Hi guys,

Im faced with a choice. I spun a conn rod bearing in my gen 1 350 that I was running in my car. poor oil pressure I think. Anyhow, my options are thus: rebuild the 350? Make it a stroker? OR, what about swapping out to a more modern small block? What I was thinking was...in the late nineties, the GM v8 trucks were still sbc style right? they hadn't yet switched over to LS, but they did have roller cams and vortec heads. So, forgive me, because I'm really new to hot rodding...but does it make sense for me to find a 99-2000 truck motor with hydraulic cam and vortecs in a junkyard (ideally of course, low miles and good shape) especially if I can trade in the old iron gen 1 sbc block against the price? is this common, do people do this? thanks for the info guys, really appreciate it. I know Apeiron and five7kid have helped me a great deal before...here's hoping they catch this thread!

 

A L31 1996 and up.

 

'96-up blocks are no different from '87-'95. The '96-up is about the heads. Use any '87-up block.

 

1995 was a transitional yr where they came through as a flat tappet cam and as a roller.I know that because that is what I used for my 383 build.Really for most street applications the four bolt blocks don't matter that much.What sucks to be me is the block came through tapped and drilled with the bosses,but as I said as a flat tappet meaning now I have to buy the parts to turn it into a roller.

The 1996 and above are all rollers.

 

The roller lifter stuff can all be snagged out of any '87-up car 305 while you're playing in the salvage yard. Install it before heading for the gate, you get it at no extra charge. Everything but the spider can come from the 4.3s also. Don't forget the dizzy gear.

 

My Whole Life I pay for what I have............................


O/P was asking about 350's and the question was asked and answered.

 

great advice so far.

OP, dont put any stock in the old school "010 blocks got more of dat nickels in em!" propaganda. Just get a modern 1 pc RMS, roller block and you'll be in way better shape than a lot of people. If you end up getting one without the roller hardware, you can buy all of it new or used, but it's a bit simpler to get an 96+ block to begin with, if you can find them.