The 350 I have is a 2 bolt main. Would it be alright to go ahead with my 383 build? or should I start looking for a 4 bolt?

 

Haha, I'm sure someone will pipe in and argue with me here, but 4-bolts are overrated.

In the end, it really depends on how you plan to drive it. The 4-bolt does help with high RPM, but if you do your shifting between 5500 and 6200, you'll be just fine with a 2 bolt.

Also, if you really want to just be safe, you can get your 2 bolt splayed at the machine shop since it's already going to be in there for the crank machining for cheaper than what you'll spend finding a factory 4 bolt.

 

actually, i agree. doesn't matter what motor, if you do not build it right, won't be reliable. spend the money at a good shop for machine work. splay the caps, have motor balanced, degree cam. this all will payoff in the long run. there are thousands of high horsepower engines running strong with 2 bolt mains. do it right, no worries.

 

i agree 100% with maxxman....and ive seen 500+ horses on a 2 bolt.

 

so that's it?! i've been tryin to figure it out fer years, and you knew all this time?! secret hogger!!!!

 

yea that is my plan just as well. get a 2 bolt, splay it. oh yea. you wanna hear how reliable the splay is, www.wrenchrat.com they build twin turbo kits for the gen I 350. they took a 350 block, forged internals, 2 bolt main and splayed it to a 4 bolt. put the motor to a 650 carb, th350 and motor in a chevelle. dyno was 315 hp. slapped the twin turbo on, meth kit, big blow through carb, and 25 pounds of boosted love. that wee motor took that dyno to almost 800 horse. i think 4 bolt splayed is more than reliable as long as the machine work is done well. btw, i really freakin want that turbo kit, i almost thought about just going wild and taking a 10k loan out and gettin it done, but college goes first. lol. well. thats my 10 cents for ya. btwx2, those turbo kits are 5k and built to exceed 1000hp levels.

 

thanks for the info. I appreciate the feedback.

 

so, slayed caps, line hone the block, gear drive for the cam, the longest rods possible. anything else? and do the gear driven cams limit my rpms?

 

degree the cam. balance rotating assembly. be prepared, this will cost you, but guaranteed worth every penny.

 

huh... well i just learned more by reading those new posts than the hour i spent in english class. well, better go get the motor list and scratch off splayed caps, instead ill get better rods or pistons.... schweet.