Any SBC experts? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Whiskeydan · #1 10-03-2007, 12:44 PM

Are the piston rings on a '90 350 (tbi engine) the same as the old carb 350 from the early eighties?
I believe I only need rings but the rebuild kit for the later model is over twice the cost.

LUVMBDiesels · #2 10-03-2007, 12:46 PM

I believe they are the same until you get to the LT1.

Whiskeydan · #3 10-03-2007, 12:54 PM

They are asking for a vin code for the '90 rebuild kit. The engine was out of a 90 police caprice now installed in my '66 C60 2 ton dump. Hell if I know what the vin code was.
Engine has about 80k miles but I want to freshen it up. Rings, rod brngs, gaskets for ealy model is around $100. Depending on the vin code its close to $250 for the '90. I'll just buy a short block for not much more than that.

LUVMBDiesels · #4 10-03-2007, 01:21 PM

Since it was a police engine it might be a higher compression version. That could be the reason it is taking different parts and has a higher cost. Could it be an early version of the LT1?

If you can get a short block 350 for $250 go for it. Personally I would rebuild the police engine.

Whiskeydan · #5 10-03-2007, 01:53 PM

Rebuild kit for a 69-85 SBC 350 including pistons, cam... $169.99.
Same kit for a 87-92 SBC 350 is $548.00.

I always thought the sbc was pretty much unchanged until the Vortec motor in 96. I guess not.

catmandoo62 · #6 10-03-2007, 08:10 PM

87 was the first year of fuel injection.

LUVMBDiesels · #7 10-03-2007, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catmandoo62

87 was the first year of fuel injection.

What would be different? I can understand if it was MPFI and the intake was dry and head changes were made to accommodate the injectors, but I think his engine is throttle body. Shouldn't the heads, pistons, rings, etc be the same?

I thought all SBC's were the same from 1962 to the LT1...

t walgamuth · #8 10-03-2007, 08:47 PM

I imagine the newer engine has better rings.

Tom W

daveuz · #9 10-03-2007, 10:14 PM

Do a search of "9C1" that is what designates in the VIN the HP motor in the Caprice I believe.

catmandoo62 · #10 10-03-2007, 10:54 PM

ii just checked on the motor parts central site and for the 86 350 it shows a recessed top piston,whereas the 87-93 it shows a flat top piston.

daveuz · #11 10-03-2007, 11:23 PM

http://www.9c1.com/technical/LT1_rebuild/ar99928.htm I poked around the "9C1" search to see and yes there seem to be some differences.

t walgamuth · #12 10-04-2007, 07:22 AM

I'd say, use the right rings or just leave the poor thing alone. You say it is running well as it is.

Tom W