LUVTruck.com

I found a web site that sells rebuilt engines (http://www.rebuilt-auto-engines.com) that I'm thinking of purchasing one from, but I have a few questions. The engine I'm considering is a 350/5.7L V8 from a 1979 Camaro. It mentions in the description something about it being a "long block". Is this still a small block? I guess I'm confused about the definition between small block, long block and big block. Also, how do I know if this engine is a "sidemount block"(mentioned in the V-8 swap Info site). Lastly, it mentions it has 6 bolt holes on the exhaust side of head and a 2-bolt main; any significance to this? I'm obviously pretty lame when it comes to engines, so any advice would be appreciated.

ok i'm no engine expert so some body correct me if i am wrong but yes it is a side mount motor and when they say long block they meen it comes complete with rebuilt heads

There are 2 bolt mains, and 4 bolt mains. the block with the 2 bold mains are weaker, but if you aren't making crazy HP, you should be fine.

long block means that it is a bare block. no intake and i think no heads just lower end but not sure.

Long block has heads and intake (i think), a short block is just the lower end.

a long block is complete with heads,cam lifters, rockers etc. all you do is add your intake and oilpan. a short block is without the heads. a small block is 283-400ci / big blocks are 396- 454ci. 4bolt mains are stonger than 2 bolts, but 2 bolts can still make good hp. no blowers or nos, or turbos. by looking from the top the sb has 4 bolts on the valve covers and bb's have 7. 6 bolts hold the exhaust on the sb and 8 hold the bb.
sb's have too exhaust ports in the middle of the head next to each other and bb's are evenly spaced.

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9.75 @138 496
luv to race

Hey, thanks for all the info., it's very helpful. I'm sure more questions will come up as I progress with the swap. You guys are a great resourse

just to add to what jeff said, the mention of 6 bolt exhaust is that some later small blocks (mid-late 80's 305) had 7 exhaust bolts. Side mount motors are the very early ones tri-5 chevy timeframe. side mounts motors are anything after like 62 or so.

the 2 bolt mains are weaker IF you are dealing with a 350 or under. 2 bolt 400 blocks are actually stronger than the 4bolt blocks cuz the outside bolts go into a very weak area of webbing of the block and actually weaken that area more. best thing to do is buy a 2 bolt block and have the machine shop drill it for a splayed cap set up. the 2 outside bolts go into the block at an angle and tap into where there is more meat in the webbing. 2 bolt main really isnt much of a concern unless you are spinning over 6500 RPM.

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1978 LUV Truck 2WD
450 "Small Block" Chevy
3.70 Ford 9
28x10 Goodyears