I'm getting a 350 out of an 85 Suburban for free. This was my parents' old truck, so I know it was in pretty good shape. The engine was rebuilt, and had about 60,000 miles on it when it blew a head gasket. The gasket was repaired, we put the engine back together, but we never started the thing because we had new wheels. So now I'm getting the motor for free.

What I need is some suggestions for some of the parts I will be putting in it. I plan on tearing down the motor and checking that there was not any damage done after the head gasket went. I'm going to check the tolerances and replace what is necessary. If I need to rebuild it I will. I need some suggestions mainly for pistons and a good cam. I will be putting my TPI system from my TA on this motor.

This is going to be a low budget job, but since I'm getting the motor for free I will put as much money into the engine as I need to. Right now I plan on reusing the stock heads and rockers from the 350 temporarily, and replacing them with some good aftermarket heads within the next year.

I need a cam that will work well in the 350 with my TPI system on it. I do plan on adding some headers when the engine is out. I want to get better pistons, but I believe I can stick with the stock connecting rods.

Is there any specific thing that I need to look for related to the blown head gasket? Anyone see anything wrong with this buildup?

 

"Truck engine" typically means dished pistons, large chamber/small valve/small port heads. Performance with your TPI parts would probably be no better than your current 305.

I would suggest a rebuild with flat-top pistons, L98 or your stated aftermarket heads. You'll want a computer-compatible cam, look in Summit for the Crane flat-tappet CC cams. I couldn't be happier with mine (smooth idle, great power, no trouble codes).

I'm not sure if the truck would have used the large or small flexplate. If it's the large one (168 tooth), you'll need to get a 153 tooth because your '91 flexplate won't fit. Just get one for '82-'85 V8 auto 3rd gen application.

Look for scuffing of the cylinder walls with regard to the blown head gasket damage. Also make sure the deck is flat.

 

Would I be able to use the heads off my 305, and if so would they be better. I'm trying to avoid any head work if possible because as soon as I get a chance the heads will be replaced with some aftermarket ones.

 

Findout if the motor has dished pistons first.

 

I would at least enlarge the valves and upgrade the valve springs on the 305 heads. They're going to bump the compression up a bit but that's cool with me. Don't know about you.

 

Ported 305 heads with 1.94" intake valves on a dished-piston 350 isn't a bad combo at all.

 

Ok, now the hamster wheel is starting to gain speed. I think it is about time to pull this 350 out and start to see what we are dealing with internally. I need to call my uncle and see if he remembers what he had to do to the thing when it was rebuilt. I know he put in a new crank, I just need to find out what kind it was.