I was almost given a 78 engine, but was able to get a 93 and rebuild it instead.

Now what the heck could be so much better or whatever on an 81 and newer engine that a rebuild kit cost so much more for?

If you go to northern auto, you can get an entire master kit with EVERYTHING for $190. Of course that's all stock stuff, but my rebuild was more of a re-ring type rebuild and it cost more than the entire pre 81 kits.

Why so much more for engine parts on 81 and newer 350's? What is so different? They didn't start using one piece rear seals until 86, but yet the $190 master kit is for pre 81 engines, so what about 81-85 350s?

Does anyone have an answer? I was told I could have used my original 89 LO3 heads on the 78 engine with no problem, so what gives?

 

The rebuild kits listed on Norther are to rebuild back to stock specs. Around 1980 there were a few changes to the SBC line up. I think the biggest was the dipstick moved from one side of the block to the other. The front seal at the timming cover/oil pan may have changed around then too. The good news is that you can use most (if not all) the parts from a pre 80 block in an 81-85 block. You should be able to use their (Notherns) master kit for the older block without much problem.

As for the heads. It depends on what pistions you plan on using and your desired compression ratio. Add in any block modifications (decking), head re-surfacing and gasket thickness when figuring everything out. I'm sure if you search around this site you can find the answers to your question.

 

Maybe the price is lower because there aren't too many pre-1980 engines around anymore, and those that have them usually go to Summit etc. to get stuff anyway, and Northern lowered it's price to try and get rid of that non-selling stock laying around? I mean let's face it, I would have never thought of looking towards Northern Tools for a rebuild kit on anything except maybe a lawn mower.

 

This isn't Northern Tools, but rather Northern Auto. I bought from them once, but it's been awhile.

http://www.northernautoparts.com/

This kit has everything and depresses me because of how much more I paid for half the stuff there.

 

O I C - sorry

 

It's still depressing.

The person who told me my LO3 heads would work with the 1978 - 350 is from this site. The heads are now on the 1993 - 350 because the 93 had one that was cracked. That sucked, but it seems fine on 87 octane.

I have no idea if the valve seals in the 78 kit would have worked on the 89 heads.

There is a problem now after it's first start or it sits awhile. Misses like hell with an extremely strong smell of gas for a few minutes. I noticed the injectors are spitting a little gas out on the sides and seem to be putting out more than usual. Going to ask for advice in a new thread.

Dang, I'm a thread *****! lol I'll search around first.

They were flushed this past summer with a new regulator diaphragm installed and it ran excellent for awhile, so I don't know what's going on.

Was thinking about carb cleaner and a toothbrush for the bottom of them.