I found this ad recently, as you know I'm looking to start swapping out my 305 in my 1988 Camaro sport coupe. I was going LSX but now it looks like I'm going gen 1 sbc.

Would you kindly look over what this guy has for sale and help me decide if it's more of a headache or looks like a good deal for this engine below

Thanks!

Here is what the ad says is included:
Would you help me decide if this is a good setup for my 3rd gen?

Here is the ad for the engine please let me know if it sound good or not.
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I have a great 4 bolt main short block assembly from a truck that I was going to use but decided to do an lsx swap instead. Short block is stored on a stand with tape covering cylinders and rags over the valley under a bbq cover in my garage. Completely protected from elements. I spin the motor every other weekend to pump oil thru the blcok.
I have some old school 70s heads that were freshened up a couple of years ago at BBT in Tarpon Springs so you know they were done right! The heads have 2.02/1.60 valves. I have an Edelbrock EPS intake an accel distributor. I have all the roller parts. Dog bones, spider retainer etc. Also the stock flex plate. Installed is a plain jane water pump, balancer and oil pan (most likely from a truck). I was planning to drop in a lt4 cam or better before i decided to go with a 5.3 I'm putting together.

So just add a cam that fits your needs and go!

Asking $800 obo

 

You don't want "old school 70s heads". Not even a little bit.

The block is fine, but for what it'll cost to finish and the risks, just order a Vortec 350 from Summit or Jegs.

 

70s smogger heads. Dished cast "rebuilder" pistons.

Pass.

 

A "deal" would be if that block just came from a quality machine shop with all the work already done and assembled (short block). PASS.

 

Thanks all! So glad to have your help. For the member who mentioned ordering a short block from jegs were you speaking of the 350/290?

 

hmm please help me out on what you mean by this...I figure it meant steer clear of this ad. Lol

 

The factory horsepower wars ended in 1972 and high octane fuel disappeared and compression ratios dropped into the 8's. No longer were the manufacturers concerned with power and performance - instead it became all about low emissions. So those 70's heads you have are not only 50 years old, but were never designed with performance in mind. Just looking at those pistons in that block, those "in the know" can immediately tell that they are cast aluminum rebuilder pistons that typically sit too far down in the cylinder because they were designed assuming that the block's surface would be cut at the same time (decking). Neither is any good for performance.
Go for a shortblock from Jegs and you will be miles ahead of nearly ANY "deal" you will find.

 

Thanks. Man with all the info out there on this site I'm actually about to go the junkyard 5.3 route, do a complete rebuild and it actually seems doable

 

And the members on this great forum saved me from a nightmare yet again!

 

If I did not live in a "SMOG" state, I'd have an L31 (Vortec right) in my 1989 IROC Z Vert.

 

Hit up Jegs or Summit. Look for the GM L31 crate engine. $2k gets you an all new GM 350 with 1pc rear main, roller cam, etc. Add an intake and you're in business.

 

I don't think you will save in the long run going yard and rebuilding yourself, unless it is something you really want to do (rebuild).