Thinking outside the box

Mike Devore said, "I guess my main confusion here is, are these new hi-tech gm heads a true bolt on for your typical 70's 350? If not, then the point is moot."

Mike, I thought it was a valid comparison, because.... the 3rd generation Chevy small block has been out for many years now, and the trucks with a derivative of that engine (called the LQ9 motor, I think) are showing up in junk yards in profusion, because they're wearing out.... trucks get driven a lot of miles, quickly.... and, Chevys don't last very long... :) So, the junkyard supply for these motors is getting pretty good, now.

Having said that, let me say this: The engine in question (an LQ9) is a kissing cousin of the original 350 small block, has the same bore-center spacing, is all cast iron, and is generally of a similar design to the original small block 350s in that they are both cam-in-block, pushrod motors and have cylinder heads that are of the "true wedge" design, (like the Mopars) without the benefit of canted valves.

All of the above makes them very similar to a 360 Mopar motor, as far as basic engine design features go. They are 360-something cubic inches; virtually the same size, inside and out. as a 360 Dodge motor... Small blocks, if you will.

No, they aren't of the exact same design as an "original 350 Chevy," but, with the junkyard supply being what it is, they might as well be. In fact, they haven't made 350 Chevys for so long, they might be as "available" as the original SBC's are for the purposes of engine swaps, as the old-design 350s fade into the past. The aftermarket has embraced this "new small block" in a big way, with manifolds, cams, headers, etc., so I think you're going to be seeing a lot of them on the street, supplanting the old 327/350 motor, as time goes by.

So, I thought the $800 Escalade head deal was not a moot point at all, what with the availability of these new LQ9 motors increasing to the extent that they have.

Those engines ARE the "new small block GM motor." As such, I thought it was a valid comparison with the 360 Magnum, insofar as head design and availabilty was concerned.

Thanks for your comments. I learn something from everyone who posts here...

Bill, in Conway, Arkansas (your neighbor to the East) :)