small into big?

[74malibu]

i have a 350 small block and im wondoring how is it i can make it into a big block?

[MrPbody]

Sell it and buy a 396... seriously, a 350 (Chevy), by definition, is a small block Chevy. It cannot be "made into a big block". The two names are vernacular for specific engine "families".

The displacement of an engine (in this case stated in cubic inches) determines how "big" or "small" the engine is. However, there are "big block" engines that displace less volume than some "small block" engines. I realize this can be confusing. The overall dimensions of the block itself, will determine whether it's a "small" or "big" block. The typical small block Chevy engine (bare block) is about 22" in length, with a "deck height" around 9.025". The "big" block is about 24" in length and has a deck height in the 9.800" range. Very nearly zero of the parts interchange.

The 350 is probably the most common AND most popular version of SBC. Others are 265, 283, 302, 305, 307, 327, and 400SB. There are others, but these are by far, the most common. Big blocks are 366 (heavy duty triuck), 396, 400 (GMC light truck), 402, 427 (both automotive and HD), 454 (both automotive and HD), 502 and 572. Again, there ARE others, but these are the "production" versions.

Jim

[bobss396]

Big blocks add a bunch of weight in the wrong place for street use. I like the power, but the handling suffers over using the 350. Some can live with it or don't notice. Fortunately the swap is an easy one and you can find many parts used for a good price.

Bob