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By pcmenten - 16 Years Ago
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The Scrub 350 mindset is curious to watch in action. For years it was the rage to drop a Scrub 350 into anything and everything. I suppose that once upon a time it was that way for the Ford flathead. But that 'Scrub 350 is the hotrod engine' mindset leaks out in odd ways.
I advertise on Craigslist, usually selling crankshafts, so I watch Craigslist closely to track what's being sold and how it's being sold. I don't think a day goes by on the Boise Craigslist that someone doesn't advertise an engine part for sale but never mentions what engine or car it goes to. Today it's a Mallory Dual Point Distributor. (This one is posted in ALL CAPS) Often it's an Edelbrock intake manifold. (Edelbrock owes its life to Chevy.) Sometimes, the seller will go into detail describing the qualities of the item, never mentioning that it's for a Scrub, but you can usually figure out that it's for a Scrub.
It's no wonder that there's a backlash about using Scrub 350's.
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By bird55 - 16 Years Ago
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I've noticed the same thing, I thought it was just me, Paul!
But I have a feeling the tide may be turning. I notice a more and more of the guys on the HAMB site complain about the constant use of a "small-block" as a solution to every powerplant.
I personally can't think of a less interesting solution for a hotrod or custom car. I've already heard most of the arguments for, but I still stand by MHO.
It IS a "crate-motor, Scrub" world buts that's ok with me-it keeps my stuff unique. Let the masses march on.
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By simplyconnected - 16 Years Ago
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Just my two cents: Chevy (just Chevrolet) is as big as Ford, and AS big as the rest of GM put together. Everyone has Chevy parts in huge volume, consequently they are much cheaper than Ford. That 350 is an extension of the 327, which proved to be a real sweetheart and long-running production. I think everyone assumes 'Chevy' because it is the most common engine. Summit Racing and Jegs have HUGE sections for Chevy, then somewhere in the back you can find Mustang parts. Now that GM is on the verge of collapse, Chevy (GM's lifeblood) is in real trouble. When I am cut, I bleed Ford blue. But, I sure don't want to see Chevy go away. They are the reason we have cheap horsepower. Chevy and Ford have been chasing eachother for many decades, and I love the competition. Let's remind ourselves about what happened to Chrysler's muscle. If you're dyed-in-the-wool MoPar, better have a bushel basket full of cash for racing parts, and hope they're made in the USA. Sorry to stick my nose in... - Dave
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By pcmenten - 16 Years Ago
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Dave, you are always welcome to 'stick your nose' into a discussion like this, so thanks for your comment.
I didn't mean my comment to be a criticism of the Scrub small block. Quite the contrary, I think it's an excellent engine and I own a 400 Scrub small block. My first car was a 56 Chevy with a Corvette 283. I'm sitting here in my 'office' looking at a stack of books that includes; BUILD THE SMALLBLOCK CHEVY (sic) by Atherton and Schreib, how to rebuild your SMALL-BLOCK CHEVY by David Vizard, and How to hotrod SMALL BLOCK CHEVROLETS by Fischer and Waar.
But there has been a long-term fascination with the Scrub 350, and that includes the aftermarket parts makers. While building up my Scrub 400 SB, I ordered a Milodon windage tray for a small block Scrub, and an ARP oil pump stud. Both parts were advertised as for Scrub small blocks, but neither one fit my engine. I'm certain they would have fit a 350 but I had to modify both parts to make them fit my 400.
My point is only that the mainstream has had a Scrub 350 obsession to the point that they assume that it's the only serious engine for building a fast car.
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By simplyconnected - 16 Years Ago
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pcmenten (4/17/2009)
...My point is only that the mainstream has had a Scrub 350 obsession to the point that they assume that it's the only serious engine for building a fast car.Thanks for inviting me to your discussion, Paul.
Racing's not the only application they use the 350 for. As staunch 'Ford' as I am, I will admit my family is split between Ford and Chevy (of course, everyone in Detroit works for the big three). My cousin John, an employee, of ahem, GM, bought two crate 350's. About 15 yrs ago, Goodwrench crate engines went on sale. My being a Ford guy, I didn't pay any attention to the price. John pulled the 283 out of his '57 BelAir, and the six cyl., out of his '73 GMC, and stuffed those new crate engines in with newly rebuilt Turbo-Hydramatics. In defense of those two 350's:
John drove his '57 Chevy as my wedding 'limo' because it is truly flawless and gorgeous bright red. A few years back, I bought a '55 Customline. John hitched-up the '73 GMC to his car-trailer and off to Advance, Missouri we went. The GMC was perfect for hauling another full-sized car. That 350 had plenty of torque, and the truck handled superbly. My point is, folks use the Chevy 350 for everything, including racing. It's a perfect size for Vettes, Camaros, Chevelles, and probably monster-big for a Nova. I'm cringing as I think of this- John's nephew in Mississippi, put a Chevy 350 in his '88 Mustang. I know... It is truly a sacrilege. But, hey. That's what they do down south. Dave
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By mctim64 - 16 Years Ago
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OK guys let's not get too sappy over the "scrubs" they are like super models, they look good, perform well, but they've got no personality.  Good thing Jerry Christensen doesn't read this stuff. 
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By Y block Billy - 16 Years Ago
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They are allowed to keep the initials GMC but it is not General motors anymore, It is Goverment Motor Company.
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By pegleg - 16 Years Ago
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One of my favorite race cars around here was an Early Camaro running Super Pro (9.99). Nice looking car, but all the chevy guys hated it. Runs a 514 BB FORD!!!
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By charliemccraney - 16 Years Ago
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I'm happy as long as I have a V8. I don't care what it is. But it is much more fun having something that is not mainstream.
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By 46yblock - 16 Years Ago
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A friend took me on a ride in his '65 Chevelle with new 383 in. SBC. He nailed it several times, and I was surprised it didnt respond better, but didnt say anything negative. I think his cam was the culprit, knocking down the lower end performance.
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By pcmenten - 16 Years Ago
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LOL - GMC: Government Money Corporation
I love V8's, too, and it started with a Scrub 283. 
Now I've got Studebaker 224 V8, 351C, 351W, 302HO, 292, 312, 272, 400 Scrub, and a Dodge 360. But I've been working on the 223. 
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By crenwelge - 16 Years Ago
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I have fun with both worlds. My school vehicle was a 1950 GMC and I have been tinkering on GMC inliners ever since and own 7 GMC's. My second vehicle was a 1956 Ford and I have been tinkering on 56 Fords ever since. I have 3 56 Fords and the parts to build another. The thing that the GMC 228, 248 270 302 and the Y-block have in common is that they are not common and only a handful of people see the beauty of them compared to the S/B. I have never been a person to follow the crowd.
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By MoonShadow - 16 Years Ago
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Just out of High School I had a GMC 270 in a 51 Scrub sedan. It was an old dirt track motor with a bore, cam and 3 1bbls. Ran pretty darn good for the day. I hadn't moved up to Ford yet so how was I to know? I still miss the surprised look on some guys at street lights around the Kansas City area! In 1961 I got my first Ford, a 57 Fairlane convertible, 312 and all! After adding the usual Mallory distributor and 3 dueces I was really having fun! Haven't looked back since. Chuck in NH
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By mctim64 - 16 Years Ago
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crenwelge (4/18/2009)
I have fun with both worlds. My school vehicle was a 1950 GMC and I have been tinkering on GMC inliners ever since and own 7 GMC's. My second vehicle was a 1956 Ford and I have been tinkering on 56 Fords ever since. I have 3 56 Fords and the parts to build another. The thing that the GMC 228, 248 270 302 and the Y-block have in common is that they are not common and only a handful of people see the beauty of them compared to the S/B. I have never been a person to follow the crowd.Now Jimmy six's, I can get into those, that is nothing like the SBC.
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By pegleg - 16 Years Ago
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[quote]crenwelge (4/18/2009)
I have fun with both worlds. My school vehicle was a 1950 GMC and I have been tinkering on GMC inliners ever since and own 7 GMC's. My second vehicle was a 1956 Ford and I have been tinkering on 56 Fords ever since. I have 3 56 Fords and the parts to build another. The thing that the GMC 228, 248 270 302 and the Y-block have in common is that they are not common and only a handful of people see the beauty of them compared to the S/B. I have never been a person to follow the crowd.[/quote] Buddy of mine had one in a 51 Chev convert in high school. 302 with a 270 head and a McGurk 5 carb intake, Ran two or three Chev truck carbs on it. Also had Fenton dual exhaust. Torque monster. The sound would break windows a quarter mile off. Patrick, The current Fenton header Mfg is still building them for people (GMC's)
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By PF Arcand - 16 Years Ago
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PC: I have an acquaintance that is into Stude's. What years or models used the 224 V-8? Just curious, thanks..
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By MoonShadow - 16 Years Ago
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Did you see the Studebaker Fenton headers on EBAY! Must be rare! Chuck in NH
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By pcmenten - 16 Years Ago
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Paul,
I think one or both of my 224 V8's came out of a truck. One is a 55 and the other a 56. Because of the ultra-short crank throw, 2 13/16", these engines did not make a lot of torque, and they were not popular.
I think these 224 blocks are sought out because they can often be bored way, way out. At least .125". If I get my ducks in a row, I'll be buying a sonic tester and I'll find out.
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By SOCAL PETE - 16 Years Ago
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I find if the sellers don't mention the specifics IE it is a 289/302 or FE something something...then its a run of the mill 350. One of then vette motors also. I don't get tired of the cheaper to rebuild comments. I just say "yeah I hear ya." (Year 2008)I just pat the fender of the stang. Built in 1994 ...slings up to 7k rpm...runs 140 mph at Willow, runs very low 8's in the 1/8th..can drive it daily and the only time I have torn into it was to port the heads and install bigger intakes and cam. I heard so many times about start up failures and blown engines from the 350 crowd... Today the car and engine are alive and well in OZ. Even funnier my wife will go to shows or the drags with me. She will make it a point to give a positive comment towards the owner for installing a Ford engine in a FORD.
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