66 CHEVY HIGH PERFORMANCE II OCTOBER 2019
Fast/Quick Turnaround
02 | The SP350 is dressed and ready for a test-fit.
We stress a test-fit because the existing small-
block in Joel’s 1969 Nova is fitted with an Eddie
Motorsports front drive system, PerTronix ignition,
and Doug’s headers. We’re going to show you how
easy the engine is to dress and install.01 | Joel Rode of Hot Rod Specialties in Upland, California, has uncrated the SP350/385 and goes right to
work dressing it up for installation. The crate package arrives on your doorstep complete with everything
you’re going to need for installation. Before you order the SP350, ascertain your application because you
may not need everything in the kit. You may be better off with a comparable SP350 Base long-block from
Chevrolet and amassing the bolt-on components you’re going to need.
the most of every cubic inch of
air that passes through them. The
engine consists of a new iron block
with four-bolt mains, a forged-steel
crankshaft, aggressive hydraulic
roller camshaft, and durable high-
silicon hypereutectic pistons.
Hypereutectic pistons have excellent
expansion properties, which means
no cold-start rattle.
What makes the SP350/385
(385 horsepower) a great value is
everything you need to heat up the
headers, including the distributor,
carburetor, and balancer, is already
installed. The starter, fuel pump, air-
conditioning compressor, alternator,
front-end accessory drive kit, and
more are also included and ready for
you to install, making it turnkey and
ready to go. CHP
05 | Here’s a
closer look at the
SP350/385 Turn-Key
engine. This is a
factory-style front
drive system with
alternator, power
steering pump,
and pancake
air-conditioning
compressor. You
may encounter
space issues with
some aftermarket
radiators. Also keep
in mind the need for
a correct engine-
driven fan designed
for serpentine belt-
drive use, which gets
air moving in the
right direction.03 | Joel begins removal of a road-worn 350ci Chevrolet, which has been a
faithful servant. When he discovered the SP350 crate option and how affordable
it was, he just couldn’t pass it up. When you consider the cost of an engine
rebuild and the downtime involved, the SP350 is very attractive.
04 | The SP350 Turn-Key crate arrives with a 153-tooth flexplate. Joel’s
350 has a 168-tooth flexplate. In Joel’s case, with a 700-R4 with a TCI torque
converter, he can go with either the 153- or 168-tooth flexplate. We like this
dated 350 Chevrolet with its iron heads, which are more old-school.