Looking around for a rebuildable block and want to know what year/model 350's will work on my 92 TPI setup.
thanks

 

Any (pref '87 + ) block.
Look for a 96 -00 Vortec truck block ;very common , has roller cam and 50% chance might be 4 bolt mains

 

Starting in 86 was the one piece rear main seal. Also 87+ center bolt heads so if you're going to do more than just a block you will need these heads to match the bolts of your intake. Vortec heads though have a totally different bolt patter with only four bolts on each end going straight down.

Vortec blocks also will not have the water pump bypass hole in them. Instead they used an extra tube in the water pump.

And 87+ car motors have roller cam.

 

really was looking for something as close to the stock 350 that came in the Trans AM in 92. Changing to a vortec will involve more than I want to do right now. Just want to know what will work with the TPI heads and intake

 

Your heads will bolt to an early block, you would just lose the one piece seal with pre 86. If you went to an early two piece then you would also need a flywheel/flexplate as they are different. Too early and the dipstick will be on the drivers side.
If you want to keep your factory roller cam then you will need to start at 87 and work you way up. The block if machined to bolt a thrust plate on for the factory roller. I did notice though that late 80's truck motors did not have roller cams. Must have just been a Camaro/Corvette/Firebird kind of thing

The heads will also bolt to a vortec block but as I stated there is no water pump bypass hole drilled in it.
I dont remember but the sealing surface for the timing cover may be different as well. Also the steel oil pan may not bolt to a block that had aluminum. I for sure ran into that when doing a 4.3 vortec swap.

 

You can use the 96-99 Vortec block with no problem. Just put your heads, cam and intake on it and have fun. No modding necessary. Not even for the water pump. I am using a 99 Vortec block myself and didnt have to do anything to it but bored it .040 over.

 

Absolutly agree, get the later vortec block, there are thousands of those available in good shape.

 

Found a 99 vortec from a suburban, the guys says it has new heads. To use the vortec heads with tpi I would have to get a special intake? Is it worth it? Should I just use my tpi heads and intake to keep it simple.
thanks for all your help.

 

The Vortec heads are good. In a magazine article reviewing the Scocgin Dikey (sp) TPI to Vortec intake manifold their dyno test showed a 30hp increase. That is not bad when you can buy a set of those heads new for around $600.
It would be a problem though if you do emissions testing as the Vortec heads don't have the crossover and the EGR function is done through a tube in the intake and exhaust manifold.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/GM...1820P/?rtype=7

This is a pump that fits a vortec. Look at the 360* view and will will see the pipes and no extra casting under the lower bolt for the water pump bypass. Some people don't pay attention to these details.
Yes, your pump will bolt to the block but if you live in a cold area and like to sit in a cold car longer then you don't need the bypass.

 

Picked up a used 350 block/heads today for $200. I'm taking it to be rebuilt in the morning. The block casting is # 10243880, not sure where to look on the heads. Guy said the motor was in a surbuban and blew the pass side head gasket.

 

Have to remove the valve cover.

 

Got that, went to check. # 10239906

 

Depends on your budget ;
run your current heads until you have $$ for Vortec intake or sell the Vortec heads and put $$$ towards a good set of regular heads to suit your current intake

Same here.
TFS heads straight on my Vortec block 383 and it has no problem getting warm.

 

Something to think about
If the engine needs a full rebuild ( a rebore /not just rings and bearings) then there is very little cost difference in building a 383.
Cost difference is even less if the stock crank needs grinding
Get a quote from the rebuilder ( with parts list ) on what he is going to do for what cost before laying $$$ down.
Post the numbers up here and we will see if we can do better

 

The 1 pce RMS truck blocks are machined for roller cams and have the spider pedestals in the valley same as the car blocks.
Up until '96 , they were just fitted with flat tappet cams from the factory