ok....heres the deal.....i currently have an 86 LG4.....in a couple weeks i'm gonna go to a couple junkyards an look for a 350 i can build up...i'm gonna use the heads on my 305 so i wont need to mess with them.....but i'm a newbie sooo i dont know a TON about engines....i bought my car for $600...an im only 15...
what are the key things i'm gonna need to know to be able to do this....an what price am i looking at for a junkyard 350?

i dont know how it works around where you live but around here the junkyards usually sell good running 350s for about $300-$700.

are the 305 heads your using off of the Lg4?

yea...i'm using them from my LG4...i've been told they build compression....but i'm sooo lost. this is my first car so...it'll b a learning experience...i dont even have my license yet...but will have it in feb 05'. I spent ages 12-14 researching imports only to find out that i would find a great deal on an 86 camaro. sorry to go off topic....just tryin to show you how LOST i am...lol....i changed belts the other day an felt that i had accomplished something...lol...but its a learning experience....

Make sure to fully identify an engine before you buy it.

If the heads are off check for scoring in the combustion chambers.

Check to see if it is a 2-bolt main or a 4-bolt main. 4 bolts are stronger for a 350.

If you can find an 010 casting, you are in good shape as they were the strongest for the 350s in casting material.

Prices will range from $50-$100 for a short block to around $300 for a long block. Just get a short block since you are rebuilding it anyway.

Post back if you have any more questions.

For anything you will probably run on the street, there really isn't too much lost with a 2 bolt main. Yes, 4's are stronger, but if all you can find is a 2, then go for it (you can always splay the caps). The same idea goes for block material, don't get lose sleep if it isn't an "010" block.

I would look for a block from a 96-up Vortec 350. They generally have 4 bolt mains, a 1 piece rear oil seal, and the factory roller cam. Hey, you might even be able to snag the heads.

Yeah, only really worry about 010 and 4-bolt mains if you're planning on running more than 400 HP through it. Splayed caps work just as well.

A vortec would be best, however rather expensive I would think. Unless you just totally strip it down in the junkyard and they don't know what kind of block it is. (96+)

Those heads are awesome too.

Good luck!

thanks guys....u have been a great help..i am also gettin it painted this dec...so i will post some before/after pics

All of the evidence I have seen shows splayed mains being better, they are stronger than traditional 4 bolts.

my research agrees.. 2bolt splayed to 4bolt are stronger.. ribbin in block of 2bolt is better.. though if u find a 4bolt.. get it over the 2.. cause you'll have to tear the 2bolt to pieces to make it into a 4bolt..

vortec heads also good.. and truck 350's are often 4 bolts.. although not sure on the newer stuff.. and if you get a long block then you will probably save in the long run.

I have a Vortec long block, it's the "880" casting.

4 bolt mains
1 piece rear oil seal
factory roller
nodular iron crankshaft
PM rods (I think)
cast pistons
"906" casting heads

you sound a little like me only younger, Im 18....I too started looking up imports on the web (thank you fast and the furious) at like 14, 15, 16. Then the world of American cars came into play, thank ***. Bought a 92 camaro RS, and the first real car project im doin is a complete fourthgen drivetrain, brakes, suspension, and the whole works. I really think its the best way to learn about cars. Before I started this project, I was like you knoledge wise about cars, but Ive learned A LOT in a couple months. Gotta love your first project being a motor swap instead of cold air and exhaust .

As for motors I agree with what the other guys said about 2 bolt and 4 bolt mains, but some advise that I have for you is, when you build a strong motor there is a trickel down effect to the rest of the car. Cuz then your going to need a new trans, then your going to need new driveshaft, then rear end, then suspension, then brakes, then rims and tires, and so on (at least thats what happened to me). Thats all of course if your planning on alot of horsepower. But good luck with your project, definatly gettin started off on the right foot... :rockon:

why cant i say g o d

Because it is often used in vain. The powers that be prefer to keep it clean around here, so all use is blocked by the program.

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