in the next couple of months i plan on building an engine. i have never built an engine before so im taking this as a learning experience. the engine will be a v8 but im not sure what kind to buy. i dont plan on throwing it into a car at least not for a while. this is just going to be a project to hopefully get me a little more familiar with cars. my question is what kind of engine would you guys recommend? keep in mind that this is just going to be a project and probably wont go into a car for a few years.

 

Moving.

 

I'd recommend a 350 SBC. Reason: easy, cheap, and alot of applications you can put it into. And if you decide somewhere down the road you need to get rid of it, big market you could easily sell it into. Get yourself a book by HP Books called "How to Hot Rod Small Block Chevys". Very good book, and the one I used when I did my 1st engine, the original 350 out of my 71 back in 1983. Still have the book.

If you buy youself a complete used guinea pig, pay very close attention during the disassembly and mark the caps, rod and main. Look at the condition of the various components, especially the bearings. Look at the way the notches on the rods are oriented, little things like that. I've done so many SBCs that I can just throw all the bolts into a can because I'll know where everything goes. But for a 1st timer, recommend zip loc bags & a marker to seperate the various bolts by where they go. 1st build or 20th, attention to detail is king. Good luck with your project.

 

i agree 350 is a great engine to start with. They are easy to find and easy to get parts for and you'll always be able to find someone to sell it to if you decide to get rid of it.

 

+1 On a SBC. How far are you wanting to go with it? A standard rebuld or more?

 

Why not wait untill you are going to actualy put it in a car?