In addition to being prone to cracking, the 882 heads offered a 1.94/.15 valve combo, 76cc chambers and lackluster flow numbers. The completed short-block was equipped with a set of smog-era 882 heads. The heavy-duty oil pump shaft costs a few extra bucks, but was cheap insurance against oil starvation. In preparation for the induction system, the short-block received a Mellings oil pump and pick up, along with a hardened oil-pump drive shaft. The limiting factor in terms of power for the small-block would still be the restrictive heads, cam, and intake. The fact we augmented the short-block components had little effect on the power production, other than the use of the flat-top pistons (which improved compression slightly). The short-block was completed with a replacement stock cam from a local auto parts store (180-hp small-block applications) and hydraulic flat-tappet lifters. The forged, flat-top pistons featured valve reliefs to allow for wilder (future) cam timing and were treated to a set of Total Seal rings.

The cast crank will take considerable abuse and was more than adequate for our eventual power and rpm needs. The combo was teamed with the factory cast crank and a set of forged connecting rods (from Speedmaster). 030 over in preparation for a set of forged (flat-top) pistons. Our small-block was taken to L&R Automotive, where the four-bolt block was bored. Because we had some serious plans for our 350 down the road, we decided to treat our test mule to some TLC in preparation for the dyno thrash. Of course, the same holds true if you already have a Chevy (or GM) vehicle equipped with a small-block (of any displacement). Given their abundance in local boneyards, it is possible to simply pluck one out and start your mods. You know, the kind of mods the average enthusiasts, even a first timer, might perform. Our list of performance parts included things like headers, a four-barrel, and mild camshaft. The idea was to begin with the mildest small-block in existence, then illustrate how to make it better with simple, but effective mods. Our test mule featured a two-barrel carb and intake, stock 882 (smog) heads and cam, and even the wretched factory exhaust manifolds. With such abundance, we decided to take a close look at some minor mods for a typical small-block, and what better place to start than a bone-stock 350?īy stock, we mean the whole enchilada. This is not surprising given its extensive life span, production numbers, and availability in local wrecking yards. Despite the current wave of LS popularity, the original small-block still reigns supreme.

Though it seems some never end, they all share a beginning, and this Bolt-Ons for Beginners was no exception. Performance projects of any magnitude all have on thing in common.

Small-blocks all have one thing in common - potential! It just takes the right combination of bolt-ons.

Mild cam 350