I want to build/rebuild a 350 for my bird. What are the groups thoughts on pulling an engine from a junkyard car? I realize the risk as far as cracked blocks and such. Do you think it would be cheaper to get it from a yard and have it machined? Would I be better off buying a "build ready" block somewhere? If the junkyard is the way to go, does anyone know of specific cars I should be looking for? I will not be using the ecm so that should open up my options. I apologize if all this has been covered. If it has I can't seem to find it.

Your best option is to find a roller block 350. The easiest way is a 87+ 350 from a 3rd gen or Vette or get a 96-2000 350 from a pickup truck. These all have the roller cams and the truck engine would have the vortec heads if you were not planning on getting aftermarket heads. The truck engine stock has alot going for it. Good rods, good factory heads, good compression ratio and a fair roller cam. The factory cam is just one step below the 4th gen LT1 cam very similar to the Roadmaster LT1 cams.
That isn't a bad starting point.

That is exactly the information I was looking for. Thanks!

To find one look on Craig's List and also check salvage yards. Craigs List may be cheaper in cases but a salvage yard should have some sort of warranty so if you are rebuilding it I would talk to them about there warrantyfirst and plan on disassembly right away. Check heads etc for cracks .
I have also stumbled on deals by stopping and asking if I see an appropriate badly wrecked vehicle sitting. I have heard more 'I was going to fix it one of these days' (heard as "I am not going to fix it but I won't sell it either') than I can count but you never know.

Great information as I'm in the process of doing the same thing. Didn't know that year truck motors would work, thanks.

I am looking for one myself, which is why I have learned what I have, but it is temporarily on hold. I was informed a couple days ago the company I work for is closing.

I am really sorry to hear that

I was informed personally from the owner. She has said that she doesn't want me left hanging so that says something. Also said do not lose a job trying to give her a notice. That says something for her. I have feelers out now.

This all really depends on what junkyards want to charge you for the motors.

Will the vortech heads work with the stock TPI intake or would I have to make modifications?

Also, will the Vortech cam play well with the stock 5.7 ECM or will some tuning need to be done?

91phoenix-Sorry to hear that! I guess it's best you were informed rather than you go in one day and they tell you they are closing that same day. Happened to my fiance. Luckily she picked up another job fairly quickly. It's a cold world.

You'll need to buy a vortec style tpi intake

You have to get a vortec specific intake. The car should run with the stock ECM, but you will need a tune more than likely.

That's why you all should a doctor. Self employed, always business

Yeah I noticed that. They aren't really on the cheap side either.

Maybe someone can give me some insight, and I don't mean to thread jack. My 87 350 TPI has a rod knock. If I rebuild, I want to keep it all stock. Or should I look for another engine?

A pull it yard has one and they "claim" it ran fine, no knocks or leaks, etc. For $500 with a 30-day warranty. I'm not crazy about it since I can't her it run. It's complete with no front pulleys, no distributor or starter. Just block, internals, heads and intake.

Or should I just do a refresh on my engine?

Others run the LT1 cam without a tune and have good results but I would definitely reccomend a tune with the LT4 Hotcam. A tune should help some with the LT1 cam though it doesn't seem to be absolutely necessary.

a note if you use the smaller f body flywheel the vortec block will have to be drilled and tapped for the smaller flywheel starter,, dont ask me how I know,..lol

Weird...Both of mine have both patterns.

yea I didnt even pay any attention to mine until I got it in the car and went to install the starter..lol I was pissed. I just now seen this was from 2012 so I guess he got it figured out..lol

I just bolted the starter up to my l31 build the other day without having to drill and tap a bolt hole. I have a 153 tooth flexplate which is the "smaller" of the two.

Usually new build threads get 2 posts deep and the OP is never heard from again. Props to you for actually putting in effort to bring this thing back to life. She may drive like garbage but at least it drives!

I am on LOTS of car forums and many threADS END W/ THE op DISAPEARING. bad on diagnostic threads, wher no conclusion equals a total loss of data, for other's use. Even if it's "I gave up and traded it in on a toyota".Post it!