I'm thinking of having my engine rebuilt but my father told me that some places could rebuild my engine and replace parts and machine my current ones or something to increase performance, he said they would stick a mild cam in and another components so its not stock, like they take it from gm stock to the next level.. i was a bit confused, because i thought when i have my engine rebuilt that its just being remade to stock specs but i guess it could be redone and performed.. anyone done this? i just want more information and how much they could do and if its worth it? the engine has 55k on it, just want it rebuilt, but if i could get more done to it for better performance that would be great, just want to know the options really. looking to stick with medium octane nothing high in the 90's just those 80's which is i think medium right now at about 2.00 almost where i live, and looking for as much performance but trying to keep or get better gas mileage. I currently run a 305 tbi which i know could get great power out of.

regards,
Timinsk

 

55k is not very high mileage. Is there a mechanical problem that requires a rebuild?

 

Well A typical rebuild consists of just getting things back up to 100% functionality. For example they might punch out the cylinders to bring the compression back to where it should be or re grind the crank to make it round again so basically its to make a motor like new again not so much back to original spec per say. Now machine shops have no problem putting in new high performance parts during the rebuild. They might effect the warrenty they offer youll have to check but they can do anything you want. The catch is once you start changing things drastically the computer may not be able to compensate for it. So if anything ide stick to a small cam maby have the heads milled for alittle more compression. Punch it out 60 over (although that will also put the cylinders at there max meaning no more rebuilds without sleeves). Maby have some head work done. A performance intake manifold maybe. Thats really about it. However heres the other catch you can get a GM 350 crate motor brand new for around $1500. At the price of some rebuilds with performance work done it might be the same price or worth while for a few extra bucks to just get a new 350 that will have a bit better performance and potential for even more power. Also at 55k i wouldnt rebuild it unless there was a mechanical problem. Ya know what they say dont fix whats not broken because things cannot get better only worse (and they usually do).

 

ah ok, ill see what happens, because its a debate im thinking i might be able to pull the engine to me a bit mild up from stock thats all never stage really.

my bad the engine has 130k lol

 

That's still in the "ain't broke, don't fix it" category. Do you have headers yet? If not, that's what needs fixin'.

 

my 305 is ready to click over 212k, still runs strong.
if you want to know the engines condition, look at the oil pressure for bearing life.
do a compression check to see how the ring are sealing
do a vaccume check to see how the valves are doing

take that info and proceed, check or replace the standard stuff lik timing chain,balancer,oil pump, and what ever else is showing wear.

power comes from a balanced package. get a plan and you can even move forward in steps.

c/r,cam,heads,intake,induction, are where i would look to get the best bang for th buck if the short block is in good shape.

 

I wouldnt bore an engine any farther than needed to true the cylinder walls, otherwise you are wasting structural integrity. I would say that if a good running engine is the most important the cheap GM goodwrench replacement work van engine you posted isnt a bad choice. However, its the last place to start a performance engine. Poor piston choice, cheap everything inside the shortblock. The heads are worthless for anything resembling performance. You are basically buying a shortblock, if you are wanting it for a performance base.