So I was at work yesterday when a truck came in (I'm in the Army and in Iraq) saying that it was running harsh and making a horrible noise. When we looked at it the water pump pulley had broken and rubbed against the pump itself. The engine is a TBI 350. Rather than try to get another engine we are retrofitting a 6.5 diesel into the truck because we have an extra lying around. I was told that I could have the old 350 along with two more 350 short blocks we have laying around. I was wondering if I cleaned this up and it proved to not have any issues with the block if this could be a good block to bore and stroke to a 383. Also if it is would it be better to just go carbed on this or just take the setup I've got for my 305 and put it on. I have a ported upper plenum, stock runners, Edelbrock lower intake. I was also considering AFR 180 heads but now I'm thinking L98 heads would be better. Oh yeah, and the engine is a 1990, the same as the engine in my Trans Am.

 

First of all, thank you for your service to our country . Those should be as good of a candidate to build a 383 as any, and have a good possibility of being 4-bolt main blocks. If your home state doesn't do inspections, go with a carb. If not, a HSR would be next. The 305 setup won't support a 383 (that's making good power). AFR's would be a great choice for a 383 but kinda pricey.
Just one question: Are you going to be able to get the 350's home?
I don't think that one or maybe 2 tops will fit in a duffle bag .

 

Oh no, they aren't going in a duffel bag, lol. We are going to clean them up and store them in some engine bags from summit. Then build some boxes to ship them home in our connex. I live in Kansas and we don't do inspections. I was thinking it would make it more fun to go with a good high rise intake or to go the HSR route and toss on a procharger with about 8psi or so.

 

Well, I took a vacation for a couple days and just got back. I looked at them again and they are 4 bolt mains. Now I'm kinda excited about getting these ready to drop in. A buddy of mine said he talked to some people in kansas that will bore them out and also make sure the deck is good for around 50 to 75 bucks.

 

Thanks for keeping AMERICA safe as we drive our 3rd gens!

 

A big Thank You for your service from an old Nam Vet.
Keep safe and enjoy working on your new project when you get home.