ChevroletThe small-block Chevy offers hundreds of power combos, but we'll focus on the more affordable short-block options. For the ultimate in low-buck power, the Goodwrench 350 long-block is a tough deal to beat. It's a complete engine assembly that just needs a carb, distributor, and a place to live. Of course, it's a low-compression, tiny-cam, station-wagon cylinder-head version, but still a decent place to start (check out "Bow Tie Alternatives"). A higher-performance version is the ZZ4 short-block. This is the foundation of one of the most popular crate engines in the industry, stuffed with nice parts but costing considerably less than a complete ZZ motor. All you have to do is outfit it with your personal parts choices and go.
We put together our own ZZ combo with some components that aren't quite as sexy as the stuff on a complete ZZ4, but output should still be quite respectable. An interesting alternative is the L98 short-block (PN 12510737). This is also a one-piece rear-main assembly, but it uses a two-bolt-main block, production cast-iron crankshaft, stock connecting rods, and slightly more dished pistons, which are also cast aluminum (not hypereutectic). This combination would sacrifice some durability and about a half point of compression, but it would also come in $863 cheaper (the L98 short-block is $1,135 at Scoggin-Dickey Parts Center (SDPC)).
Remember, even though the small-block Chevy practically symbolizes interchangeability, there are still considerations to be made when shopping. Two-piece rear-main-seal blocks up to the 1979 model year have the dipstick on the driver side, while '80-'86 engines mount the dipstick on the passenger side. From '87 on, most production small-blocks used a one-piece rear-main seal, which is a different block, crank, and oil pan. Most of these blocks can also accommodate factory-style roller cams, though traditional flat-tappet designs can also be used. Note that the front of the one-piece rear-main block around the camshaft may have to be clearanced to use a double-roller timing set with a non-roller camshaft.
Start With:GM Performance Parts ZZ4 Short-block (PN 12561723)Block: New GM late-model 350 one-piece rear-seal block with four-bolt mainsCrank: Forged steel, stock 350, 3.48-inch strokePistons: GM production LT4 hypereutectic flat-topRods: GM powered-metal, 5.7-inch
Then Add:Cylinder heads: GM iron Vortecs, 1.94/1.50-inch valves, 64cc chambersCam and lifters: Crane PowerMax 272, flat-tappet hydraulic (216/228 duration @ 0.050, 0.454/0.480-inch lift)Pushrods: Crane Energizer hardened steel, stock length, 51/416-inch diameterTiming set: Cloyes double-rollerHead bolts: ARPTiming cover: TD Performance, chromeOil pan: TD Performance, chrome for one-piece rear-main sealValve covers: TD Performance, chrome for center-bolt cylinder heads