Author Topic: big block 350 ??  (Read 6500 times)

dab67

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big block 350 ??
« on: June 23, 2006, 11:35:44 AM »
Anyone ever hear this term for a 350 or ever seen one? I've been told that in the 60's this was an engine put into Impalas. If so, what was the difference from the SB 350?

dab67

JohnZ

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Re: big block 350 ??
« Reply #1 on: June 23, 2006, 03:09:45 PM »
No such thing as a "big-block" 350. Gen I small-blocks got as large as 400 cu. in., and the smallest Mark IV big-block was a 366 tall-deck block, used only in HD trucks (and useless as a performance engine).
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lakeholme

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Re: big block 350 ??
« Reply #2 on: June 23, 2006, 03:12:07 PM »
Dab,

I've always thought that "big block 350" was a misnomer for the Pontiac motors.  Apparently, GM's Pontiac motors were configured differently from Chevy and Buick.  I've also heard the Pontiac motor referred to as a so-called "medium block".
I used to have a 61 Impala SS.  Some of the 60s Impalas did have a 348 motor with 350hp.  Maybe that's part of the confusion.
Someone else would have to tell you if GM crossed over any Pontiac 350s to Impalas in the 60s.  I do not know.

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dab67

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Re: big block 350 ??
« Reply #3 on: June 26, 2006, 10:59:00 AM »
Ok since this is the case regarding "no big block" 350, is it possible to match up the rear end of the 350 sb with the bellhousing and flexplate from a Pontiac 400 and then install a powerglide to that?  I'm fishing here as you can tell!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Was the Pontiac 400 flexplate larger than the 350 flexplate? Or am I really losing it!!!!! Ha!

dab67

dab67

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Re: big block 350 ??
« Reply #4 on: June 26, 2006, 11:16:41 AM »
Or, can someone tell me the physcial difference between the Chevy power glide and the Pontiac power glide? And can you hook up a Pontiac powerglide to a sb chevy? ???

CNorton

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Re: big block 350 ??
« Reply #5 on: June 26, 2006, 11:58:31 AM »
The primary issue with Chevy/Pontiac Powerglides is the difference in bellhousing bolt patterns.  They are significantly different and will not interchange without an adaptor and I seriously doubt that it would be worth the difference to tackle that project.  Having said that, be aware that dual-pattern bellhousings do exist for some GM transmissions.  If you are determined to use a Pontiac transmission behind your Chevy block it would be necessary to determine that a dual-pattern case was ever made for the 'Gllide, then locate one and swap the internals between the two.  Sounds like waaay too much drama to make it worthwhile.

dab67

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Re: big block 350 ??
« Reply #6 on: June 26, 2006, 04:49:13 PM »
I do not want to use a Pontiac tranny with my 350. All I want to do is find a dust cover to protect my flexplate and I can't find one!!!!!!!!!!!!  I know I have a Chevy power glide with a small starter, and I know I have a 350 Chevy block. I just don't know what flexplate I have because i can't fine a cover to fit it. Do I sound frustrated????????? you bet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for the input CNroton.  i will have the bellhousing checked to see if someone did flip flop parts. I am hoping no they did not.