How To Build A Small Block Chevy

Those who are really into hot rods will want to know how to build a small-block Chevy. This is the foundation of hot rods, after all. Fortunately, they are relatively easy to build, too.

In order to build a small-block Chevy, you will need:

• Full set of basic hand tools
• Full set of metric and standard sockets
• Tools for cutting, grinding and welding metal
• Fabrication and metal-forming equipment
• Torque wrench
• Clearance and measuring tools
• Crankshaft
• Heads
• A split profile, hydraulic roller camshaft
• Intake
• Exhaust

1. Get a new crankshaft for your small-block Chevy, not a stock replacement 350 crankshaft. Make sure it will give your engine 383 cubic inches. 
2. Build a small-block Chevy short-block. Bolt its stroker crank into the stock block. Install 5.7-inch stock rods that are shot-peened and polished and a set of forged aluminum pistons. 
3. Install the heads on your small-block Chevy. These should provide you with 210 to 230 cc of intake port volume and 64 cc of combustion chamber volume.  Make sure to use aluminum heads to reduce the chance of detonation if your small-block Chevy ever encounters bad gasoline.
4. Get a split profile, hydraulic roller camshaft for your small-block Chevy. They should have a 242 intake and 248 degrees of lift at 0.050 for a total lift of 0.55 inches on the intake and 0.56 inches on the exhaust.
5. Install an intake and an exhaust that match your small-block Chevy engine’s RPM range (usually 5,000 to 6,200).You will need a set of 1-3/4 to two-inch tube, equal length headers for the exhaust and an 850 cfm carburetor for fuel metering.

Now that you know what it takes to build a small-block Chevy, you can make the dream of owning a small-block Chevy a reality. This will certainly make you the envy of all your friends.