ok, im finally gonna start my second rebuild soon. i have an 88 with 305tbi.unfortunately i put a 305 back in last time, but since it was free, it only lasted 6000 miles. it was pretty quick though. ive decided to put a 350 back in, but my question os where is the cheapest and still reliable place to get the block from. i was thinking e bay--do you think that these motors can be trusted?how about getting a junkyard motor and having allt he macjine work done?or do you think that a crate engine would just be the best option? any suggestions are appreciated

 

IMO, I would go the junk yard route. The stuff on ebay may be ok, but there is usually shipping involved or some other detail that makes it a hassle. I think that if you have the extra $$ kicking around I would opt for the crate motor. but for us low budget shade tree guys, a trip to the junk yard then the machine shop is the way to go. Good luck man.

 

I'd look for one in your local trader paper first, then if you have no luck there look at a junk yard.

 

thanks for the ideas guys. does anyone have any idea what the junkyard route would cost altogether. id want a 350 block, i guess id need heads too, since all i have are a couple sets of 305 heads tpi and tbi. someone said that they wouldnt be as good going on a 350 though, even while raising compression. then, id want the heads ported and polished. and as far as the block goes, would i possibly be able to get away with just honing, or do you think that boring it would be necessary. i only ask, because then, id have to buy new pistons and rings and such. then, i figure a new oil pump and the shortblock would be all set? any guesses on what all of this would cost? sorry for being so vague, and please let me know if im thinking in the wrong direction
thanks
dan

 

The junkyard will probably want $100-$300 for a 350 (maybe more if they're greedy). If it's a junkyard motor, good chance is the block going to need a full workup unless it's been taken care of (put inside/under tarp or whatever). I'd say you're better off finding a used block out of the trader and putting fresh parts in (it's the same amount it would be to R&R all the old parts). You can get an eagle cast crank for $200 and eagle sir rods for $200 from cnc-motorsports. It's only like $50 less to R&R the crank and rods, so you might as well get new parts for the extra $50. You might pick up a set of Vortec heads, they flow great out of the box, no porting necessary and they're pretty cheap, $500 or less all the time on ebay. I would suggest you bore the block unless it's in exceptional shape. Speed Pro pistons and rings can be had for less than $100 on ebay, I see them all the time. Get a high volume (not high pressure) oil pump, they run about $20. You're heading in the right direction, you just have to decide what all you want to do and what kind of budget you have. I'll just say one thing though, you don't want to skimp on a motor or you'll be paying for it later...

 

ive already learned not to skimp on the motor, thanks for the ideas. in other words, get a decent block and rebuild it off ebay huh?

 

Yep, that's the cheapest way to do it...

 

Look at a junkyard. 350's are everywere, as a block would cost next to nothing, especially if you explain to them that the gem you picked out is a POS that needs a total rebuild (if it does or not doesnt matter) they usually go really low just to get rid of it if they think no one else would buy it.

 

i wouls look on e-bay LoL only reson why i would ic cuz i have an e-bay car i got my car off e-bay and lots of other parts as welll. if you can find the block close by on e-bay i would do that. thats how i got my car but that is only my $0.02