Stage 3 - Hot Rod Brawler 350 SBC
Building on the performance foundation established in the Stage 2 combination, the Stage 3 package pushes the small block Chevy even further with more aggressive components and increased airflow.
Expect another noticeable jump in power along with a stronger mid-range and a more pronounced idle character, giving the engine the kind of attitude many classic hot rods are known for.
This setup focuses on delivering a substantial increase in power and throttle response while maintaining the drivability and reliability needed for a true street-driven hot rod.
The Hot Rod Brawler represents the most aggressive package in our Hot Rod lineup while still remaining fully street friendly.
Estimated power
375-400 HP
Operating Range
1800-5600
Fuel Requirement
91+ Octane Pump Gas
What To expect
Taking the proven Stage 2 combination and turning things up once again, the Stage 3 package is designed for those looking for a more serious hot rod small block.
Aluminum heads with smaller combustion chambers help bump compression for added horsepower, while the Edelbrock Performer RPM Air-Gap intake—one of the best performing dual-plane intakes available—allows the engine to breathe efficiently throughout the RPM range.
The result is roughly 50 additional horsepower, a noticeably more aggressive idle, and a small block with the kind of attitude you expect from a performance-oriented street engine.
What does it Include?
200cc Aluminum Heads w/ 60cc Combustion Chambers
.600 Lift Capability
Excellent jump in compression utilizing the smaller combustion chambers for added horsepower!
Roller Camshaft / Roller Lifters Upgrade
1800-5600 Operating Range
227/235 Duration & .525/.530 Lift @ .050
109 LSA
MOST CHOPPY IDLE OUT OF ALL STAGES
Roller cams are 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)
Edelbrock Performer RPM Air Gap Dual Plane Aluminum Intake
Best performing dual plane intake on the market
Full 1.5 Roller Rocker Arms
Hardened Pushrods
True Double Roller Timing Set
Aluminum Timing Cover
Cam Button
Timing Tab
HPSV Oil Pump, Screen, and One Piece Oil Pump Shaft
New 5qt Oil Pan
New 6.75” Dampener
New Flexplate
All New Gaskets, Rings, and Bearings
HEI Ready to Run Ignition System w/ Melonized Distributor Gear Upgrade
Upgraded Mechanical Fuel Pump w/ Proper Fuel Pump Rod Material for Cam Compatibility
High Strength Hardware (Utilizing brands such as ARP and Engine Works)
Finned Aluminum Valve Covers
650 CFM Carburetor
Hand Painted Paint Job in Your Choice of Color
And more!
Coming in at roughly $4,200 in parts before tax (OE roller blocks may be slightly less), this package represents another clear step forward from Stage 2 by incorporating additional performance upgrades.
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
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 3 Hot Rod Brawler” in the project details and be sure to add any other details you feel necessary!
Total Typical INvestment: $5,600-6,500
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 (already included in the 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 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.