A Guide to Small-Block Chevy Speed Parts
The venerable Small-Block Chevy engine debuted 70 years ago as a 265 cubic inch V8 as an option in the all new ’55 Chevrolet. It’s safe to say that small-block swaps were the go-to swap from the early ‘60s all the way into the ‘90s, And these swaps were all for good reason as the SBC has proven a versatile engine in its ease of packaging as well as its performance capabilities.
Though the Gen 1 small block now faces direct competition with its LS offspring when it comes to new hot rod builds and projects, there are still plenty of new products being developed to make the engine perform and/or look better. Sure, a small-block may be considered old-school by today’s standards, but you just can’t deny their capabilities and performance. And if you’re building an SBC, there is no shortage of high-performance bolt-on parts and great looking accessories to put together an engine that meets your hot rodding goal. But don’t just take our word for it, scroll through the following pages to see the support the aftermarket continues to give the venerable small-block Chevy!
Got Double Humps?
Before being able to buy a set of CNC ported heads, or even a set of aluminum heads, SBC performance guys were on the look out for a set of the iconic 461 double hump cylinder heads. These “fuelie” heads were used on many of the performance engines built in the early ‘60s. Finding a set of these heads today is even harder, and who knows what shape they’d be in but Speedway Motors has an answer with their own reproduction double hump cylinder heads, but these are cast in lightweight aluminum!
These heads have the vintage double humps and just like the originals, there are no accessory bolt holes. Inside however, the heads feature fast-burn combustion chambers, high-velocity ports, large diameter valve springs, and positive stop valve seals. For the techy, the heads feature 180cc intake runner, 62cc exhaust runner, 2.02″ intake/1.60″ exhaust valves, and 1.560″ max spring pocket diameter – plus you get to shave off about 40 pounds!
The Right Winters Intake
The intake manifold used to feed the high winding Z28’s legendary 302 has always been a sought after piece, but hard to come by and fairly costly these days. Classic Industries is all about helping Chevy enthusiasts with terrific restoration components which is why they now offers a completely new Z28 cast aluminum intake manifold! is excited to unveil a new OER® reproduction
The OER reproduction aluminum intake manifold has been meticulously crafted to factory specifications, including the authentic #3932472 casting number and firing order. The icing on the cake is the original “Winters” foundry logo on the front left runner. The intake looks truly authentic and is designed to perform just like the original manifolds bolted to the ’69 Z’s.
Studs and Accessory Kits
ARP has devoted a considerable amount of engineering and manufacturing technology to bolster the performance and reliability of the venerable small-block Chevy. In fact, ARP has developed head studs for no less than 50 different combinations of aftermarket cylinder heads for the small-block Chevy. Likewise, they also offer a variety of aftermarket connecting rods bolts and plenty of replacement OEM fasteners
Whether you’re detailing a fresh crate engine or finishing a rebuild, ARP offers a convenient Engine & Accessory Fastener Kit that contains bolts for a dozen varied SBC applications including intake and exhaust manifolds, valve covers, oil pan, front cover—and everything in between. Available in polished stainless steel or black finished 8740 chromoly, with a choice of 12-point or hex heads – and everything is manufactured in-house at ARP’s California facilities.
Automotive Racing Products (ARP)
Wet or Dry Oil Pans
Maintaining optimum oil flow and control under all conditions —especially during hard cornering is critically important to any engine. Aviaid Oil Systems has been studying and improving the lubrication system of the small-block Chevy since they were founded in 1961 and manufacture six wet sump oil pans lineage back to the late ‘60s Trans Am Camaros and road racing Corvette designs.
For the ultimate in performance, Aviaid offers a myriad of dry sump pans to fit most any chassis configuration. Dry sump systems eliminate power-robbing windage and supply non-aerated oil from a remote tank at the optimum volume and pressure. Aviaid offers a number of models for the SBC, plus pumps ranging from three to seven stages, mounting brackets, pump drives, tanks, and adapters – everything you need.
Playing with Blocks
The gen-1 small-block Chevy hasn’t been installed in a production vehicle in about three decades so it’s no surprise that good, rebuildable blocks are becoming tougher to score. Summit Racing understands this so they developed their own brand version; the SPC Engine Block.
These brand new, heavy-duty castings can handle up to 700-horsepower and have all sorts of performance tips and tricks built into the block to save you time and money including notched cylinder bores to clear stroker cranks (up to 3.750-inch), splayed 4-bolt main caps, and blind cylinder holes. The blocks accept ’87 – ’95 factory style hydraulic roller cams, feature priority main oiling, and have provisions for a mechanical fuel pump. The Summit Racing SPC Engine Blocks are available with 4.000- or 4.120-inch bores and 350 main journals or 4.120-inch bores with 400 main journals.
Accessory Brackets
With its compact configuration and performance capabilities, the small block Chevy has proven to be one of the most adaptable engines of all time. From vintage hot rods to 4x4s, customs to mini-trucks, the SBC has been installed in just about anything on wheels. When it comes to mounting accessory drive components, especially in these varied applications, Alan Grove Components has you covered.
For more than 40 years, Alan Grove Components has manufactured quality, affordable bracket solutions with over 70 bracket kits designed to accommodate many street rod and classic car applications. The brackets, are handcrafted in the USA from ¼- or 3/16-inch mild steel, TIG welded, cooled in-fixture and guaranteed to fit. Brackets are available to mount A/C compressors, alternators, and power steering pumps in many different positions.
Extreme Energy Bumpsticks
Looking for a little more pep from your small block? A new camshaft provides one of the most noticeable differences when it comes to the performance of your SBC. There are loads of different camshaft designs available which can get a little overwhelming, so it’s a good idea to check with the experts, such as the team at Comp Cams.
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heir Xtreme Energy 224/230 hydraulic flat tappet cam was designed for street use and produces very strong torque with a smooth idle and excellent mileage. The Xtreme Energy Cams also provide good vacuum, throttle response, and power while still being keeping the valve train quiet making them ideal for daily driven vehicles. Comp even offers a complete kit that includes the camshaft, lifters, valve springs, retainers, locks, seals, and timing set.
Go for the Top
While it’s fun to go through websites to pick and choose different components for your small-block Chevy build, going with a kit that consists of proven components designed to work together is a solid choice when it comes to reliability. Edelbrock has the experience, technology, and the parts to make power with their Total Power Package offerings.
Their Performer RPM Top End Kits are designed to deliver improved performance for street applications in the 1,500 to 6,500 rpm range. The Kit includes a Performer RPM or RPM Air-Gap intake manifold, Performer RPM cylinder heads, pushrods, hydraulic cam and lifters, timing chain, a complete bolt kit, and Edelbrock gasket set. One example is their PN 2097 Kit designed for ’87 and older 383c.i. engines which produced 435-hp and 435 ft-lbs!
Flexplate Approval
While not something you generally think about while dreaming up your fresh small block, a performance built flexplate is an important component. Depending on the goals for your fresh small block, you may be required to run a flexplate that has been SFI approved (the safety rating used in performance/racing). TCI Automatic offers several flexplates that are SFI 29.1 approved.
Their PN 399273 flexplate is .035-inch thicker than stock and the starter ring gear is welded on both sides for additional strength. The assembly fits internally balanced small blocks using a six bolt crankshaft flange and is drilled to accept both the smaller 10.75-inch smaller converter or the 11.5-inch GM converter bolt pattern.
Master Start!
Your cruise night won’t start if your starter isn’t up to snuff so it’s important to make sure you have a starter that can handle the performance of your small block. Powermaster offers several different starters for the SBC ranging from compact mini starters, to restored original look models and on through models that can handle high compression, blowers or superchargers.
The MasterTorque is a perfect street performance starter featuring a 3.25:1 gear reduction that produces over 180 ft-lbs of torque that will easily spin over engines up to 14:1 compression. The compact starter has a billet mounting block with their exclusive InfiCLOCK adjustment that allows the starter to be rotated a full 360° to ease installation near headers and exhaust.
Ultra EFI Intake
Looking for a modern EFI induction system to fuel your small-block Chevy? FiTech EFI offers plenty of advanced throttle body EFI systems to replace your carburetor, but for a different look and an all-in-one port fuel injection/induction package, check out their Ultra Ram EFI system.
The Ultra Ram supports up to 600-hp and provides a unique appearance with its trick sheet metal intake manifold design that is finished in a durable satin black. A cable driven 92mm throttle body gulps in air to mix with the fuel injected from eight performance injectors strategically placed in each runner. The Ultra Ram is supplied with all the sensors, harness and a robust self-learning ECU and handheld monitor to set your specific parameters.
Z-Series Small Block Crates
The ZZ-series of small block crate engines from Chevrolet Performance have been a hit since the first version was introduced in 1989. The series evolved with the ZZ4, then the 400 horsepower ZZ5 and now we have a ZZ6 with 420 horsepower – more than any production small block ever produced.
The foundation for the ZZ4 is based on a brand new cast iron 4-bolt block topped with the efficient and proven Fast Burn aluminum heads with 2.00/1.55-inch valves and beehive springs. A forged steel crank is used complemented with a hydraulic roller valvetrain special cam grind and a pump gas friendly 9.7:1 compression ratio. Chevy Performance offers a number of ZZ6 options including a turn-key system with a carb or EFI and a complete front drive assembly.
The Basics, but Better
Rebuilding your small-block Chevy can be a fun experience but it can also be time consuming not to mention the costs involved with machine work to prep the block and heads. Going back to the basics is a solid plan, but why not start with all new long block assembly from Gandrud Chevrolet to save time?
Gandrud offers a 350 HO long block that is assembled with all-new parts starting with a cast-iron four-bolt block topped with iron Vortec heads featuring 1.94/1.50-inch valves. The rotating assembly has a forged steel crank with aluminum pistons delivering a 9.0:1 compression ratio, and a hydraulic flat-tappet valvetrain. You get to select your intake setup resulting in an engine with over 330-hp and 381 ft-lbs – affordable power with dependability you can count on.
Ready-to-Run
Engines need fuel, air and a spark to run and while the air/fuel mixture gets most of the attention, a high voltage spark at exactly the right time of the compression stroke can really perk up the performance of your engine. An electronic distributor such as the Chevy HEI with an internal coil trumps vintage breaker point technology but not everyone has the firewall clearance for such a wide cap.
MSD has a solution with their Ready-to-Run Pro-Billet Distributor. The distributor is the same width as a classic points model and features a built-in high output ignition module that provides a stout spark to ensure complete combustion of the fuel mixture. The distributor uses a maintenance-free magnetic pickup and has an adjustable mechanical advance to help tune the timing curve to match your application.
Modern SBC Manifolds
Not every small-block Chevy needs a set of high flowing headers, especially when companies like Hooker Headers has developed a new set of small block exhaust manifolds. You know that when a header company designs a cast iron exhaust manifold, it’s going to be better than any vintage factory style assemblies.
Hooker’s exhaust manifolds offer the traditional look and easy fitment expected from a stock assembly, but these feature improved performance and a smoother, cleaner appearance. The manifolds are cast from high silicon molybdenum ductile iron for high-temperature strength and better resistance to oxidation and cracking. The larger-than-stock 1 5/8-inch cross-sectional area and 2 1/2-inch outlet enhances the exhaling of your small block to improve performance while the compact design allows them to fit a wide variety of engine swap applications.
Upgraded Ram’s Horns
The factory Ram’s Horn exhaust manifold design features high clearance over the spark plugs with a center dump making these manifolds ideal for a lot of early engine swaps. Finding factory manifolds is getting more difficult as they easy crack or are just too rusty.
Flowtech Exhaust stepped up to the plate and designed their own new cast iron manifolds that feature the classic vintage look and style, but with an improved design. They’re engineered with a tight, block-hugging configuration to save space, along with smooth-transition of 1-5/8-inch diameter primaries for strong exhaust flow, crisp throttle response, and better overall performance. They also include a robust 3/8- by 2-1/4-inch collector and thick manifold flange pads for a leak-free installation.
Fins for the Win
When it comes to valve covers for the small-block Chevy, there is just about anything you may desire. Classic stamped script covers, vintage cast models galore, sheet metal forms and even billet aluminum covers. One version that will never go out of style is a set of cast aluminum finned covers.
Holley’s Vintage Series Valve Covers provide a clean, custom appearance with a cool retro style that would look great in practically any vehicle. Designed to fit ‘58 – ‘86 heads with perimeter bolt patterns, these sturdy die-cast aluminum valve covers stand 3.3-inches tall and come with pre-installed internal oil baffles. Fill and PCV grommets are included too and you can choose finishes including natural cast, polished, satin black with machined fins, and factory orange with machined fins.
Say Why-And
There are two ways to choose an intake manifold to top your small block: One is to go with pure looks for a vintage vibe, or select one that is designed for power. The Weiand Speed Warrier intake is a high rise, dual-plane design engineered to create power from 1,500 to 6,700 rpm making it an ideal choice for a street/strip hot rod.
The Speed Warrior is cast with long, separated runners for strong bottom-end and midrange power, combined with an optimized runner shape and a larger plenum to provide the airflow needed for high rpm flow. The intake features a square bore carb flange and has been machined for a precision fit. There’s also an exhaust crossover making this manifold well-suited for everyday street driving as well.
Performance Water Flow
Every small-block Chevy requires a cooling system and the water pump is essentially the heart that keeps coolant flowing and temps low. Proform Products understands the importance of the water pump and has made sure that their pumps were up to the task of cooling today’s performance engines.
Proform offers all new cast aluminum water pumps for small blocks in both a long and short style configurations. The pumps feature long lasting ball bearings, have CNC milled mounting surfaces and holes for a perfect fit, and flow up to 25 GPM. Available in a satin or polished finishes. Proform also offers electric water pumps as well as just about anything else you need to finish your SBC.
Totally Tubular
When it comes to power, sound and performance looks, tubular headers are the only way to go. While short tube headers are ideal for some engine swaps and ground clearance, long tube headers provide the greatest increases in horsepower and torque across the entire rpm range. Doug’s Headers has been crafting headers for decades and continues to develop new applications.
Doug’s has most any application for a small-block Chevy handled from muscle cars to C10s, tri-fives to early Fords and everything between. The set shown above are for Chevelles and fabricated using heavy duty 16-gauge tubing for long life with a 3/8-inch machined flange to prevent warping and form a tight, leak-free seal. The tubes are pre-polished before receiving a durable metallic ceramic or high-temp black coating. Supplied with gaskets and hardware.
Sealed Right, Sealed Tight
Cylinder head gaskets are no place to take a short cut so always go with a company that knows what it takes to seal small block heads to the block, such as Cometic Gaskets. Cometic offers head gaskets for loads of small block engine application ranging from 300-hp classics to high powered modern builds with oodles of boost.
Cometic’s MLS head gaskets are constructed from multiple layers of stainless steel for strength and contain load-controlled embossments that conform load distribution across the sealing area. These gaskets are engineered with the latest sealing materials and techniques from the inside-out creating the best seal possible. To save you time, the MLS gaskets do not require sealants and do not need to be re-torqued once installed.
