bought a chevy 350 engine the other day. the codes on it read according to this site

this one

that I have a 155 hp, 4 bolt main, and that It came out of a truck.

Does that sound right? I thought a 350 block would pump more HP out than that.

If I were to change the camshaft would that make a difference In horse power, or should I just replace the heads as well?

thanks in advance


- Firl

 

i believe you need to consider the entire package, starting with the short block and working outward.

 

That page just points at some generic stuff, doesn't tell what you've got.

If it's a 350, it's a 350. It really doesn't make much dofference what block it is as long as it doesn't have The Problem, wherein the starter bolt holes are drilled too far from the crank, or The Other Problem, wherein some of the lifter bores don't point straight at the crank. If it has either of those Problems, you have a giant paperweight.

Tear it down, throw away the pistons. Get the head casting numbers and post them, and / or look them up at www.mortec.com since the heads are the single most important thing about a core motor. The cam is trash if it's the stock one, most likely it's the 929 cam.

70s truck 350s were incredibly lame for the most part. That's why I always advise people to get rid of those heads. They typically are the ultimate garbage.

 

I would start from scratch basically. Do a full inspection and replace any internals that are not up to snuff. I don't know what you are looking for HP wise, but I assume you want some cause why else would you drive a 3rd Gen...

Look into some good heads, up the CR a bit, more cam, better intake, FI or Carbed. Good set of headers. Build the engine up as a system and you will have a better running engine and you will be more pleased with the results. Good luck

 

Is there anything I need to be looking for in heads? Would it be possible to do this, put the running motor in (since i miss having my T topped camaro off the road, it being summer and all), and buy heads, intake manifold, and a new cam while its inside and bolted in (I know there is room)?

Am I looking for anytype of heads, just ones that will fit a 350?

Would these be ok?

Main reason is I don't have the cash for all three right away.


should I or would it be possible to change the cam to a more racing style cam with the current intake and heads in, while the engine is outside of the car.

Or is it better to just wait until I can change all 3 at once.

Another question would be, if I change all 3 Would the core block be comprimised at all from not being rebuilt to me putting newer parts on?





thanks again

- Firl

 

Don't bother with those castings. There are a lot better designs available for about the same cost. Even the GM Vortec heads will perform better.

 

What should I be looking for in Heads so i don't end up buying the wrong thing?

 

If it's the stock 70s short block, the pistons will be dished. That limits the compression you can get with any given head. 64cc is the absolute max chamber volume you want to run on top of those.

This is one of those situations where a set of well-ported 305 heads with 1.94"/1.6" valves installed in them, either 416 (perimeter bolt) or 081 (center bolt) casting, might be used to advantage. 416s will bolt right on, using the existing intake. You can pick up the castings real cheap everywhere; they're on LG4 motors in Caprices, F-bodies, A & G bodies, etc. which are a dime a dozen in the junkyards.

Keep the cam kind of smallish. I'd suggest a Comp XE262.

 

it came out of a 1986 or 1985 suburban.
The whole reason I bought a new engine is my 305 seized on me, I do not believe the heads were damaged at all,would my 1987 305 heads Fit on their, and should I put them on the block instead of the current 350 heads? And If i put the heads on should I also keep the intake manifold from the 305 with the heads in the transfer to the 350?

If I were to get a Comp XE262 cam, and put the 305 heads and intake manifold, would that be increasing the HorsePower considerably? to possibly the 250 hp range? Cant imagine putting a bigger engine In and having less horspower lol.

Thanks again for your help.

p.s.
My friend pointed this out.

Can you find out the difference between the 305 engine and the 350? If it's only different stroke, your 305 heads may bolt right on.

thats why I suggest my 305 heads, until I can get a better set.



- Firl

 

The only difference is the bore, not the stoke. They use the same stroke (3.48").

The bore on a stock, unmolested 350 is 4".

The bore on a 305 is 3.735"

The only way to tell what you have is to measure the bores, or get the casting number. The casting number is better.