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!


SBC 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)


 

 


Torque Specs

Always torque bolts in three equal increments

Bolts or PartsLube or SealerTorque to:
7/16 Main Caps (2 bolt)Engine Oil70 ft-lbs.
7/16 Inner Main Caps (4 bolt)Engine Oil70 ft-lbs.
7/16 Outer Main Caps (4 bolt)Engine Oil65 ft-lbs.
3/8 Outer Main Caps (4 bolt)Engine Oil40 ft-lbs.
3/8 Connecting RodEngine Oil45 ft-lbs.
11/32 Connecting RodEngine Oil45 ft-lbs.
Cylinder HeadsEngine oil (blind hole)
Sealer (water jacket)
65 ft-lbs.
Rocker Studs (screw-in)Engine Oil50 ft-lbs.
Oil PumpEngine Oil65 ft-lbs.
Oil PanEngine Oil12 ft-lbs.
Cam Sprocket (upper gear)Thread Locker20 ft-lbs.
Timing CoverEngine Oil6 ft-lbs.
Intake Manifold (Cast Iron Heads)Non- Hardening Sealer30 ft-lbs.
Valve CoverEngine Oil3 ft-lbs.
Exhaust ManifoldAnti-Seize Lubricant25 ft-lbs.
Spark PlugsNo Lube or Sealer20 ft-lbs.
Flexplate (Automatic)
Flywheel (Clutch)
Thread Locker60 ft-lbs.
Clutch Pressure PlateThread Locker35 ft-lbs.
Centerbolt (Harmonic Damper)Engine Oil60 ft-lbs.
Bellhousing (Transmission to Block)Engine Oil25 ft-lbs.


 

 

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