Chevy 307 V8

[luxeryvic]

this is just an idea ive been thinkin about doin to a 305 block that needs boring ( if it works ill do it when i get the money ) but couldnt you put a 383 or 400sbc crank in with a bit of machining to the block to make it a stroker?

[luxeryvic]

sorry i hit the back button and thought i had to write it out again . . . guess not

[silicon212]

You can stroke a 305 - using a 400 crank (3.75" stroke) on a 3.766" bore (.030 oversize 305) will yield 334 cubic inches or 5.5 liters. I don't know if they're still available (I don't see why not), but there are/were kits on the market for this purpose. They came with the prepared crank, rods and pistons. You will also need to use a 400 externally balanced flexplate and harmonic balancer - same as with the 377/383 stroker.

Prep the crank as you would for a 350 stroker, and make certain you have the rotating assembly balanced afterward (if you want it to live beyond break-in).

[luxeryvic]

im new to the engine building thing, how do prep a crank for a 350 stroker?

[silicon212]

You have a lot to learn, but it's fun and rewarding once you breathe life into something you put together.

The 400 crank comes with a 2.65" main journal; the only small block to do so. The rest come with a 2.45" main journal as of 1968, or 1967 on the 350.

In order to make the 400 crank fit the other blocks, you need to have it machined so the main journals are 2.45". You also need to notch the block at the pan rails for connecting rod clearance with 5.7" rods. You then have the rotating assembly professionally balanced. Many times, you will also need to run a cam with a smaller base circle (shaft and lobe diameter) in order to prevent rod-to-cam interference.

[luxeryvic]

i know i havew alot to learn, im 16 and yes, im biulding a 305 now with just a cam, headers and a q-jet and im havin fun, cant wait to put it in to my 77 monte

it thought some machining would be needed and i knew everything has to be balanced, but how big of cam (lift )can you go to

[comp]

Originally Posted by luxeryvic

i know i havew alot to learn, im 16 and yes, im biulding a 305 now with just a cam, headers and a q-jet and im havin fun, cant wait to put it in to my 77 monte

it thought some machining would be needed and i knew everything has to be balanced, but how big of cam (lift )can you go to

TRW L-82 replacement isn't to bad and about as cheap as it gets

[luxeryvic]

so how big of a cam can you use, without having to worry about interference?

[MrPbody]

Generally, if you're using the standard base circle, a cam with .480 lift (1.5:1 rockers) is about as big as you "dare". Using Eagle H-beam rods (or others with a similar profile) can increase that as the rod doesn't have the "meat" in the same areas as the stock rods. We have success grinding a bit of the rod bolt "head" on the insde bolt off, allowing a slightly higher lift (no rod bolt failures due to this). With the smaller base circle, I've used cams with up to .600" lift with no interference. Most good cam grinders supply a small block cam on the smaller base circle for this purpose. Longer pushrods are necessary with the small base circle, to maintain proper rocker arm geometry.

Stroking the 305 will yield a very "torquey" engine, but don't look for it to be a "giant killer". Due to ports and valve sizes, upper RPM power will be lacking.

Jim

[luxeryvic]

what do u mean by a torquey engine? and why?

also if i ever do this i plan on using an edelbrock performer intake (ive heard 305s like these ) and a modifided q-jet

what cam would u guys recommend, i want high lift but short duration to keep some of the cylinder pressure, any suggestions?

also, i would put this engine into a drag car, i was thinkin an 80's compact, what torque converter should i use and would a TH350 be good enough or should i go with a TH400?

[MagicRat]

Originally Posted by luxeryvic

what do u mean by a torquey engine? and why?

He means a relatively low-revving engine that builds relatively more power at lower engine revs at the expense of high rev power. This is generally not as desireable as a high revving engine (for a lighter car) but is okay if you set up the gearing for it.

Originally Posted by luxeryvic

also if i ever do this i plan on using an edelbrock performer intake (ive heard 305s like these ) and a modifided q-jet

what cam would u guys recommend, i want high lift but short duration to keep some of the cylinder pressure, any suggestions?

also, i would put this engine into a drag car, i was thinkin an 80's compact, what torque converter should i use and would a TH350 be good enough or should i go with a TH400?

Well, for a lighter car, (less than about 2800 lbs, a 2 speed Powerglide trans, when properly set up) is faster than a TH350 or 400. In heavier cars, a TH350 is faster.

Otherwise, the TH350 is faster than a TH400, so only use a 400 when you are sure the engine is so strong it will break a 400.

However, as was mentioned twice in earlier posts, if you are getting serious about the build - up, buy a 350 and build that. You can sell the 305 as-is to help finance the project.

The 350, even the older non-roller (pre-'87) 350's are a much better platform to build for many reasons, including better heads, bigger valves, more available parts and more displacement.
Building a 305 as a race/performance engine is like starting a boxing career when you only have one arm. It's too difficult to be worth it.

For the dollars you are proposing to spend, throw a couple of hundred at a good usable 350 core, rebuild it and go from there. You will be thankful in the long run!

[luxeryvic]

everyone has 350, i heard of somepeople that have preety strong 334 strokers and i think it would be fun

how would i set up the gearing, do u mean the rear end ratio? what ratio would u recommend?

also what so u mean when u say properly set up 2 speed Powerglide tranny?
what should i use for a torque converter or a cam?

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by luxeryvic

everyone has 350, i heard of somepeople that have preety strong 334 strokers and i think it would be fun

how would i set up the gearing, do u mean the rear end ratio? what ratio would u recommend?

also what so u mean when u say properly set up 2 speed Powerglide tranny?
what should i use for a torque converter or a cam?

When building engines or setting up rear ends or selecting a transmission.
You need to decide what you are going to use them for.

Talk to the people that build them and have plenty of expeririance.

And have plenty of cash on hand before you start.
Good Luck
MT

[silicon212]

Originally Posted by MT-2500

When building engines or setting up rear ends or selecting a transmission.
You need to decide what you are going to use them for.

Talk to the people that build them and have plenty of expeririance.

And have plenty of cash on hand before you start.
Good Luck
MT

Best advice all day!

[MagicRat]

Originally Posted by luxeryvic

everyone has 350,

I don't mean to be a pain in the ass, but why do you think that is?

Because it's the best choice for most situations, including, IMHO, yours.

I can understand the desire to build something different, after all, I did built a mondo '81 Fleetwood with an Olds 455.

For a first car, I suggest go with the tried and true 350. Your car itself is different enough to attract attention; you just need a 350 because imho it will haul it down the road with the most speed for the least money.