I am thinking of getting a replacement engine for my bird shortly.
I would like to keep the mechanical fuel pump (nostalgic reasons) and was wondering what year ranges of engines to look for that has this provision, and if there are any that are more desired than others?
Thanks

 

That's a good question, but nobody knows the answer for sure.

We know all the 1955 to 86 blocks had the mech. fuel pump boss and hole for sure.

After '86 it gets iffy at best.
The 2002 L31 vortec 350 block has the boss for the pump, but does not have the hole drilled for the pushrod.

But on the other hand there has been alot of folks that has said their vortec 350 block has the boss and the hole drilled, just no lobe on factory cam to work the mech. pump and rod.

The newer blocks will have the boss and will have a block off plate covering it... The only way to know for sure is to look at the block in person, pull the block off plate and see if it has the pump rod hole or not.

I wish I could tell you X has it, but Y don't, but it just don't work like that with GM.

If you can find a vortec engine that has the provisions for the mech. pump that's the one I would recommed to use. Just replace cam with an aftermarket one that has the lobe for pump and your good. The 1996-2002 L31 vortec 350 was a factory roller engine, PM rods, great heads, 255 HP stock. Cam, intake, exhaust swap and you have an easy 325-350 HP engine with out trying too hard.

 

This is pretty funny you mentioned this above...
I found a 1996 Vortec Block from a Chevy 3500 and it does have the fuel pump boss, and hole drilled.
The block needs to be rebuilt as it has a knock, but I acquired the complete engine (all accessories and brackets, as well as exhaust) for about $150.00!

 

I got my 350 fro a 98 silverado. It had the mounting point, but was not drilled.

I would suggest any 305/350 through 1992 should be good for it, though only for certain were ones that came in carbed vehicles.

 

Cool deal, you found a good one to start your build with. You will love that vortec 350

 

"nostalgic reason" being,too lazy or cheap to run an electric fuel pump

 

That could be true for some...lol