Thinking about buying a new Goodwrench L98 short block and using my heads, cam, and intake with it. I figure with my 58cc chambers I would have about 9.6 to 1 compression ratio. I saw it somewhere for $1100 bucks or so. Arround here they want $500 for a junk yard 350 truck motor, then the price of a over haul and machine work on top of it makes the L98 look atractive. Any input?

 

I could see that being a really good combo. For some reason I like the idea of the ZZ4 cam in a 350 with TBI I might do the same. But if you figure machine work to bore an old block and everything that 1100 bucks sounds like a pretty good deal; I'd consider it.

 

Might be cheaper to just get a NEW 91-93 Caprice L05 for $1525, complete (harmonic balancer, camshaft, timing chain, tin hardware, etc. and the heads have bigger valves)

remember the L98 shortblock is less cam, lifters, and timing chain and the other things that are missing for shortblocks like oil pan, etc.

 

Since you are transfering everything from your current motor it is a really good upgrade for you. if you are starting from scratch you may want to look at the LO5 block like vjo90RS8 mentioned. Does anybody know the what the internal differences between the L98 and LO5 shortblocks are? both have cast pistons and cranks with forged rods right?

 

I did some searches on flex plates and am now confused. Can I re-use my L03 flexplate and harmonic balancer on a L98 motor. I have heard it both ways. Oil pan and the timing cover the same ?

 

yes you should. i did when i changed over to the 94 350 from the old 305..

 

Or.. GMPP 383 short block.. I knew they had one hiding somewhere

Find it here