I'm getting a 350 shortblock from a neighbor soon. He said it's been sitting outside for a while (no more than a year). He says it just needs to be honed. What does honing do? How much does it normally cost? What else should I get done to the block? Can I use the timing chain from my 305 aswell as the oilpan/oil system? The motor is a '93....so it should be a roller motor right? What would be a strong cam with a rumbling/rough idle? Thanks.
five7kid
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Mar 29, 2026
As long as no water has actually been standing in the engine (cylinders, lifter valley/bores, etc.) and the rust is a thin surface layer, that may be true. A complete disassembly and inspection/cleanup is in order. It would be best to take it to a shop and have them tank it in their cleaner, and check it all over for you. Most likely you will need to bore the cylinders and turn or polish the crank, meaning new pistons, rings, and bearings. Have the shop install new cam bearings as well.
How do you plan on topping off this engine - TBI? Carb? What are you going to do with it - daily driver, weekend warrior?
"Rumbling/rough idle" and TBI aren't a very good mix. You may be able to do some PROM programming to make it work, but check on the TBI board for more info in that regard.
The block should be a roller, but may not be machined for it if it came out of a truck. Your 305 timing set will work if you get another roller cam, however that's a "replacement" part that should be replaced anytime it is accessible. Doesn't make any sense to risk reusing your 305 parts since replacements aren't that expensive. Your tin should all fit.
How do you plan on topping off this engine - TBI? Carb? What are you going to do with it - daily driver, weekend warrior?
"Rumbling/rough idle" and TBI aren't a very good mix. You may be able to do some PROM programming to make it work, but check on the TBI board for more info in that regard.
The block should be a roller, but may not be machined for it if it came out of a truck. Your 305 timing set will work if you get another roller cam, however that's a "replacement" part that should be replaced anytime it is accessible. Doesn't make any sense to risk reusing your 305 parts since replacements aren't that expensive. Your tin should all fit.
I'm planning on either throwing on an Edelbrock Performer Series 650cfm carb or an LT1 or TPI system. I like to hear that rumble at idle and roaring on acceleration. I planned on making it my weekend warrior. There's these two 4.6L "stangs" running around town. One's a cobra the other just has "$4000" dumped in the motor. I want to atleast compete with those clowns. I don't have a lot of money, so I have to be smart about the parts I go out and buy from a store while others I can get from other cars from around here.