i bought the 350 today for 75 bucks. i have been told it is a 87 engine and not a late 70's engine. i had a big smile on my face when i heard that. everything should be completely compatible. engine came out of a 87 chevy pickup, i was told it was carb. are 87 silverado 305's TBI stock? have been told millage is around 85k. i also have been told engine was running last week before it was pulled so i have been told it is a strong running engine. it has centerbolt valve covers. does 87 have a roller cam, roller rockers, roller lifters, ect. the manifolds should even be the same. i plan on cleaning it up really good, getting a edlebrock performer TBI manifold, holley performance tbi unit, new valve covers, new oil pan, and dropping it in the car. maybe a valve job before i put it in. im so thrilled, i can finally make my car run like a muscle car. i never thought i could afford to get a running 350, i am always broke. not much money to work with at 380 bucks a week. but i could easily afford 75 bucks, who couldnt. im going to build it slowly as money permits. i will run the 305 unit i have it done.
i dont think to many more deals like this still exist but ive got one. 350's used to be a "dime a dozen", its not really like that anymore.
1. how much of a hit will i take in fuel millage?
2. what else do i need to make this conversion complete, fuel pump? prom chip? where is the best place to get all of the needed accessories? summit?

 

Some truck engines had a roller cam, some didn't. I don't know how to tell until you have it apart. I have heard that you can machine your block for the roller lifters, though and that is a big bonus. You can't do that to the older engines. Yes they came factory TBI. Sometimes...

1. Not much difference in mileage.
2. If you are running a computer friendly cam (read: TPI or LT1 grind) your fuel pump and prom will last a while. If you get crazy, then you will need upgraded parts. Better to research here on the different forums to get those things I think. I have not been done wrong yet.

You are obviously on a budget. This is my opinion on what you should do.

1. Strip your engine to the block and get it checked out at the machine shop. If it passes, have them machine your lifter bores for the roller lifters (if they say you can; I think it's possible) and have the block cleaned.
2. If you're re-using engine parts then at least get an overhaul kit. rings/bearings/gaskets/timing set and oil pump. Hone the cylinders and re-use the pistons if you have to.
3. Measure everything carefully when re-using used/old parts.
4. Run a used TPI or LT1 cam so that you can stay computer friendly. Make your fuel pressure regulator adjustable and adjust it properly. (search the TBI forum for that) You can re-use your 305 roller lifters.
5. Get a good cat back system from the wrecking yard for a 4th gen V8 car or from a 3rd gen V8 car that is aftermarket. (My last setup was a flowmaster system on an 86 T/A that was wrecked) This is pretty cheap.

 

well im running edlebrock TES ceramic coated headers, edlebrock cat-back system, catco cat. its a 3" system i run with my current stock 305, should also breath well for a 350. i didnt plan on tearing apart the engine i bought. i was told it runs well, it also has less than 100K. i guy i bought from is a "chevy nut" like myself. he has a nice clean 70's chevy pickup with the original 250 six cylinder, a 1977 camaro also a nice car, and a 1970 monte- a badass car 454 big block. so i trust the guy's opinion on this engine. the 350 i bought was running less than a week ago, truck it came out of was badly rusted. i was thinking of maybe doing a valve job, lifters, maybe a cam, cleaning and painting the block, doing all of the external seals(valve cover gaskets, rear main seal, ect. just make sure i dont have any leaks). after i completed all of that i would install it in the car. is that a bad idea or do i really have to go further?