SBC 880 Block

[bigfrank330]

Hi need some help here
The motor I had needs too much work
I have a chance to get a 880 Block that is in great condition
Besides the one piece rear seal and the fuel pump shaft hole not being drilled
Is there any diference between the 70's 350 and this 95-2000 350 block ??
I have a cam , lifters , timing gear set and heads to put on it
Going to use a dual quad set up w/edelbrock carbs regulated to 5 psi fuel pressure
Will a non roller cam work in this motor??

I would appreciate all your advice
Frank

 

[Mike]

Yes, there are some differences in castings, with the early block being more desirable, because of its strength. Earlier blocks were cast with more material, which made them inherently stronger, particularly for larger over-bore combinations. When the gas crunch hit, Generous Motors started looking for ways to get more mileage and removing weight was one of those ways. Less material in cylinder blocks and heads meant they were lighter, but it also brought in some weaknesses not seen in earlier years. Since a "good" early block is getting hard (read: nigh on impossible) to find, the aftermarket blocks are a good choice for high horsepower application. For a street application (lower compression, lower RPM), the 880 block will be OK.

You can use an early cam core in the late block, so long as you use the early timing set along with it.

The roller cores had a stepped-down nose and a smaller bolt circle, to accommodate the thrust plate. Remember, if you ever decide to use an early roller cam core in this block, you will need to be sure you use a thrust button, since you cannot use the thrust plate.

The LT1/LT4 cam cores had a longer dowel pin and a center hole for the distributor.

The Gen III (LS1/LS2/LS6) cam cores are unique unto themselves and will not interchange with anything else, as they are .300" larger in diameter and ~4" shorter.

I hope this helps.

 

[bigfrank330]

Hi Mike
Thanks for the reply
How can I identify wether this is an early or late 880 block??

 

[Mike]

To my knowledge, all the 880 blocks were Vortec blocks. Not all of them were roller cam-equipped and not all of them even had Vortec heads, but the block is the block is the block.

 

[bigfrank330]

Thanks
I'll put it together and get some pics posted
Frank