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The small block Chevrolet engine is one of the most popular street and race platforms to date. This is mostly due to the availability of engines and aftermarket parts, as well as reliability. If you're looking for small block Chevy torque specs and information, we've got you covered. Below are answers to the most common questions about the engine, including SBC torque specs.
What Is An SBC engine?
The small block Chevy ("SBC") is a series of 90-degree V8 automobile engines produced between 1955 and 2003 for various GM vehicles under the Chevrolet name. Production displacement varies from 262 CID to 400 CID. Due to the long run of these engines and the high number of vehicles they were installed into, they are a very popular choice for street and racecars. Parts and options are also plentiful in the aftermarket, making this engine a great choice for your next project.
How Much Does A Small Block Chevy Engine Weigh?
A small block Chevy cast-iron bare block weighs approximately 200 lbs. while a small block Chevy aluminum engine block weighing between 110-140 lbs., depending on the manufacturer, saving 60 to 90 additional pounds. When adding the rotating assembly (crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, bearings, etc.) to the bare block and creating a short block, the small block Chevy weight increases to just under 300 lbs. Adding the (cast iron) cylinder heads, timing cover, oil pan, and valve covers results in a long block tipping the scale at just over 400 lbs. (about 50 lbs. less if using aluminum heads). A nearly complete or dressed engine, which includes the addition of an aluminum intake manifold, carburetor, distributor, aluminum water pump, harmonic balancer/damper, spark plugs, spark plug wires, fuel pump, and fuel line, weighs just over 550 lbs. (around 500 lbs. with aluminum cylinder heads).
How To Identify A Small Block Chevy Engine
A small block Chevy engine can be identified by first locating the casting number. Small block Chevy casting numbers are on the top back ledge of the block, typically on the driver side, where the transmission bellhousing bolts to the engine. The number should begin with a 1, 2, 3, 4, or 6. Once you find the number, you can look it up on the chart below to confirm the engine size, year range, main bolt configuration, and any additional small block Chevy engine specs.
Serial # | Size | Year Range | # Main Caps | Notes
140029 - 350 CID, 1980 - 1984, 2-bolt main
330817 - 400 CID, 1972 - 1980, 2-bolt main
355909 - 262 CID, 1975, 2-bolt main
355909 - 305 CID, 1976 - 1979, 2-bolt main
360851 - 262 CID, 1975 - 1976, 2-bolt main, "Monza" block
361979 - 305 CID, 1977 - 1979, 2 or 4-bolt main
366245 - 350 CID, 1978 - 1979, 4-bolt main, "Bowtie" block
366286 - 4.00-4.150" bores, 4-bolt straight nodular iron main caps w/ 2.45" journals, 2-piece rear seal, "Bowtie" siamesed block
366298 - 3.398" bore with sleeves, 4-bolt billet main caps, "Bowtie" aluminum block, 2-piece rear seal
366299 - 350 CID, 1982, 4-bolt main, "Bowtie" aluminum block, iron splayed caps
389257 - 302 CID, 1967, 2-bolt main
393288 - 283 CID, 1965 - 1967, 2-bolt main
460703 - 350 CID, 1978, 4-bolt main
460776 - 305 CID, 1978 - 1979, 2-bolt main
460777 - 305 CID, 1978 - 1979, 2-bolt main
460778 - 305 CID, 1978 - 1979, 2 or 4-bolt main
471511 - 267 CID, 1979 - 1982, 2-bolt main
3556519 - 283 CID, 1958 - 1961, 2-bolt main
3703524 - 265 CID, 1955, 2-bolt main, no oil filter
3720991 - 265 CID, 1956 - 1957, 2-bolt main
3731548 - 265 CID, 1957, 2-bolt main, no side motor mounts
3731548 - 283 CID, 1957, 2-bolt main, no side motor mounts
3737739 - 283 CID, 1958 - 1964, 2-bolt main
3756519 - 283 CID, 1958 - 1962, 2-bolt main
3782870 - 327 CID, 1962 - 1967, 2-bolt main
3789817 - 283 CID, 1962 - 1964, 2-bolt main
3789817 - 327 CID, 1962 - 1967, 2-bolt main
3789935 - 283 CID, 1961 - 1964, 2-bolt main
3790721 - 283 CID, 1962 - 1964, 2-bolt main, with Chevy II recessed oil filter
3790721 - 327 CID, 1965 - 1966, 2-bolt main, with Chevy II recessed oil filter
3791362 - 327 CID, 1962 - 1967, 2-bolt main, with Chevy II recessed oil filter
3792563 - 327 CID, 1965, 2-bolt main
3792582 - 283 CID, 1964 - 1965, 2-bolt main
3794226 - 283 CID, 1958 - 1963, 2-bolt main
3794460 - 327 CID, 1962 - 1964, 2-bolt main
3830944 - 327 CID, 1963, 2-bolt main
3834810 - 283 CID, 1964 - 1966, 2-bolt main
3834812 - 283 CID, 1962 - 1963, 2-bolt main
3837739 - 283 CID, 1958 - 1962, 2-bolt main
3849852 - 283 CID, 1957 - 1966, 2-bolt main
3849935 - 283 CID, 1965 - 1967, 2-bolt main
3858174 - 327 CID, 1964 - 1967, 2-bolt main
3858180 - 327 CID, 1964 - 1967, 2-bolt main
3858618 - 350 CID, 1968 - 1976, 2-bolt main
3862194 - 283 CID, 1965 - 1967, 2-bolt main, Chevy II recessed oil filter
3862812 - 283 CID, 1962 - 1964, 2-bolt main
3892657 - 302 CID, 1967, 2-bolt main, "Z-28 Camaro" block
3892657 - 327 CID, 1967, 2-bolt main
3892657 - 350 CID, 1967, 2-bolt main, "Camaro" block
3896944 - 283 CID, 1966 - 1967, 2-bolt main
3896948 - 283 CID, 1966 - 1967, 2-bolt main
3903352 - 327 CID, 1967, 2-bolt main
3914636 - 307 CID, 1968, 2-bolt main
3914638 - 307 CID, 1968, 2-bolt main
3914653 - 307 CID, 1968 - 1973, 2-bolt main
3914660 - 327 CID, 1968, 2-bolt main
3914678 - 302 CID, 1968, 2-bolt main, "Z-28 Camaro" block
3914678 - 327 CID, 1968, 2-bolt main
3914678 - 350 CID, 1968, 2-bolt main
3931174 - 307 CID, 1968, 2-bolt main, "truck" block
3932371 - 307 CID, 1969 - 1973, 2-bolt main
3932373 - 307 CID, 1968 - 1973, 2-bolt main
3932386 - 302 CID, 1969, 4-bolt main, "Z-28 Camaro" block
3932386 - 327 CID, 1969, 2-bolt main
3932386 - 350 CID, 1969, 2 or 4-bolt main
3932388 - 327 CID, 1969, 2-bolt main
3932388 - 350 CID, 1969, 2 or 4-bolt main
3933180 - 327 CID, 1968 - 1969, 2-bolt main
3951509 - 400 CID, 1970 - 1971, 4-bolt main
3951509 - 400 CID, 1974 - 1980, 2-bolt main
3951511 - 400 CID, 1970 - 1973, 4-bolt main with some 2-bolt main replacement blocks
3956618 - 302 CID, 1969, 4-bolt main, "Z-28 Camaro" block
3956618 - 327 CID, 1968 - 1969, 2-bolt main
3956618 - 350 CID, 1969, 2 or 4-bolt main
3956632 - 307 CID, 1969, 2-bolt main
3959512 - 327 CID, 1962 - 1967, 2-bolt main, # used for some "CE" replacement blocks
3959532 - 283 CID, 1964, 2-bolt main, # used for some "CE" replacement blocks
3959538 - 327 CID, 2-bolt main, Chevy II recessed oil filter, # used for some Chevy II "CE" replacement blocks
3970010 - 302 CID, 1969, 4-bolt main, "Z-28 Camaro" block
3970010 - 327 CID, 1969, 2-bolt main, "truck" / "industrial" block
3970010 - 350 CID, 1969 - 1980, 2 or 4-bolt main
3970014 - 350 CID, 1970 - 1976, 2 or 4-bolt main
3970020 - 307 CID, 1969 - 1973, 2-bolt main
3970024 - 307 CID, 1969 - 1973, 2-bolt main
4715111 - 305 CID, 1980, 2-bolt main
6259425 - 350 CID, 1969 - 1976, 2-bolt main
10036033 - 350 CID, 4-bolt main, "Goodwrench" crate motor, 2-piece rear seal, "Hecho en Mexico"
10046164 - 305 CID, 1986, 2-bolt main
10049804 - 4-bolt splayed main caps, "Pontiac Super Duty" aluminum, 4.00" bore, 350 mains, 2-piece rear seal, "GTP" race block
10051182 - 3.75"-4.30" bores, 2 or 4-bolt main, "Bowtie" block, 1 or 2-piece rear seal
10051184 - 4.00"-4.155" bores, 4-bolt main, "Bowtie" block, 1 or 2-piece rear seal
10054727 - 350 CID, 1986 - later, 2 or 4-bolt main, 1-piece rear seal, some made in Canada
10066036 - 350 CID, 2 or 4-bolt main, "Target Master / Goodwrench" crate motor, 2-piece rear seal, "Hecho en Mexico"
10066038 - 350 CID, 1992, 4-bolt main, "Goodwrench" crate motor, 2-piece rear seal, "Hecho en Mexico"
10090511 - 350 CID, 1990, 2-bolt main, "LT-5" / "ZR1 Corvette" 375 HP block
10125327 - 350 CID, 1992 - later, 2 or 4-bolt main, "Gen.II" / LT-1, reverse flow cooling
10125327 - 350 CID, 1996 - later, 2 or 4-bolt main, "Gen.II" / LT-4, reverse flow cooling
10134398 - 4.125" bore, 4-bolt main, "Bowtie" aluminum block, 2.65" main journals
10134996 - 4.125" bore, 4-bolt main, "Bowtie" aluminum block, 2.65" main journals
10153558 - 350 CID, 1991 - 1992, 4-bolt main, "LT-5" / "ZR1 Corvette" 375 HP block
10168588 - 265 CID, 1994 - 1996, 2-bolt main, "L99" / "Gen.II", "Caprice" block, reverse flow cooling
10199001 - 350 CID, 1993 - 1995, 4-bolt main, "LT-5" / "ZR1 Corvette" 405 HP block
10243878 - 305 CID, 1996 - 1998, 2-bolt main, "Vortec truck" block, roller cam, 1-piece rear seal
10243880 - 350 CID, 1995 - 2000, 2 or 4-bolt main, "Vortec truck" / "Gen.I" / "ZZ4" crate motor, roller cam, 1-piece rear seal
14010201 - 305 CID, 1980 - 1985, 2-bolt main
14010202 - 305 CID, 1980 - 1985, 2-bolt main
14010203 - 305 CID, 1980 - 1985, 2-bolt main
14010207 - 350 CID, 1980 - 1985, 2 or 4-bolt main
14010209 - 350 CID, 1980 - 1985, 2 or 4-bolt main
14010280 - 267 CID, 1979 - 1982, 2-bolt main
14011064 - 350 CID, 1983, 4-bolt main
14011148 - 350 CID, 1987 - 1989, roller cam, 1-piece rear seal
14016376 - 267 CID, 1979 - 1982, 2-bolt main
14016379 - 350 CID, 1977 - 1979, 2 or 4-bolt main
14016381 - 305 CID, 1980 - 1984, 2-bolt main
14016382 - 305 CID, 1979 - 1984, 2-bolt main
14016383 - 305 CID, 1980 - 1985, 2-bolt main, "truck" block
14079287 - 350 CID, 1986 - 1990, "truck" block
14088526 - 350 CID, 1987 - 1989, roller cam, 1-piece rear seal
14088548 - 350 CID, 1986 - 1988, 2 or 4-bolt main
14088551 - 305 CID, 1986 - 1987, 2-bolt main, 1-piece rear main seal
14093627 - 305 CID, 1987 - 1994, 2-bolt main, 1-piece rear seal
14093638 - 350 CID, 1987 - 1995, 2 or 4-bolt main, 1-piece rear seal
14094766 - 305 CID, 1986 - later, 2-bolt main, 1-piece rear seal
14101147 - 305 CID, 1985 - later, 2-bolt main
14101148 - 350 CID, 1986 - 1990, 4-bolt main, 1-piece rear seal
14102058 - 305 CID, 1987 - 1991, 2-bolt main, roller cam, 1-piece rear seal
22551656 - 4.00"-4.190" bore. 4-bolt splayed main caps, Chevy / Olds "Rocket" block, 2.45" main journal, dry sump,
2-piece rear seal, 9.025" deck
22551660 - 4.00"-4.190" bore, 4-bolt splayed steel main caps, Chevy / Olds "Rocket" block, 400 main journal, wet sump, raised cam, 2-piece rear seal, 9.300" deck
Factory Specifications For Small Block Chevy Engines
Chevy 262 CID / 4.3L Engine (3.671" Bore x 3.10" Stroke)
1975-1976 / RPO LV1 / VIN G / 110 HP / 195 TQ / 8.0:1 compression
Chevy 263 CID / 4.3L Engine (3.75" Bore x 3.00" Stroke)
1994-1996 / RPO L99 / VIN W / 200 HP / 245 TQ / 9.4:1 compression
Chevy 265 CID / 4.3L Engine (3.750" Bore x 3.00" Stroke)
1955-1957 / 162-195 HP / 257-260 TQ / 8.0:1 compression
Chevy 267 CID / 4.4L Engine (3.500" Bore x 3.48" Stroke)
1979-1982 / RPO L39 / 120 HP / 215 TQ / 8.3:1 compression
Chevy 283 CID / 4.6L Engine (3.875" Bore x 3.00" Stroke)
1957-1967 / RPO L32 / 170-315 HP / 275-350 TQ / 8.5:1 - 11.0:1 compression
Chevy 302 CID / 4.9L Engine (4.00" Bore x 3.00" Stroke)
1967-1969 / RPO Z28 / 290 HP / 290 TQ / 11.0:1 compression
Chevy 305 CID / 5.0L Engines (3.736" Bore x 3.48" Stroke)
1976-1982 / RPO LG3 / VIN U / 145 HP / 245 TQ / 8.5:1 compression
1978-1988 / RPO LG4 / VIN F or H / 150-170 HP / 240-250 TQ / 8.6:1 compression
1981-1986 / RPO LE9 / VIN F / 165 HP / 240 TQ / 9.5:1 compression
1982-1983 / RPO LU5 / VIN 7 / 165-175 HP / 240-250 TQ / 9.5:1 compression
1983-1988 / RPO L69 / VIN G / 180-190 HP / 240 TQ / 9.5:1 compression
1985-1992 / RPO LB9 / VIN F / 190-230 HP / 275-300 TQ / 9.5:1 compression
1987-1995 / RPO L03 / VIN E or H / 170 HP / 255 TQ / 9.1:1 compression
1996-2002 / RPO L30 / VIN M / 220 HP / 290 TQ / 9.1:1 compression
Chevy 307 CID / 5.0L Engine (3.875" Bore x 3.25" Stroke)
1968-1973 / RPO L14 / 200 HP / 300 TQ / 9.0:1 compression
Chevy 327 CID / 5.4L Engine (4.00" Bore x 3.25" Stroke)
1962-1969 / RPO L76/L79/L84 / 225-383 HP / 344-358 TQ / 8.75:1 - 11.25:1 compression
Chevy 350 CID / 5.7L Engines (4.00" Bore x 3.48" Stroke)
1967-1980 / RPO L48 / VIN K / 165-195 HP / 380 TQ / 8.25:1 - 10.5:1 compression
1969-1970 / RPO L46 / 350 HP / 380 TQ / 11.0:1 compression
1969-1976 / RPO L65 / 145 HP / 220 TQ / 8.5:1 compression
1969-1988 / RPO LM1 / VIN L / 155-175 HP / 250-304 TQ / 8.2:1-9.0:1 compression
1970-1972 / RPO LT1 / 250 -370 HP / 270 - 300 TQ / 9.1:1 compression
1970-1974 / RPO ZQ3 / 190-300 HP / 270 TQ / 8.5:1 - 10.25:! compression
1970-1986 / RPO LS9 / VIN L / 165 HP / 275 TQ / 8.2:1 compression
1973-1980 / RPO L82 / 205-250 HP / 255-285 TQ / 9.0:1 compression
1981-1981 / RPO L81 / VIN 6 / 190 HP / 280 TQ / 8.2:1 compression
1981-1986 / RPO LT9 / VIN M / 160 HP / 250 TQ / 8.3:1 compression
1982-1984 / RPO L83 / VIN C / 200-205 HP / 285-290 TQ / 9.0:1 compression
1985-1992 / RPO L98 / VIN 8 / 225-250 HP / 330-345 TQ / 9.5:1-10.0:1 compression
1988-1996 / RPO L05 / VIN K / 210 HP / 300 TQ / 9.3:1 compression
1992-1997 / RPO LT1 / VIN P / 260-305 HP / 325-340 TQ / 10.4:1 compression
1996-2002 / RPO L31 / VIN R / 255-350 HP / 330-350 TQ / 9.4:1 compression
Chevy 400 CID / 6.6L Engine (4.125" Bore x 3.75" Stroke)
1970-1980 / RPO LE4, LF4, LF6 / 245-265 HP / 400 TQ / 8.5:1 compression
Most Popular Small Block Chevy Crate Engines
Small Block Chevy SBC Engine Calculators
Engine Size Calculator
(leave the field blank for the dimension you want to find)
Bore Diameter (in inches):
Crankshaft Stroke (in inches):
Number of Cylinders:
CID:
Calculate:
Engine Volume Calculator
(leave the field blank for the dimension you want to find)
CID:
Liters:
Calculate:
What Is the Biggest Small Block Chevy Engine?
The largest mass-produced / production small block Chevy series engine is 400 cubic inches / 6.6 liters. This displacement was manufactured from 1970 – 1981. However, the aftermarket offers small blocks up to 600 cubic inches, with higher cubic inch options typically for race-only applications.
Small Block Chevy Torque Specs
Below is the general list of torque specs for small block Chevy engines.
However, it is necessary to confirm the correct specifications for your engine to prevent damage using a certified shop manual for your specific engine. In addition, all bolts need to be torqued in three equal increments, ending in the torque listed below:
- 2 - Bolt Main Caps: 7/16" bolts, with engine oil - 70 ft-lbs.
- 4 - Bolt Main Caps: 7/16" inner (OEM grade) bolts, with engine oil - 70 ft-lbs.
- 4 - Bolt Main Caps: 7/16" outer (OEM grade) bolts, with engine oil - 65 ft-lbs.
- 4 - Bolt Main Caps: 3/8" outer (OEM grade) bolts, with engine oil - 40 ft-lbs.
- Bellhousing (transmission to block) Bolts: with engine oil - 25 ft-lbs.
- Cam Sprocket (upper gear) Bolt: use thread locker - 20 ft-lbs.
- Clutch Pressure Plate Bolts: with thread locker - 35 ft-lbs.
- Connecting Rod Bolts: 3/8", with engine oil - 45 ft-lbs.
- Connecting Rod Bolts: 11/32", with engine oil - 35 ft-lbs.
- Cylinder Head Bolts: use engine oil for blind holes and thread sealer for water jacket holes - 65 ft-lbs.
- Exhaust Manifold Bolts: with anti-seize lubricant - 25 ft-lbs.
- Flexplate / Flywheel Bolts: with thread locker - 60 ft-lbs.
- Harmonic Balancer / Damper (Center) Bolt: with engine oil - 60 ft-lbs.
- Intake Manifold (with cast iron cylinder heads) Bolts: with non-hardening sealer - 30 ft-lbs.
- Intake Manifold (aluminum) - 25 ft-lbs.
- Oil Pump Bolt: use engine oil - 65 ft-lbs.
- Oil Pan Bolts: use engine oil - 12 ft-lbs.
- Rocker Arm Studs (screw-in): with engine oil - 50 ft-lbs.
- Spark Plugs: without lubricant or sealer - 20 ft-lbs.
- Timing Cover Bolts: use engine oil - 6 ft-lbs.
- Valve Cover Bolts: with engine oil - 3 ft-lbs.
- Water Pump Bolts: Cast Iron - 30 ft-lbs. Aluminum - 25 ft-lbs.
Small Block Chevy Firing Order
Below is the firing order for small block Chevy engines, including 262, 263, 265, 267, 283, 302, 305, 307, 327, 350, 383 (stroker), and 400 CID sizes.
Engine Compression Ratio Calculator
Get The SBC Parts You Need From JEGS
You need the right parts to go with the correct small block Chevy torque specs, and JEGS has you covered. We carry a great selection of small block Chevy engines and aftermarket parts to go with them. Whether it's a Small Block Chevy 350ci/5.7L Crate Engine you need or something else, you'll find it in our store. Reach out to a JEGS expert if you have any questions about your application or need additional small block Chevy torque specs.
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