Chev Motors

[HK1837]

COME reckon a stroked 308 (350ci) with EFI heads will outperform a 350 Chev with any factory head. But aftermarket SBC heads are cheap as chips, so in either case I wouldn't be bothered changing to a SBC for that reason. A stroked 308 with red/blue/black heads is still a good thing for a street motor, lots of torque.

Chev would be cheaper than stroking a 308, but you already have all the gear for a 308 (radiator, mounts, exhaust, wiring etc) and if it is all good/big enough then it might be line ball cost wise. Starting from scratch though you'd go the SBC every time, and probably build it as a 377 rather than as a 350 as it is all cheap.

4L60 out of a VN-VP would be a good choice for a 300-350hp 350ci engine, you just need to buy a B&M device to control the torque converter. Either TH350 or TH400 will be fine too. If you are going to 3.75" stroke (377) then you'd want a beefed up 4L60 or TH350, a TH400 will handle that OK. Trick with any of them is know what diff ratio and tyres you will run and have the motor spec sorted before you buy the converter.

[hqhzvans]

IMG_2489.JPGIMG_2490.JPG
Here is what I mean by the tightness between brake booster and rocket cover not sure or doubt that a SBC would clear it any better as the holden motor sits under it being wider, ignore the 5.0 litre sticker on the air cleaner its a 4.2

[Valencia]

Gee that is close is it a factory booster Craig

[hqhzvans]

Gee that is close is it a factory booster Craig

No very little of the truck is original , yeah she is a tight squeeze not even sure how you would go trying to get the rocket cover off

[Alien DNA]

Far out!!! That is mighty close!!! That being the case, i'd just get a stroked 308. Had the rocker cover ever tapped the booster on full load?

What size is the booster? Pretty sure there are smaller aftermarket boosters available...which may help.

Heres a 7 inch...

http://vpw.com.au/Category/Index/7240

[HK1837]

SBC's are 3/4" or so longer so if you sat the engine using HQ 350 mounts the bellhousing mounting face will be the same as the 253/308. From memory HK-HG mounts sit it back 3/4" at the bellhousing mounting face, but I think the engine sits lower with HK-HG mounts. What mounts are in the truck?

Regardless of all that though, the trouble you may face with a SBC is a Holden V8 has #1 cylinder on the driver's side so the RH head sits further forward than the LHS. A SBC has #1 on the passenger side so its driver's side head sits back. This might make it worse. I guess you'll have to do some measuring!

[hqhzvans]

Yeah think going with a 308 would be easier , thanks Alien will look into the booster side of things and no have not notice and knocking btw booster and rocket cover

[Innuendo]

...btw booster and rocket cover

Rocker covers Craig you don't have any "Rockets" to cover.

[Absinth]

That clearance problem between the tappet cover and brake booster is nothing a hammer won't fix... Lol

[Big Rob]

A Chev won't give you any better clearance, apart from the fact that you won't have to try to get to that pesky rocker cover bolt at the rear as they only have 4 bolts holding them on.

If you have sump clearance, a lower set of engine mounts is an easy fix. You could try some Holden ones, maybe modify some, or make some from scratch.

There's only 4 bolts holding the booster in place, I reckon a smaller diameter booster is your easiest option (although that one does look pretty small). Also a remote booster like a VH44 will work.

Tricky problem, but there are a few solutions. Good luck.