I'm wondering if the person that started this thread may have meant something different. Maybe by "run" he (or she) meant it in the performance aspect. Ever say "damn, that car runs!"? Just a theory, cuz if not it really is a pretty stupid question. To make a SBC perform well, a good cam and good heads are important. A decent intake with a good carb is also important. But don't forget the rest of the drivetrain. A well matched converter (if it's an auto), mixed with good gears in the rear is also important.
I agree with Homespun, buy a junk on, pull it yourself so you know how it connects to the ch***is and ******, get the book, lay out some tables or a bench and start taking it apart. Chiltons manual or I saw another at B&N that has a CD with it that shows, takedown, machining, pre ***embly, and final ***emble. Have fun and WRITE THINGS DOWN. Take photos and make drawings. After my 3rd junk motor, I could do a basic rebuild.
I can't believe the people that are ragging on farmcal. This would be a stupid question for a knowledgeable person but obviously he is just starting out and is looking for guidance, like others have said buying a book about the SBC would be a great start because not only will it tell you the answer to your question but you will also learn what tools are required and other things such as torque specs. for bolts and the way to check if parts are in good shape. Sometimes I feel like the HAMB is full of women who would rather hear them selfs talk than answer somebody's question.
oh and dont forget that thingy attached to that do-hickey..that looks like a thigamabob..attached to that wobbel bearing in the wibble hole..K?
Sorry had to mess with ya a bit..If I was just learning how an engine goes togeather , I would buy some books on that engine..look at a few that are running and in cars. and ask questions to the builders of those engines.. do you know what parts you are lacking? did you take it apart?
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=225204 Check out the 327 you have and see what is in it. That is what you need.
However if I could build an engine anybody can. I went to the local city college and built my first engine. A 56' 265, Chevy V8 which i purchased in 56. It was [and still is] one of the best designed, engines to service, repair,rebuild and hop up of its time. You picked a good one to learn on.
here's what it needs inside: and here's what it needs outside: I think others already answered the "how to make it run fast" question.
I don't think a starter and carb have been listed yet. These are two of the things that can be salvaged and rebuild off a donor motor a lot cheaper than new ones.
Stop progress on parts buying immediately. Buy 2 Vizard books- "How to Rebuild the SBC" and "How to Hotrod the SBC" . Find a junker SBC that rotates, and tear it down. Rotate it a bunch during teardown to understand how the guts operate, and how it pumps air. Then re***emble it as-is no cash added, ***embly book in hand. Re-re***emble til you get it right. Now that you know the parts, and how it pumps air. Sit down and read the "how to hotrod" book as many times as it takes to understand. It applies to all high performance engines in a nutshell. Do this, and you're immediately in the top 20% of gearheads when it comes to understanding what makes an engine tick. It's truly shocking how many don't understand the fundamentals. Notice the repe***ive use of "understand". When it comes to engine building, that word will save you THOUSANDS in blown parts and disappointing power levels. Now you're ready to resume the original build. Good luck
i never really thought there was a thing as a stupid question when it came to engines , thank you for proving me wrong..
Although You have posted a few things here,so I'm guessing this is your first SBC? In recognition of this,i'd like to dedicate this to you... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHrDPD5bFQA
Even with an engine as universal as a 350 chevy it can get confusing trying to put one together by gathering parts from different sources. I think you should do as some of the others here have advised, and get a complete engine, take it apart and learn from that.
My, my, my...quite alot of responses. I love all you bashers who think that reminding me what a stupid question this is is some how constructive. Either you can lend some advice or you can't. If all you want to do is talk about what a stupid question this is...SAVE THE SERVER SPACE! I have gotten what I needed from this post. 1) I am going to watch a HAMBer rebuild a SBC next week. 2) A reminder that there are some real petty and elitist people on the HAMB. Thanks to all who replied...positive or otherwise.
<HR style="COLOR: #999999" SIZE=1> <!-- / icon and ***le --><!-- message --> I am thinking about starting a modified roadster project (because it fits my wants, skills and finances), but I have run in to a bit of an obstacle. Of course I am working on a budget, but I also want to build a respectable car. So, I have a nice rebuilt 327, that I would like to use, but I also want a modified that is period correct. ...................I don't understand why you can't look at this 327 to determine what parts go in a Chevy to make it run.
Oil, air, carburetor, intake manifold, condenser, valve seats, wiring going from the battery to the starter and distributor ect., water, fuel pump, vacuum hose for the vacuum advance, main bearing caps, freeze plugs, ***embly lube, timing gears, flywheel, dipstick, oil fill cap, oil fill tube, breather tube, washers, nuts, hose clamps, retaining clips, keys(not the kind that you start the car with) and just to be safe an air cleaner and an air cleaner housing. I am sure there is still stuff that we are missing!
The obvious I would say ....... Money & Mo Money and then find a good machinist/engine builder. Since this sounds like its your 1st one. Tell him you want to hire him to show and ***ist you in collecting parts and then help you with final ***embly.
why piece together a sbc? they're everywhere. find a complete one, buy some books, tear it down and rebuild it. tearing down an engine is a valuable learning experience. get the sbc build under your belt, then piece together something a little more unobtainable, like a 392 hemi or 409 chevy. really, it makes no sense to piece one together. i bet there's people who would give you a tired, free 350. i've turned down a few.
sorry if you were so un-happy with my reply to your post but it just kinda amazed me that a member with over 200 posts knows so little about motors ,you are the one who started the post and with this crew after over 200 posts you should have known some of the replys you were gonna get , if your feelings were hurt well all i can tell you is tuff **** hombre , but i do wish you the best in your desire to find out the answer to you question ,, i will as a person resend my respounce and tell you "there are no stupid questions?" about engines.. even the folks you think are dissin on ya will help ya ..
All of the above apply. Get a cheapo, and tear it apart. And get an engine stand to mount it on so you can rotate it etc. My first SBC was a free, come and drag it off 305. I'm sure that you can find a decent core to provide you with a lot of your missing parts. Good Luck!
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