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New here and would like an opinion

976 views 12 replies 8 participants last post by  Novaman78 
#1 ·
Hello every one this is only my second post so you will have to hang in there with me. Ok... my name is Levi and im 17, i own a 1978 Chevy Nova with a inline 6. Right now im building a 305 with stock heds and stock bore the only thing not stock will be the cam, lifters, intake, carb. Im building this engine just to get it to run and to out the 6 and in with a V-8 then sell it and buy a 350. But before i get started on it I wanted to chek around and see if you guys have heard of hot tanking, or baking and rolling a bare block? I can have either one done around here buti wanted to get an opinion on which is best. Also what sze cam will give me a good lopeing idle.
 
#2 ·
The hot tanking is a real good cleaning method as for the others I suspect it's whats also called seasoning a block. Good for racing engines, a waste of time for the street. If your 305 is together and running now, the best thing would be to just use it as is and spend the performance money on the 350. Nothing against the 305 but you would be better of in the long run as the 350 makes a better performance engine.
 
#3 ·
No my engine is not running right now. I bought the motor for $50 and all it needed was a intake, carb and 2 pistons. I get all pulleys, flywheel, harmonic balancer and everything that is needed except intake, carb, and cam, lifters. I bought the 305 because i haven't found a decent 350 around here yet. Thanks for the info.
 
#4 ·
Welcome to Hotrodders.com

i'm not familiar with baking and rolling, but i know all about rolling and baking!!!:D

hot tank is all i've ever had done, and a jet wash once......

if it was me,stick with the 6 a little longer.... i'd save the money you'd spend on the 305 and put it into a 350. you'll be way happier with the results. you can find someone who wants a 305 for a replacement motor easily enough.....
 
#5 ·
Crazy larry when you had it hot tanked and when you had itjet washed which came out better the hot tanking? i havent found a 350 around here that is reasonably priced i found one guy who wanted $600 for a short block 2 bolt main 350 but thats about it.
 
#8 ·
the jet wash was done in like 90 seconds(crank shaft only)
i wouldn't jet wash a grimy block...... the hot tank was most likely a couple a days.....(real grimy) they both left some goo that needed a little persuasion, but i guess if i had my druthers, i'd hot tank. just make sure you pop all of the oil plugs and freeze plugs out. esp. the little oil galley plugs, as some machine shops won't take the time to.........

ask your machine shop what he gets for a good 350 core...... and crank....... just know which casting numbers to look for.... or not to look for........

note the use of varying (.)'s:D
 
#9 ·
Novaman....shop around for an engine. 350's are literally a dime a dozen. You just aren't looking in the right place. First place to start shopping is to drive around and scope out cars that have been sitting for quite awhile. Chances are that if it is Bowtie it has a 350. Usually cars like these can be picked up for around $100 and some will even give them away to get rid of them. Check out your local impound lot. Ask thru your local law enforcement how long these cars have been sitting and if you can purchase one for the impound fees or scrap fees. I bought a '85 Caddy awhile back for parts out of our local lot for $150 with no title. So it pays to shop around. Just a little suggestion.

Kevin
 
#11 ·
Baking is a new method of cleaning in which the block is heated until all the crud carburizes and turns to ash, from what I've seen it does a good job and leaves only a little residue after. A shot with the air hose and parts look like fresh cast.

Any method works fine just remember cleanliness is next to godliness.
 
#12 ·
Wow 4jaw!! I've never heard of baking before, that sounds like a really good idea! I've always done the tanking and wound up with a mess that you have to coat with oil asap or it'll rust.

Novaman78, the 4th gen nova is a severely underestimated car. I'm outfitting mine for road course duty. it's just a 6 popper auto for now, but I'm planning a 302/4sp build up for it. I've already had the front suspention rebuilt with poly bushings and it handles like a dream-you'd swear you were in a 3rd or 4th gen firebird instead of an old lady's 70's grocery getter.
 
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