The small block Chevy 350 might be the most versatile engine ever built. It’s powered everything from Camaros and Corvettes to C10s, K5 Blazers, and half the hot rods at any car show in America. GM produced it for decades, and the aftermarket around it is bottomless.
If you need a replacement 350 — whether for a restoration, a swap, or because the original finally gave up — here’s what to know before you buy.
Why the Chevy 350 Is Still in Demand
The 350 small block (SBC) went into production in 1967 and GM kept building variants of it through the early 2000s. That’s 35+ years of production, which means:
- Cores are everywhere. Junkyards, barns, and garages across the country are full of 350 blocks. That deep supply keeps remanufactured prices reasonable.
- Every machine shop knows it. There’s no learning curve. Any competent engine builder can tear down, machine, and reassemble a 350 in their sleep.
- Parts interchange is massive. Heads, intakes, cams, and rotating assemblies from dozens of GM applications fit the 350. This makes it easy to build, modify, and replace.
The 350 isn’t the most powerful or most efficient V8 you can buy. But for availability, affordability, and simplicity, nothing else comes close.
What’s Available: Long Block Options
Stock Replacement Long Block
A remanufactured 350 long block built to factory specifications. This is what you want for a daily driver, a tow rig, or a restoration where originality matters. Block and heads are machined to spec, rotating assembly is balanced, and everything that wears gets replaced.
Price range: $1,800–$3,000 Best for: Replacing a worn-out 350 in a truck, van, or classic car. Drop it in, bolt on your accessories, and drive.
Performance Long Block
Same basic platform, but built with upgrades — a hotter cam, better-flowing heads (like Vortec or aftermarket aluminum), forged internals, or higher compression. These are for builds where you want more power than stock without going full race motor.
Price range: $3,000–$5,500+ Best for: Hot rods, street machines, and trucks where you want 350–400+ horsepower out of the box.
Bare Block
Just the iron casting — no crankshaft, pistons, heads, or anything else. You’re building from scratch. Bare blocks are for engine builders who already have their rotating assembly, heads, and cam picked out and just need a clean, crack-checked foundation.
Price range: $300–$800 Best for: Custom builds where you’re selecting every component yourself.
What to Check Before You Buy
Casting Number
Every 350 block has a casting number on the rear driver’s side of the block. This tells you what year and application it came from. Not all 350 blocks are equal — some have thicker cylinder walls, some are 4-bolt mains (stronger), and some are 2-bolt mains. If you care about the specific block you’re getting, ask for the casting number.
4-bolt main blocks (casting numbers like 010, 3970010, 14093638) have four bolts holding each main cap instead of two. They’re stronger and preferred for performance builds like this Chevy 350 5.7L 4-Bolt Engine Long Block → from BishopCarParts. For a stock rebuild that won’t see more than 300 hp, a 2-bolt main is perfectly fine.
Bore Size
A standard bore 350 is 4.000″. Most have been bored at least once in their life — .030″ over is common, .060″ over is the practical limit before you’re into risky cylinder wall thickness territory. A remanufactured long block should come at a known bore size. If you’re buying a bare block, have the bores measured before you commit to a rotating assembly.
Heads
The heads make the biggest difference in a 350’s performance. Common options:
| Head Type | Flow (Intake CFM) | Notes |
| Cast iron 76cc (stock) | ~160 CFM | Factory standard. Gets the job done for stock applications. |
| Vortec heads | ~185 CFM | GM’s best factory small block head. Excellent flow, fast-burn chamber. Different intake bolt pattern — requires a Vortec-specific intake manifold. |
| Aftermarket aluminum | 200–240+ CFM | Lightest, best-flowing option. Variety of chamber sizes. The go-to for performance builds. |
If you’re buying a remanufactured long block crate engine, confirm which heads are included. Vortec heads on a 350 long block is one of the best combinations for streetable power.
Remanufactured vs. Used vs. Crate
| Used 350 | Remanufactured 350 | GM Crate 350 | |
| Price | $400–$1,200 | $1,800–$3,000 | $3,500–$5,500 |
| Warranty | Minimal to none | 1–3 years | 2+ years |
| Condition | Unknown bore, unknown history | Machined to spec, new wear components | Brand new, zero miles |
| Risk | High — could have cracks, worn bores, bad heads | Low | Lowest |
For most buyers, a remanufactured 350 long block is the right answer. You get a known engine at a fair price with a real warranty. Used 350s are cheap but you’re rolling the dice on what’s inside. Crate engines are excellent but command a premium that only makes sense for high-value builds.
Where to Buy
Bishop Car Parts has been building and selling Chevy 350s since 1948. Remanufactured long blocks, bare blocks, and cylinder heads — in stock and ready to ship.
Need a marine 350? We also carry marine-spec 5.7L Vortec long blocks built with marine cam profiles, corrosion protection, and new heads. Read our marine long block guide →
Browse Chevy 350 engines at Bishop Car Parts →
FAQ
How much horsepower does a stock 350 make? Depending on the year and application, a stock 350 makes 145–370 hp from the factory. Most common truck and passenger car variants fall in the 200–250 hp range. With a cam, heads, and intake swap, 350–400 hp is straightforward on pump gas.
What’s the difference between a 350 and a 5.7 Vortec? They’re the same displacement (5.7 liters = 350 cubic inches). The “5.7 Vortec” name refers to the 1996–2002 truck version that came with Vortec heads and fuel injection. It’s still a small block Chevy 350 at its core.
Will any 350 fit my truck? Most small block Chevy 350s share the same external dimensions and mounting points. However, differences in fuel system (carb vs. TBI vs. MPFI), sensor locations, and accessory drives mean you need to match the right generation to your vehicle. When in doubt, match by VIN or RPO code.
