Oil pump is going and there is (louder than normal) valve train chatter in one cyl head and a couple other problems that have just gotten worse like the head gaskets. But I would like to take this chance to rebuild it to make it a little more fun and get the most bang for buck. There are a couple things that I am having trouble pricing like custom chip and 081 heads so any price ranges or sources would be good.

I am keeping other things on the table like a lo5 swap and if the cost of 081 heads and chip tuning is to much then pulling 416 heads from a junkyard and using a edelbrock intake and carb I have. I love this car and really prefer driving it over my 4cyl s10 so I want to get it done fast and right.

 

I'd get a used vortec 350, put a 4bbl. vortec intake on it, use a tbi adaptor. Get some 350 injectors & adjustable regulator so it wont run lean. I'd get a good exhaust too.

 

Should of added I have $1000 to work with would of had more but I just recently had the t5 rebuild and a new 3" exhaust system made this past month. I had anticipated doing a top end job on it since it was only leaking coolant into 1cyl but wasn't overheating but this past week has me really concerned.

vortec 350 would be an awesome choice but even for $1000 I doubt I could get a junkyard engine (complete) for anything less than $500 then rebuild it and get all the extra parts to make it run for my budget.

I have considered alot of possibilities and even thought of selling my s10 for a ls1/t56 swap but then I would be out the only means I have of getting parts and the security of a second vehicle.

 

You dont necessarly have to rebuild a used vortec, I've seen plenty of them go 200k w/out a rebuild. Just try to find a reasonable mileage engine.

 

I think the TBI, and Vortec's engine bottom ends are pretty solid to 250k. Near that or after that it's rebuilding time. But of course thier are those crazy engines that just run forever and ever

 

Yea I am weary of just swapping used engines because you don't know how it was treated and pretty much adopting some other persons problems and like the security of new gaskets and bearings. But I will search my local yards and if I can get the engine for 300$ I can do it but I would have to avoid u-pullit places cause the engine prices are high ($375 for questionable honda engine).

 

A lower mile LO5 would fit your budget. You could pump it up later too.

 

The key to U pull its is. If the vehicle is wrecked more likely to have a good engine or transmission but if the exterior is clean on the body of the vehicle. more likely engine or trans problems got it to the yard...

 

Found a 350 from a g30 van with vortec top end and TBI that runs so that might be my best bet for $300

 

Check the casting numbers on the heads. Vortec didn't come with TBI that I'm aware of.

 

96 g series vans did

 

Sounds like a good deal to me even if it doesn't run. I'm in need of a 350 roller shortblock myself. Already have a nice set of vortec heads.