Ive been looking at the 260hp Goodwrench 350 engines and the only difference in it and the 290hp version is the cam. Not a bad price at around $1500 vs $1900 for the 290hp version. Cam swap would be simple and cheap.I just wonder if this engine really makes that much hp..Has anyone on here used this engine in their 3rd gen and if so how did it perform?

 

IIRC, I think that is Flywheel HP

 

Cam swap is simple and a lot cheaper then the $300+ price difference, the issue is its sub 8.0:1 compression means cam choice is very critical to making this motor work. Biggest I would go is an XE262 with it. The low low price makes it attractive for someone looking for a mild performance upgrade from their stock 305/350, but for a performance application there are better options.

 

Yes those engines really do make very little HP but they can easily make 400hp with a few part swaps. just google Goodwrench 350 part 1-8 http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/463...-engine-build/

http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/goodwrench/gm3508.htm

 

The numbers shown are inflated and dyno gross rated. Still not bad engines at all though.

The "260" HP goodwrench engine has been sold since the 1980's, which then it was called the target master, then later changed to goodwrench. It's been labeled as 230, 240, 250, 260, 270 HP over the last 30 years, while nothing has really changed on engine to change it's power output.

The rated power it with alum aftermarket intake, headers, no acc. drives, etc etc then inflated alittle.

I would say with stock exhaust manifolds, intake, Q jet, all acc. drives hooked up, the 260 HP engine would really only make 200-215 HP

It's a good basic starting point though. You are right, no diff in the short block of the 260 and 290 HP versions.

Cam, head gasket, head swap on the 260 HP crate will get you into the 350 to 425 HP range depending on heads and cam you use.

The basic parts of the goodwrench are

Block -part # 10066034, casting # 10066036
2 piece rear main seal 4 bolt main
Crankshaft- # 3932444
Nodular Iron 1985 and older flywheel bolt pattern.
Powdered Metal Connecting rods- # 10108688
Cast Aluminum Pistons-#12514101
G.M. High Volume Pump Oil Pump- part # 12555284
Hydralic Flat tappet Camshaft- #14088839
Intake Lift-.383" Exhaust Lift-.401"
Intake Duration @ .050"- 194 Exhaust Duration @.050"- 202
Lobe Seperation-112

Cylinder Heads- part # 14034808, casting #33417369, 1.94" Intake valve, 1.50" Exhaust Valve, 76cc Combustion Chamber, 7 Bolt style Exhaust Flange Standard, 85' and prior intake manifold bolt pattern. Perimeter bolt style Valve Covers. This head is very similar to the old #882 castings from the 1970's

Head gaskets used .026" to .028" x 4.100"

 

I do like that it has provision for manual fuel pump which is what I want to run on a carbed build. I don't really like the idea of running a fuel pressure regulator.This is main reason I don't just buy the vortec crate engine. I have a 350 block to start a build with but it will cost almost as much as buying a crate engine and swapping the cam and heads.

 

Can you build the engine yourself? If so you may be much better off doing that then as ytou can pick what parts you want.

The basic machine work on the block $300 give or take a little.

Shop northern auto parts for a master rebuild kit and add in the performance options you want.
I done this on my V8 S10 build and got a master kit with flat top hyper pistons, cam I needed, HV oil pump, double roller timing chain set, scat crank, scat rods, all bearings, moly rings, etc etc for around $800

Looked on CL for awhile and found a set of vortec heads, intake, roller tip rockers and chrome valve covers for $350

ARP main studs, head bolts, pushrods, valve springs, msd plug wires, etc from competition products for $380

So around $1550 and we are talking about an engine with much better parts than the goodwrench crate, makes in the 390-420 HP range

 

Yea me and my dad have built several engines together. Including a Vortec build similar to what you described.I was just thinking of the easy route for my sons Monte Carlo wasn't really looking for major power. Was really wanting to save my old style 350 block for a build on my Firebird down the road.For what I do in it the 305 is fine for now until it goes sour or gets too boring.LOL

 

And thanks Nightrider I was impressed with Northern Auto Parts engine kits. May just go that route.

 

Your welcome.
Yeah I can fully understand the easy route. If it's just for your boy's ride the goodwrench may very well be the best way to go for now. I know I wouldn't want to throw a 400 HP engine into a teenager's car.

 

Just being curious though has anyone ever ran this stock Goodwrench engine in a 3rd gen through the 1/4.Ive wondered what it would turn, and if its really much difference than a 305?

 

I have not seen a "as shipped" goodwrench run in a third gen, but I do know of a guy that put one into his second gen (79) and ran it. He added headers, dual 2.25" pipes, dual mufflers (can't remember which ones), edelbrock 600 carb, HEI dist. No other changes

He was running 15.2's @ 96 mph.

IIRC the 79 z28 stock was 15.8 @ 91

 

That's not too bad in a 2nd gen definitely an improvement. I had a man with a stock 1981 Z28 hot with me for really handing it to him at the dragstrip with a mildly modded LG4 he swore I had a 350.LOL Guess he didn't know his 350 was a whopping 180hp from the factory. That being said that Goodwrench would also be an upgrade in my Monte Carlo and really in any carbed 305 as well.

 

I ran a 14.3 with this motor. I do have a high rise aluminum intake, headers,cowl hood, and kn xtreme air filter