I've got a pre-87 350 block laying in the garage that I think I'm finally going to put to use now that I've got a halfway decent job. The job is only halfway decent, so I'm trying to build this thing as cheap as possible. I've already got alot of stuff that I know I'm going to use off the 305...
Aluminum L98 Heads
Crane Gold Rockers
Edelbrock EPS Intake
Demon 625 Road Demon Carburetor
Accel Vac Advance Distributor/coil/wires
All Accessories

I've also got a Crane 2032HR cam that I bought for the 305 but never installed. I know I can't re-use the 305s roller lifters. I was thinking about buying the Crane retrofit HR lifters, but they're pretty expensive. If I decide to go that route, can I just use the post-87 timing chain and throw throw the cam in there like normal? Or is there more to change? Will the oiling system out of the 305 swap over?

I'm just trying to get an idea of how expensive this is going to be. I was also thinking of throwing a Weiand 144 blower on the 305. I know this 350 is going to be more expensive, but how much more?

 

Sell the cam to help finance parts you can use. Get a flat-tappet cam, lifters, and timing set.

The block will need a two-piece flexplate, assuming it is also pre-'86. Depending upon how old it is, it may have a driver's side dipstick. That's the only issue you are going to face.

It certainly won't be more expensive than putting a 144 on a 305.

 

Okay, here's what I've come up with so far. Will I be able to re-use the starter with the two piece crank? Or will I need a new starter, too? The oil pump and pan will still fit right on the older block, right? I think I'm just going to take the block and the rotating assembly to the machine shop and have them clean it up, bore it .030, deck it even with the pistons, and balance and assemble the bottom end. Am I missing anything from my list? Anybody want to recommend a cam and convertor? I'll be running about 10-10.5 CR, 3.73 rear gears.

GM 3.48" stroke forged steel crank
GM 5.7" bowtie connecting rods
TRW Forged Aluminum Pistons (21cc dished)
Clevite 77 P-Series Main Bearings
Clevite 77 P-Series Rod Bearings
Clevite 77 P-Series Cam Bearings
Streetdampr Harmonic Balancer
[CAMSHAFT]
[PUSHRODS]
[TIMING SET]
[RINGS]
[OILING?]
[GASKETS]
[FLEXPLATE]
[CONVERTER]
[MACHINE WORK]

Re-Use
-------
Ported Al L98 'vette heads
Edelbrock Performer EPS
Road Demon 625cfm VS
Crane Gold 1.6 RR
Ignition
Accessories

 

The starter is related to the flexplate/flywheel size, not rear main seal type.

The converter stall and intake manifold need to be selected based on your cam. Cam selection needs to be based on intended use. If that intake reflects your intended RPM range, you should look for a cam with about 215-220 @ .050" duration, and about 110-112 lobe separation. Something like an XE262 would probably fit the bill.