Nanostructured SiC was synthesized by magnesiothermal reduction of silica derived from zeolite ZSM-5 with a Si/Al ratio of about 80 and four carbons from different sources. The carbons were carbon black and three carbons synthesized by impregnating furfuryl alcohol or sucrose into three porous templates (ZSM-5, clinoptilolite and MCM-48). Magnesiothermal reduction was carried out by reacting mixtures of silica, carbon and magnesium powder at 600–800°C in a flowing argon atmosphere. The starting materials and final products were characterized by X-Ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy and BET analysis. The results indicated that the synthesis of nanostructured SiC is influenced by the chemical nature of the carbon and its surface area.