What is the best small block engine out there?

take your pick,as long as it is a small block chevy;i`ve had 350`s,400`s and getting ready to do magic with a 283,so i`m going to say 283 is the best small block,but i`m kinda partial.good luck with your answer.  

Actually, You can build a 454 small block stroker. Hardcore Racing sells complete crate motors that make 600hp on pump gas. Ironically they also have a chrysler 440 and a 460 ford that are also SMALL blocks. also, I dont consider the newer GM LS series engine family to be a true small block chevy. Pete  

I don't have an opinion on this one
I've had Dodge's, Chevy's, and Fords.  I had no problems at all with the 318's, 302's, and SBC's.  For Dodge I gotta go with the 318 over the 340,  for Ford the everlasting 302, and for Chevy ??. I have a 55/265, 70/327, 72/350, and 70/400 and I can't honestly say I have a favorite.  Parts and assessories wise Chevy's have it hands down  
07 GMC crew diesel
53 3100 original
53 3100 rat
51 3100 streetrod
49 F1 panel

your right a 454 is considered a big block  

Build a stroked 350 (383) pop in a Comp cams XE268h cam with 9.5:1 pistons. Virtual dyno runs always build a solid 425 H.P. 475 FT. LBS> torque. If you can assemble a engine this can be done very affordable.  

The GMC 350 that is in my '84 2500 Burb...  

Build a stroked 350 (383) pop in a Comp cams XE268h cam with 9.5:1 pistons. Virtual dyno runs always build a solid 425 H.P. 475 FT. LBS> torque. If you can assemble a engine this can be done very affordable.  



Would that be a practical engine for a 2500 'burb?

I have a stock 350 and oh how I'd like some more power!  

All else being equal there is no replacement for displacement. Sure you can take a smaller motor and make more power than a large motor but there is always a trade off and is almost always negative. It will either be driveability and or reliability in a normally aspirated motor (radical high rpm cam and high compression ratios).

 If you go forced induction ( blower, turbo) horsepower gains can be incredible. But once again there are many downsides including reliability, detonation on pump gas and high cost of building a solid bottom end with steel forged crank and definately forged pistons. You can go this route with your 350 and make 500+ horsepower but the cost would be more than building a stroked big block with lower rpm's more reliability and no problems on pump gas. If you go this route the most economical would be a 496c.i. (stroker 454).

 As for the 383 stroker it should move your heavy Burb much bettter than the 350 as you can expect 30-50 more ft. lbs. of torque.

 Don't quite understand the love affair with the smaller small blocks mentioned on this thread (283,327 or even the screamer 302 camaro Z28 motor) to equal the torque and horsepower of the 350 you will have to spin these motors much faster. Also external dimensions and weight are the same as the 350 so why not go bigger? Don't get me wrong  in their day before the 350 came out these were fantastic small blocks. Also stay away from GM built 400 small blocks built in the early 70's as they are prone to overheating and cracked blocks.  

All else being equal there is no replacement for displacement

Yep, I've heard that before.

I'm thinking this over real good, before I do anything.

Thanks for your input!  

I agree on the 283 ! Stout tough " little "  engine ! It's like that " little steam engine that could " !  

For a short while, GM Performance Parts sold a special edition ZZ 350 crate motor. The ZZ430!  Hands down the best all around engine.  10:1 compression, aluminum Fast Burn heads, LT4 Hot Cam with .525 lift.  430 HP and 430 lb/ft of torque!  With a 700R4 you could easily get high teens for gas mileage and still kick ass at the stop lights.  I built my own version of this motor with Edelbrock E-tec heads (their aluminum version of the Vortec head), the same LT4 cam, Performer RPM intake, etc., etc. The original crate motors are hard to come by, but the good news is, Pace Performance in Niles, Ohio, has re-released them! Complete with a dyno print-out and 24 month/50,000 mile warranty.  

300 hp 327 solid lifter double hump heads. best small block ever.  

i always liked the 350sbc...until i built a stroker...bigger lever, bigger black mark  

Thanks for keeping this thread alive. I didn't think it would take off like this when I created back in 2008.  

383 STROKER, HANDS DOWN, SIMPLE, BORE THE BLOCK .030 OVER GET A GOOD STROKER KIT(400 CRANK MACHINED TO FIT IN A 350 BLOCK, 6 INCH RODS, PISTONS,RINGS, & BEARINGS). THEN GET A GOOD SET OF ALUMINUM HEADS, & TOP IT OFF WITH A GOOD CARB. OR FUEL INJECTION.