stage 1 - Hot Rod Cruiser 350 SBC
Reid’s Speed Shop proudly offers this package for those looking to wake up their stock small block Chevy with a well-balanced, budget-conscious performance combination.
This setup focuses on delivering a noticeable improvement in power and overall driving enjoyment while maintaining the reliability and street manners that make these engines so enjoyable to own.
Estimated power
300-315 HP
Operating Range
1300-5500
Fuel Requirement
87+ Octane Pump Gas
Over the years I’ve spent a great deal of time researching and experimenting with different small block combinations—many of them while working within a realistic budget. Through that experience I’ve been able to curate what I feel is one of the best off-the-shelf style combinations that remains budget conscious without sacrificing quality.
This Hot Rod Small Block will provide you with a combination proven to be an absolute joy to drive on the street while maintaining reliability and minimal headaches. It’ll look good, sporting a vintage look and sound good with that classic smooth to choppy idle!
What To expect
What does it Include?
Essentially everything you need to give your stock small block some pep in its step utilizing quality parts from trusted sources!
180cc Aluminum Heads w/ 64cc Combustion Chambers
.550 Max Lift
Absolutely amazing for stock bottom end / stock compression small blocks
Gives a good bump in compression for those that have stock heads with larger combustion chambers
A healthy step up in intake runner volume (most typical stock cast iron heads are around 140-160cc)
Roller Camshaft / Roller Lifters Upgrade
1300-5500 Operating Range (stock converter compatible)
217/225 Duration & .495/.500 Lift @.050
110 LSA
Should provide a good slightly choppy idle for that classic muscle car sound!
This upgrade is ESSENTIAL for your small block in terms of reliability, durability, and efficiency
Allows for more power while sporting the same drivability
Allows for more aggressive lobe profiles with roller lifters and more airflow without excessive duration
Overall better torque, more power, and better for your engine
Will either be retrofitted, or upgraded from the OEM roller (prices may vary depending on if your block has roller provisions)
Dual Plane Aluminum Intake
New 1.5 Ratio Rocker Arms
Hardened Pushrods
True Double Roller Timing Set
Aluminum Timing Cover
Cam Button
Timing Tab
Oil Pump, Screen, and One Piece Oil Pump Shaft
New 5qt Oil Pan
New Dampener
New Flexplate
All New Gaskets, Rings, and Bearings
HEI Ready to Run Ignition System w/ Melonized Distributor Gear Upgrade
High Strength Hardware (Utilizing brands such as ARP and Engine Works)
Aluminum Valve Covers
Hand Painted Paint Job in Your Choice of Color
And more!
Coming in at roughly $3,600 in parts before tax (OE roller blocks may be slightly less), this package provides a noticeable step up in performance without sacrificing drivability or pushing the budget too far.
This estimate reflects the typical cost for parts alone and assumes the engine only requires a light cylinder hone in preparation for new piston rings.
If additional machine work is required—such as addressing cylinder wear or ring ridge—there may be additional costs for machining, new pistons, and balancing of the rotating assembly.
If you don’t have a block of your own and would still like one built in this manner, I can source a core for you for a fee!
If this spikes your interest and seems like exactly what you’re looking for, click the button below to be directed to my Contact Page where you will fill out the build request form! If this is the package you’d like, just select engine build and type “Stage 1 Hot Rod Cruiser” in the project details and be sure to add any other details you feel necessary!
Total Typical INvestment: $5,000-6,000
Click Below!
Turn-Key Upgrade Option
For those looking to simplify installation and complete the package, a Turn-Key upgrade option is available. This option adds the essential front accessories and supporting components needed to make installation easier and give the engine a more complete, finished appearance.
The Turn-Key package includes:
• High-flow aluminum water pump
• Swivel thermostat housing with high-flow thermostat
• Top-street mechanical fuel pump with mounting hardware
• Bronze tipped fuel pump pushrod
• Polished one-wire alternator with bracket
• Polished power steering pump with bracket
• Polished pulley combo kit
• Throttle bracket
• High-torque mini starter
Add approximately $1,000
This option provides many of the key components typically needed when installing a fresh engine, helping reduce the time and effort required to source additional parts.
Estimated Additional Costs
In addition to the parts listed above, there are labor costs involved in completing a build of this nature. Most builds in this package generally fall between $750–$1,200 in labor (included in typical investment total), depending on the condition of the engine and any additional work required during the rebuild process.
Because every engine core is different, final rebuild costs can vary depending on the condition of the engine and the machine work required. Many small block engines on the road today are 40–50 years old or older, and wear accumulated over decades of use can affect the work needed to properly restore them.
As part of Reid’s Speed Shop’s standard rebuild process, major engine components are taken to the machine shop for professional cleaning and inspection. This typically includes services such as hot tanking, cleaning oil passages, and preparing surfaces to ensure proper sealing and assembly.
Additional machine work may also be required depending on the condition of the block. If the cylinders show excessive wear, scoring, taper, or ridge at the top of the cylinder, machining such as boring, honing, or resurfacing may be necessary to properly restore the engine.
When additional machine work is required beyond standard cleaning and preparation, a typical estimate often falls between $1,000–$1,200 (also already included in the typical investment total), though the exact cost will depend on the services needed and the condition of the engine once inspected.
Any additional machine work or parts required beyond the base package will always be discussed and approved before moving forward.