Anyone agree? I know putting a modern engine in is more reliable and make more power but I am trying to get the best combo of both worlds.
Thanks PG

The only reason I can see to keep a stock block is if you plan to someday sell it as an original truck. Stroking the block means it's no longer original, so I agree with your mechanic.