HI, ALL
I bought a car and it has a 350 in it. The guy says it made 400hp when it was togeather. I see some elderbrock stuff but who really knows 400hp motor for $300 seems too good to be true. How can I tell whats in this motor. Carb, cam, heads, intake, how can i identify what parts are there. I'd like to rebuild it if needed or just throw the carb back on and start it up. Is there any good way to determine if a rod is bad? Looking for some help, Thanks

 

The only way to know is to crack that sucker open and look at the parts. yeah its too good to be true you probably got stuck with a stock 350 or worse a 305. Give me the casting numbers and I will see what kind of block you got.
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as for the edelbrock stuff you probably ended up with a performer intake manifold which means absolutely nada, and a 600 carb which is hardly better than stock. When i first got into domestics i bought a bother that had everything you described and turns out it was a 305. I have the real deal now but it was an expensive learning experiance... lbehind the distributor look at that lip/ flange where the bellhousing is located. if the engine is in the car its a PITA you will need an old toothbrush, some degreaser and prolly a mirrior and flashlight. those numbers will tell me what kind of motor you have... and this is very important before you decide to make any plans.