I am just curious about what the difference is between the pre-1985ish 350s and the post-1985ish ones. If that makes any sense. I only ask this because I have the chance to get a FREE 350 from my uncle that needs to be rebuilt. And he says that it is a 1970s model 350, and that I would need the aftermarket heads that wold fit the 70's era 350's. So, I guess me real question is: What would you guys recommend as to which route I should take, I.E. heads, etc. It'll be on a budget, but I want a 350 that'll be a daily driver, but will have enough power and torque to smoke most anything along the way to and from school. Just let me know if I'm not making any sense. I know I sound stupid, but I appreciate all of your input here.

 

the big differances is one piece main seal, center bolt valve covers and roller cam, minor differancesare the dip stick location.

 

That's completely backwards. You DON'T WANT 70's era heads. If you go aftermarket, you want heads designed for '87-later (only for the purpose of matching intake manifold bolt holes properly - assuming you're sticking with your 1988 intake manifold, that is). Unfortunately, your choices there are limited, since the main manufacturer of such aftermarket heads, World, only makes large chamber heads with that bolt pattern. However, modifying the intake manifold to accept the earlier bolt angle is fairly simple, so small chamber, center-bolt valve cover aftermarket heads can be used on that 70's 350.

You will need a different flex plate for the earlier engine - get one for an '82-'85 3rd gen. The dipstick location issue can be resolved by using headers instead of the stock exhaust manifolds.

 

Well... here's the thing.. you have a TBI unit.. so it's really almost like having a carburetor.

Is it a single injector or a dual injector TBI? I don't mean cross-fire, but I forgot if the single TBI unit was a two-port with two injectors in it.

In any case, I think it's a square bore...

if that's hte case, you can just grab that 70s engine, buy an Edelbrock 3701 intake, stick your TBI unit on, and re-attach everything.

One of your problems will be however, the sensor locations.

Todd

 

Oh yeah.. if the block is FREE, and you have somewhere to put it.. then grab it. Worst case scenario, you decide not to use it and you sell it.

You never know... it may have Camel Heads or HO Double Pyramid heads on it!

Todd

 

TBI's arent square bore, they are oddball. You need an adapter of some sort to put it on a carb manifold.

As for heads you can really use whatever you want, just match the heads to the manifold or vice-versa. In 87 the bolt angles changed on the center 4 bolts and its easier to deal with if you just match the years accordingly.

 

So, saying I wanted to get aftermarket heads, is my current intake manifold something that would be a problem? Or should I get a new intake manifold too? That would match the aftermarket heads? What would you guys think the best heads, intake manifold combo would be? Also, if I were to get headers would that make things easier or harder? What I am, looking for is a 350 that I can make scream, while keeping if as simple as I can (i.e. just dropping it in, hooking it up to the computer and going). Or is this too much to ask?

 

I dont know why anyone would bother with these heads unless they're building a car that has to have non-machined front heads. (ie. resto rod).

Nah TBI is a triangle bolt pattern with only three bolts. Holley makes TBI to 4bbl square/spread adaptors.

 

You should get a new intake manifold since the stock one really blows. How much are you looking to spend for heads? Pro Action heads are the best IMO and Weiand Stealth intakes are the best again IMO. You will need headers, the stock exhaust blows big time. Hooking up a mild engine to the computer can work, but I would recommend getting a Caprice 9C1 Police duty computer chip, injectors and get a GM Vaccum adjustable fuel pressure regulator so it runs alright. After you get that all sorted out you should have a hot running 350.

 

I'm gonna build the motor on a budget. With that said, I think I'll get new heads (post-87?) , and maybe headers, if they're really worth it. If my current intake manifold will fit the heads, I'll prob just end up putting it and my TBI on the motor and putting that in. But, would I have to do anything to thte computer to get this to work? Then after I get the rest of the money, I'll upgrade to a better manifold, and choose the induction setup. What would you guys recommend on that? I want, fuel efficiency, and power (if that can be done with a reasonable compromise). I'm by all means, not an expert on anything car-wise. I'm just getting started. So the simpler the better .