The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop How do you pick out a good BSC?

Engine hunting! Iam looking for a SBC 350 or 400. I want one complete so I will have all the brackets and pully and stuff. First how can you tell a 350 from a 400?? I know there arent many 400's out there. Second What are some things I need to look for when choosing a engine that still in the car or out of the car with all the stuff still on it? Is there a visual way to tell if the block is cracked? Can you tell if its a 4 bolt or a 2 bolt main with out pulling the oil pan? Tips suggestions anything will help. Thanks!

If you are in doubt about a good one, look for a wrecked vehicle. side impacts usually leave the motor in good shape. Big pickups w/smallblocks are often worked hard, but low milage wrecked donors are out there. sportscars can yield powerful mills, but are often high miles.. A full size car would be a good candidate.
Others will have suggestions as well

Mallard-can't answer ALL of your questions, but I might be able to help with a couple. First off, when you go huntin', take your trusty tape measure along. When looking for a four bolt main 350, TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE, you need to measure the harmonic balancer on the crank snout (front of engine). One with a diameter of 8" across is generally a four bolt main crank, unless someone switched the balancer. If you are looking for a 400 small block, again your detective work should lead you to the harmonic balancer. The 400 small block Chevrolet is EXTERNALLY balanced, which means that it's harmonic balancer has scallops and/or drilled holes around the outside surface for balancing purposes-it's not completely round like most typical small block Chevy balancers are. I agree with Mr. Arends-look for a big sedan with a side punch. Another tip-look for out of the way yards in your area. This way you have a better chance of finding the older vehicles which more frequently came with the type of engine you are looking for. Happy hunting, Mallard!

Wannabe

The harmonic balancer and the flywheel are externally balanced, you will see that right away. If my foggy memory serves me right you will notice the 400 had a different setup for the freeze plugs on the side of engine, don't remember exactly (it's been a LONG time )but I think that they only had 2 on a 400 and maybe it didn't have freeze plug under engine mount.

Bring along a casting number list, as many different engines look the same. If looking at an old black funk-colored engine, it'd be hard to tell if it was a 307-327-350. The casting number on the bellhousing flange will tell you. You can also tell the hi-po mills by bringing your head casting lists. If you find any camel-hump or high perf heads, and you can get them reasonable, buy them!

Always check the muscle/sportscar castings! Most of those cars are on their 2nd or 3rd truck/sedan engine by the time they are junked.

good hunting!

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