Are all 350 SBC blocks the same?

[leepop633]

Im getting a sbc block to use as a mock up to weld mounts on chassis etc. Question is are they all the same? I dont want to weld mounts on using the block to find out I need to source the same year engine. Also are the sumps the same so i know if i position the engine the sump will sit in the same place.

Cheers Lee

[rem]

The first couple of years or so ('55 to '57?) used front mounts, but as far as I know all smallblocks up through to current crate ones have the three-bolt mounting about 1/3rd way back on each side. They should also all have the same bellhousing pattern, and again I believe all sumps have the same mounting with the deep part for the oil pump at the rear (there were some different oil dipstick positions I think, but that doesn't affect the overall shape).

This is for 'proper' smallblocks - I have no idea about the new LS1s or whatever they are.

[leepop633]

Cheers Andy,

[langysrodshop]

The later Vortec engines have quite a few differences

[English Impala]

The block casting datums are supposed to all be the same (ie. engine mountings). However, my late 90's Vortec block needed 8mm thick spacers between the engine mounts & the block to get it to line up.

Avoid Vortec engines like the plague unless you have deep pockets.

[leepop633]

Yeah i was warned of the Vortec engines a while back, lol. 8mm plates i could cope with so sounds like should be ok then.

Cheers guys.

[nigelh]

I have a sbc and my sump had the bulge part in the middle. When I posted it on an american website they asked if it was a mopar. i managed to make it the same as the other sbc by changing the sump,the oil pipe pickup, oil pump and the dissy part that fits into the pump. It is a 283 truck engine from 1964

[chevy2]

I have a sbc and my sump had the bulge part in the middle. When I posted it on an american website they asked if it was a mopar. i managed to make it the same as the other sbc by changing the sump,the oil pipe pickup, oil pump and the dissy part that fits into the pump. It is a 283 truck engine from 1964
sounds to like you had a complete 62/67 nova sump/oil pump setup,
if so the oil pump drive shaft would have been 1/2" shorter, completely different oil pump with the long pickup tube pointing forwards, front bowl sump with the dip stick going in through directly into the side of the front bowl of the pan, this complete set is unique to these cars only.
handy to use on s/b chevy conversions in british cars that have the steering drag link running behind the f/crossmember that the rear sump would foul on,
(zephyrs, cortinas, etc,)

[Briz]

However, my late 90's Vortec block needed 8mm thick spacers between the engine mounts & the block to get it to line up.


Mines a vortec type block (HO 350) and needed no spacers....

[nigelh]

So I had better keep the pile of bits then as I may need them sometime

[leepop633]

So I had better keep the pile of bits then as I may need them sometime

I wouldnt throw anything away as when do you always need them, lol.