i was in the process of building a vortec from the short block up, but then I went to the Junkyard yesterday, and therewas a 350 vortec from a truck just sitting there on a stand, waiting to be sold for 600...It looked like it is in good shape...I am planning on running a carbed setup, do you think with the right combo cam, intake, and carb...along wiht some head work will I be able to get around 400hp with it? Also, are most of these blocks 2 or 4 bolt?

 

First question: is it really a "Vortec"? Check the head casting numbers; if they're not 062 or 906, it's not a "Vortec" engine. People are putting the buzzword on everything they've got; I'm even seeing "Vortec" rockers on ebay, getting bid up to ridiculous prices, and they're nothing but the same stamped sheet metal rubbery crap as anything else. I've also seen swirl-port TBI heads advertised as "early Vortec"; nothing could be further from the truth, but that doesn't stop people from claiming it. So be absolutely certain that it really is what's being claimed.

Second: that's WAY too much money for just a rebuildable core, unless it's guaranteed as a good, running motor. The block is a very ordinary 350 block. The heads are the only thing that's "Vortec", that you'd want (you sure don't want that CPI injection thing they come with). Whenever the buzzword gets applied to something, it automatically jacks up the price, because they're looking for the "stupid money" that chases buzzwords to come out after it. So use caution, and don't be that "stupid money" yourself.

 

Is it really worth it to use the FI from the engine? I would think that it would bealot of hassle to try to use the FI, with the computer and everything...Do yuo really think it is too much for a complete engine?

 

That FI sucks. You don't want it.

If it's a good, guaranteed to run, warranteed engine, not just a rebuildable core, then it's an OK price. As a rebuildable core, or a parts source for modding another engine, or anything other than a warranteed, guaranteed, ready to run, drop in and go replacement for a 96-up truck, it's too much IMO.

 

im gunna be runnin a 355 vortec .. it was out of a truck being built up now.. i still am not sure what set up to run except i kno im goin carbed so were in the same boat