Decking my 350 block, should I?

Discussion in 'Small Block Tech' started by MrSony, Apr 12, 2017.

  1. MrSony

    MrSony Well-Known Member

    Long story short, my '76 350 is going for it's 2nd rebuild. Second verse, same as the first. But this time around, should I have my block decked? it's never been decked before, as evident that the casting number pad on the driver(?) is still there and clearly legible. What is the normal amount that a 350 like mine would be decked? Block is original besides .030 overbore. The engine ran great and strong, before the cam bearing went bye bye, so is it necessary, or more of a piece of mind thing? Any help as always is appreciated.
     
  2. Mark Demko

    Mark Demko Well-Known Member

    Only reason to deck a block is to "square it up" OR to effectively bring the piston closer to the top for more compression.
    I had my block decked .050 but that "lowers" the heads and intake, which requires shorter pushrods, and the intake side of the heads to be milled.
    This build on mine I'm using Auto Tec pistons, you can order them in whatever compression height so decking isn't required.
     
  3. alec296

    alec296 i need another buick

    I would say it depends on what piston and compression your trying to achieve. But bringing the Pistons closer to deck i feel take away some of the wasted burn space between chamber and top of piston. I say do it. Atleast gasket surface is fresh and true
     
  4. UNDERDOG350

    UNDERDOG350 350 Buick purestock racer

    Deck it until your pistons are flush. Then you might have some compression.
     
    alec296 likes this.
  5. stk3171

    stk3171 Well-Known Member

    could you stroke the crank to reduce deck clearance and end up with more cubes? or use longer rods. Hummmm. very interesting!
     

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