If the machine shop balance/aligns the block, the 2 bolt should be more than fine? It sounds that way from what has been said. What I want from the engine is a reliable, strong engine that has a cam for a nice idle but won't run hot or need a mechanic in it every 6 months. Nor do I need or want to drop a ton of money into it. Knowing that the block would need a rebuild, I felt it was worth have the machine shop work done prior to the rebuild. I would like the engine to be as close as possible to a stock SS motor, but with the addition of the cam. My mechanic said that manifolds would be better for a cruiser than headers. Would have more low end torque. Any other thoughts?

 

My opinion i would go with the headers. People say that you need back pressue etc. my opinion get the air out. Manifolds don't flow as well and thats what i go for is getting the air/fuel in and out as smooth as possible. I think headers make it run at acooler tempto. Thats just my opinion though. Also what are you using for heads and piston combo. Your best bet is go with the low cc headsand flat top pistons. Thats what i did with my 383 and that is way better than the high dome pistons. It still gives you higher compression but i can still run regular pump gas all day and it runs great

 

Definitely want the engine to run on pump gas. The mechanic said that decking the block and matching the heads would create a good match for standard pistons. He had a race car that ran a 350 with that time set up and turned 8200 rpms. He said the match was so close that the pistons left burn marks in the bottom of the heads from the stamping on the pistons. Also left no carbon at all. Is converting the 1.94 valves to 2.02 valves a big job? Figuring that the heads needed a valve job anyway, I am assuming that the valve size upgrade is not as big a deal.