Thinking about buying a 350 2 bolt main block from a junkyard

[Bmarshall91]

Any reasons as to why I should go with 2 bolt over 4? I've heard the 2 bolt is pretty much indestructable, but i've owned a 4 bolt, and had no problems with the car the guy i sold it to put it into....Also question number 2. Anyone know of a good machine shop around that will test, and clean the block for me around North west pa? Beaver, Lawrence, Butler area?

Car guys.. what do you think.... OH YEAH FORGET LS1 ENGINE.... I don't want it. I was also looking into a 502 but i'm not sure a big block is the best route at the minute seeing how high gas prices are these days....

I know 502 and 350 are BIG differences, please don't point that out.

Another question... what type of rear end would you go with? It has to be something that isn't ASTRONOMICAL in price as I will be on a pretty tight budget. (another reason i'm PROBABLY not going to go 502)

[dc dalton]

2 bolt better than a 4 bolt? Don't think so ... I'd go with the 4 bolt main every time

[autotech6506]

what kind of car is this going in? Are you saying it is an ls1 or it isnt? I'd suggest the four bolt as well. More stuff holding your lower end together is always good.

[ReconLdr]

The 4 bolt every time. The 4 bolt is stronger out of the box. There are kits to strengthen the 2 bolt but IMO go with the 4 bolt.

As to the Rear:

1) What are you building a car, truck, swamp buggy?
2) Is this going to be something like a daily driver, trailer queen or something in between?
3) What transmission are you gonna but between the 350 and the TBD rear?

This info is important before I could make recommendations.

[DCChris]

4 bolt mains definitely, 12 bolt rear. If you're putting it on the street, I'd go 3.55 gears, no more than 3.91's.

[Zef_66]

All depends on what your goals are for the build. If you just plan on putting a pretty much stock cam in, don't turn it past 6k RPMs, and just drive it around the street, 2-bolt is fine. My family and I run many 2-bolts like that. I know a lot of people that do.

But if you are going to be pushing high lift cams, high revving, high HP, and racing it, then 4 bolt for sure. It all depends on what your plans are. Yes, 4-bolts are stronger. But they are not necessary in every application.

As for a rear, again, depends on the application. 8.5" 10 bolts can hold a good amount of power for cheap. And can even be beefed up a little. But if you are going to be running major HP and want to run drag-radials or slicks, you need a good 12 bolt.

[RocketFoot]

My dad would have kicked my ass if I had ever brought home a 2 bolt main! 4 bolt all the way!

[625]

All depends on what your goals are for the build. If you just plan on putting a pretty much stock cam in, don't turn it past 6k RPMs, and just drive it around the street, 2-bolt is fine. My family and I run many 2-bolts like that. I know a lot of people that do.

But if you are going to be pushing high lift cams, high revving, high HP, and racing it, then 4 bolt for sure. It all depends on what your plans are. Yes, 4-bolts are stronger. But they are not necessary in every application.

As for a rear, again, depends on the application. 8.5" 10 bolts can hold a good amount of power for cheap. And can even be beefed up a little. But if you are going to be running major HP and want to run drag-radials or slicks, you need a good 12 bolt.

Yep, pretty much this. And as stated, we need more info about your project.

[normanvin]

Get the four bolt main. Then get your self a 400 crank and harmonic balancer. Then you can build yourself a nice 383 stoker.

It won't be a 502 but it will put the 350 to shame.

[wis bang]

4 Bolts beat 2 unless it's for granny to drive...