[ben hampton]

are newer engine blocks better to build . i have a 86 350 if im going to put money in it should i go for another year block. im building a demo derby car engine so it will take a beating. i herd if i use the right heads i could use any block

[cobalt327]

Originally Posted by ben hampton

are newer engine blocks better to build . i have a 86 350 if im going to put money in it should i go for another year block. im building a demo derby car engine so it will take a beating. i herd if i use the right heads i could use any block

There are a lot of tricks that go into a derby engine, suffice to say HP is not a priority. Longevity is, though. It needs to be built looser than normal so when (not if) it overheats it won't seize immediately. If I was doing a derby I'd look for a 267 SBC. Maybe a 305. Google ice cube motors. And demo derby racing, etc.

[whyholdback]

Agreed, forget the 305, look for a marine 305. And synthetic oil will help. And don't paint the block, heads, intake, water pump, or oil pan. Get them all clean, run them bare. This helps shed heat. Better than black paint.