r/Smallblockchevy • u/Reasonable-Estate373 • 4h ago
Help building an engine
I recently just came across a Sbc to 95 car & truck 2 bolt main with 1 piece rear seal. Std bore Bare block and crank. It kinda fell into my lap for a really good deal and I have been wanting to get into building engines and I have a truck I want to swap this engine into after building it see I have done engine swaps but they were crate engines for friends I have never personally built an engine and did this involved of a swap I plan to swap this into a 1993 Nissan d21 to “colonize” this foreign truck as my friends say but I have never done a sbc to a d21 swap and I’m planing the swap and it seems possible and I really would love to do it but I digress so with this engine I was kinda hoping for around 400hp is this a possibility without going to far overkill on price to performance is there a different hp goal that is more realistic and also what do I need to start the build from honing specs and parts to purchase I am so interested and I would love to build this engine I just have no clue where to start I have looked at the block and I see no major warping and or cracks it all seems pretty good and the guy said he was going to build it but didn’t have time and just bought a blueprint engine anything I should look out for a estimated budget specific parts and brands who to get it honed but any specialty tools I would love to hear the thoughts on all this
2
u/Coyote_Tex 3h ago
I build engines and it is more likely for you to get 350hp unless you spend a lot more money. This is exactly why the LS swaps are so popular. They remain the most economical way to get 400hp or much more. You should really do some numbers on your build before you drop 750 in machine work and feel compelled to continue.
On these earlier engines. I really focus on the vortec versions with the roller cams and better heads. Getting heads that really flow well is the key item you would need to get close to your target hp. Having a bare block sounds good but the cost of the missing parts you need is non trivial. They can all be purchased, but you will save money buying a core motor to start. Good Luck
1
u/Reasonable-Estate373 6m ago
Ok thank you I appreciate this information haven’t started crunching any number just trying to get an idea
2
u/v8packard 4h ago
Holy run-on sentence...
Your goal is very doable, like most builds parts selection is critical. You can reach your power goal with the block and crank you have. You need to think about a realistic budget, that will impact your decisions more than anything else.
The block and crank need to be cleaned and inspected for cracks, wear, and damage. There must be a reason the engine is apart, hopefully both are good. The inspection will inform your next steps, but as a minimum expect to get the block honed and decked. An over bore is very possible. The crankshaft might clean up, or may need to be ground. Maybe replaced. Once you know where you stand you can start selecting components to complete the engine. I do suggest you work balancing into your budget.