Small Block Chevy V8 - SBC - Engine Specifications

Small Block Chevy V8 - SBC - Engine Specifications

The small block Chevy engine is the most common V8 engine out there to add performance upgrades to. Production for the typical small block started in 1957 and is still being used today.  Due to the long production run, a few different versions and displacements were available. Most parts are interchangeable throughout the years, but some, such as an oil pan, are era specific. They're easy to work on and are a good engine platform to make streetable power. Plus, the small block Chevrolet is a good performer in its stock form. It doesn't take too much to bring the motor alive. Most truck versions of the 350 SBC had 4 bolt mains as well as some cars. Building a good performer that will hold the horsepower together does not have to be ultra-expensive. You can start with a good 2 or 4 bolt main small block and build power on it.

Because of the SBC's popularity, the automotive aftermarket has responded by manufacturing countless numbers of performance upgrades. Building a small block Chevy has many, many combinations of cylinder heads, cams, intakes and other parts to totally custom build the engine you want for your purpose. JEGS carries thousands of performance parts for the small block Chevy at everyday low prices!


Chevy Parts Interchange ManualSBC Casting Number Locations
Block: Left rear, top of block just forward of the bellhousing mounting surface.
Cylinder Head: Top of cylinder head (valve cover must be removed)


267, 305, 327, 350, 400 CID - SBC Firing Order

SBC V8 Firing Order

Torque Specs

Always torque bolts in three equal increments

Bolts or Parts Lube or Sealer Torque to:
7/16 Main Caps (2 bolt) Engine Oil 70 ft-lbs.
7/16 Inner Main Caps (4 bolt) Engine Oil 70 ft-lbs.
7/16 Outer Main Caps (4 bolt) Engine Oil 65 ft-lbs.
3/8 Outer Main Caps (4 bolt) Engine Oil 40 ft-lbs.
3/8 Connecting Rod Engine Oil 45 ft-lbs.
11/32 Connecting Rod Engine Oil 45 ft-lbs.
Cylinder Heads Engine oil (blind hole)
Sealer (water jacket)
65 ft-lbs.
Rocker Studs (screw-in) Engine Oil 50 ft-lbs.
Oil Pump Engine Oil 65 ft-lbs.
Oil Pan Engine Oil 12 ft-lbs.
Cam Sprocket (upper gear) Thread Locker 20 ft-lbs.
Timing Cover Engine Oil 6 ft-lbs.
Intake Manifold (Cast Iron Heads) Non- Hardening Sealer 30 ft-lbs.
Valve Cover Engine Oil 3 ft-lbs.
Exhaust Manifold Anti-Seize Lubricant 25 ft-lbs.
Spark Plugs No Lube or Sealer 20 ft-lbs.
Flexplate (Automatic)
Flywheel (Clutch)
Thread Locker 60 ft-lbs.
Clutch Pressure Plate Thread Locker 35 ft-lbs.
Centerbolt (Harmonic Damper) Engine Oil 60 ft-lbs.
Bellhousing (Transmission to Block) Engine Oil 25 ft-lbs.

SBC Cylinder Head Bolt Tightening Sequence


SBC head bolt tightening sequence
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