What size rod journal is a 350 Chevy?
The rod journal diameter on a typical Chevrolet 350 small-block is 2.10 inches (53.34 mm). This dimension is crucial for selecting crankshafts, connecting rods, and bearings during a rebuild or performance upgrade.
Understanding the 350 small-block crank
The Chevrolet 350 is one of the most widely used small-block V8s in American automotive history. Its crankshaft is designed around standard journal diameters that determine which rods and bearings will fit. For most factory and aftermarket parts, the rod journals are specified at 2.10 inches in diameter, a figure shared by many small-block strokers as well. Always verify with the exact crank manufacturer when dealing with aftermarket or specialty cranks, as exceptions do exist.
Standard rod journal size
Identifying the correct rod journal size helps ensure you select compatible connecting rods and bearings for a rebuild or upgrade. The core dimension for a typical SBC 350 is:
The rod journal diameter is 2.10 inches (53.34 mm). While this size is common across the 327/350 family and many strokers built from these cranks, some aftermarket or performance cranks may use a different rod journal size. Always confirm with the crank maker or measure the crank directly before ordering parts.
For context, the rod journal size sits alongside the main journal size, which is larger at 2.65 inches (67.31 mm). Knowing both helps with cross-referencing parts and avoiding mismatches during a build.
Practical checks for builders
When planning a rebuild or performance upgrade, confirming the rod journal size—and matching bearings and rods accordingly—is essential to avoid mismatches and engine issues down the line.
Before you source parts, here are the key steps to verify the rod journal size on your engine or a donor crank:
- Identify the crankshaft part number or engine family from markings on the crank or from build documentation.
- Measure the rod journal diameter with an inside micrometer or calipers to confirm it matches the expected 2.10 inches.
- Cross-check with the crank manufacturer’s specifications to ensure compatibility with the intended connecting rods and rod bearings.
Conclusion: If there is any doubt about compatibility, consult the crank manufacturer or a qualified machinist to confirm the exact rod journal size for your specific engine build.
Summary
The Chevrolet 350 small-block typically uses a 2.10-inch rod journal diameter, a standard across most SBC applications. Always verify your specific crank or machining specifications, especially when dealing with aftermarket stroker cranks or rebuilt assemblies, to ensure correct bearing and rod fitment for reliable performance.
How long is the stock rod on a 350 Chevy?
The stock connecting rod length for a 350 Chevy engine is 5.700 inches center-to-center for most small-block applications. However, some factory 350 engines have different rod lengths, such as the 6.125-inch rods in the LS1, or older 330 engines with 6.387-inch rods, so checking the specific engine is recommended.
Common connecting rod lengths
- 5.700 inches: This is the most common length for a standard small-block Chevy 350.
- 6.125 inches: Found in the LS1/LS6 engines.
- 6.387 inches: Found in some older 350 engines from 1968-1972.
- 6.358 inches: Found in some older 350 engines from 1973-1981.
Other 350 engine considerations
- Pushrod length: While the connecting rod is 5.700 inches for a typical 350, stock pushrods are a different component and are usually around 7.794 inches long.
- Crankshaft stroke: The rod length is used in conjunction with the crankshaft stroke to calculate the rod ratio. For a standard 350 with a 3.48-inch stroke and 5.7-inch rods, the ratio is approximately 1.64.
What is the journal size of a small block Chevy?
2.100 IN
GTIN: 00193564266231
| Rod Type | I-Beam |
|---|---|
| Center To Center Length | 5.700 IN |
| Average Gram Weight | 676 GR |
| Pin End Bore | 0.927 IN |
| Journal Size | 2.100 IN |
What is the rod journal size on a 350 Chevy?
Introduced in 1967, the 350 pioneered larger 2.45-inch main journals and 2.10-inch rod journals, beefier 3/8-inch rod bolts, four-bolt main-bearing caps (for selected applications), and a reinforced cylinder block.
What size is the main journal on a SBC 400?
The main journal size for a small-block Chevy (SBC) 400 engine is 2.6502.6502.650 inches (67.3167.3167.31 mm). This is a larger main journal diameter compared to other SBC engines, such as the 350 which uses a smaller main journal size, typically 2.452.452.45 inches. The SBC 400 also features a two-piece rear main seal, unlike the one-piece seal found on most other small-block Chevys.
- Main Journal Diameter: 2.6502.6502.650 inches (67.3167.3167.31 mm)
- Rod Journal Diameter: 2.1002.1002.100 inches
- Rear Main Seal: Two-piece
