Hey everyone, my '87 350 TPI has been giving me alot of problems ever since I bought it and Id figured I'd come here for opinions on what to do, as you can see I'm fairly new to the forums and currently building my knowledge base when it comes to autos.

Anyway, I'm sick of chasing down individual engine problems and based on mechanic advice I'd figure the best thing to do is either a rebuild or a 350 replacement, I've heard conflicting opinions on which is preferable, can anyone give me a general idea of what each would cost? I can provide any information needed.

 

I did the engine in mine last summer to preserve the original block. The total bill with .030 forged pistons came to $1500 and I reused my camshaft. Machinist just polished the cam for me. This was for all the machine work, complete valve job on heads and a master engine kit.

 

I agree, just rebuild it if its going south, its cheaper. BUT does it smoke? use oil? have you done a compression test? does it knock and rattle? what leads you to believe you need another engine?

 

An L31 (new, vortec head 350) is $2200 to your door from Summit or Jegs. The main downside is needing a new intake to match the heads. The Vortec TPI is $400, but you might find one cheaper in the classifieds. You could switch to an HSR for a few more dollars, but get an intake with higher RPM / higher HP potential. Or a carb style intake (search on Proform? and/or Hurricane) keeping the port injectors and adding appropriate fuel rails and FPR.

I am heading down this path. Add LT4 HOT cam ($230), machining valve guides (more lift) and for screw-in studs ($200), LS1/3/6 beehive springs ($60) and Comp 787 retainers ($30?). I am hoping for 300 to 350 HP at the wheels.

You can sell your old engine to offset the cost of new.