Small Block & Big Block Chevy Specific - 350ci Questions

Hello
I'm looking into building a 383 stroker. So I have a few questions. I know i'd like to use a block with four bolt mains. It there a way to tell by the casting numbers if it has them? Also is there certain casting numbers that are "bad" which have flaws or not good for building up?
Thanks for the help.

Any feedback would be great.

Anybody have a link that could point me in the right direction??

first off try to find a fresh 350 block that hasnt been bored .30 more than one time..... then purchase a eagle rod and crank setup, if you dont want much past 500hp at the flywheel i would say you could get away with a good qaulity cast crank but go forged SRP pistons and they will get you where you want to go..... also stroker kits are the same price so get the 383 like you said...... maybe look into a vortech cast iron head setup and a mild choppy cam to go along with it..... running a T350 i assume? if so dont dont cheap on a converter! a good converter like a vig or a yank will make a crappy engine run great and a great engine just just OK! so get a good one and make sure you have the combo lookedover by a pro to see if everything works well together..... you can spend big money and if everything aint working together you just screwed up royally! jake

What block casting # do you have? A casting number 3970010 is a very common 4 bolt main block. I wouldn't be worried about trying to find a virgin block, as your 350's will be reliable at .060" over.

T.T.T

Id like to know the answer to this question also.

What block casting # do you have? A casting number 3970010 is a very common 4 bolt main block. I wouldn't be worried about trying to find a virgin block, as your 350's will be reliable at .060" over.

Those were available in 2 and 4 bolt mains. The two bolt is verry common. If you are not looking for over 500 HP, the 2 bolt is fine.

T.T.T

Id like to know the answer to this question also.

Here is a good referance guide to look casting numbers up at. http://www.mortec.com/castnum.htm

Those were available in 2 and 4 bolt mains. The two bolt is very common.

There are more 4wd trucks around here, so it is more common to find that casting number in a 4 bolt main. It is probably more area specific as to what is more common.

it doesn't matter about the 2 or 4 bolt. if you find a good 4 bolt, then go with it. if you find a good 2 bolt cheaper, then go that route. with a 2 bolt, get splayed main caps and have your machine shop align hone and drill and tap the holes for the splayed main, and then walla, you have a stronger bottom end than a stock 4 bolt main block.

Sweet info, right now i'm looking at buying a '80 malibu that has a decent 355ci in it.