91-Z28-L98

How much hp and torque can the stock bottom end of a sbc 350 take? When finished with my build I want to have about 350 - 400 hp to the wheels and I want to know if I need a steel crank and rods or if I can get away with machining the stock cast ones. Thanks.

Rice Killer87

How are you gonna make the power? Heads/Cam...nitrous,turbo,supercharger...?

If your just using heads/cam and an intake the stock bottom end should be fine as long as your not spinning it to 6500+.

If you have the funds and its already outta the car,builind the bottom end isnt a bad idea...but thats of course if the funds are there...and most the time thats not the case unfortunately.

hope this helps

transambill

A stock L98 bottom end is good to 400hp.

91-Z28-L98

400hp to the wheels or to the crank itself?

transambill

To the crank.

Marc 85Z28

Many would disagree. There are numerous stock bottom end L98s pushing the 500HP mark. Keep extended use RPMs below 6000. The occassional 6500RPM blast shouldn't hurt much. ARP rod bolts would help a bit, and still be considered a stock bottom end.