[Mollard]

I have access to a 350 out of a 1990 full size chevy van. For free. I was thinking it would be good for a s10 or astro. Would it be worth my time and money? It has about 280 thousand km on it. What would be involved in the build up, I don't need anyting special, but I want it to be worth my time.

Think it's a 2 bolt or 4 bolt? Any pros or cons about this era of 350?

 

[poncho62]

If you get it, get the computer and associated wiring too.

Also, it will need a rebuild. They are a decent motor to start with, whether it's a 2 bolt or 4.

 

[Mollard]

I'll be sure to get all the wires and computer. But I planned on running a carb set up. What do you think a rebuild will cost, using mostly stock parts, I'm not looking for tonnes of hp outta this motor.

 

[Ghetto Jet]

You better snatch that motor up, it's a roller cam motor.

 

[Mollard]

Does anyone know what it would cost to do a mild build up on this. Maybe make it a 355? Pretty much just stock internals. I think I'm going to build it for my van when my 4.3 craps out.

Also, someone told me I could run some 305 heads to increase the compression ratio a bit. Is this true?

 

[MI2600]

You can buy cheap rebuild kits for the 350 for about $200. The cost rises when you get into the machine work, i.e. boring, rod reconditioning, balancing, head rebuild, etc. Just the basics there would probably be $500-$600.

I would snatch that engine, even if for resale because, as noted above, it's a roller cam engine. Although, like a '92 block I bought, it probably came with a flat tappet cam.

 

[Deuce]

You better snatch that motor up, it's a roller cam motor.

I had one (1990) and it was NOT a hydraulic roller motor. Plain old hydraulic lifter motor..........with a 1 piece rear seal.

FREE......is good............but boring the block, buying new pistons, rebuilding the heads, buying another camshaft and lifters, timing chain, oil pump and gasket set can very easily exceed $1000. Add the cost of another intake, carb and distributor ( the computer one will not function correctly with the carb ) can get expensive.

 

[Mollard]

Yeah, it's out of my buddies van that he is just tossing out, so we will deffinalty keep the engine, just a case of beer and a weekend of two and we'll have her out.

Does anyone have an answer about the 305 heads? and what about a 355? You just bore if 30 over or something.

 

[Ghetto Jet]

I had one (1990) and it was NOT a hydraulic roller motor. Plain old hydraulic lifter motor..........with a 1 piece rear seal.

FREE......is good............but boring the block, buying new pistons, rebuilding the heads, buying another camshaft and lifters, timing chain, oil pump and gasket set can very easily exceed $1000. Add the cost of another intake, carb and distributor ( the computer one will not function correctly with the carb ) can get expensive.

hmm, I was under the impression that chevy went to roller cams in 87?

 

[Mollard]

Alright, I did some reading one the 305/350 question and now know it's good for low end torque. The heaviest vehicle this will be going in is a '90 astro, so I'll probably just stick with some 350 heads. I will be doing the top end myself, but will be getting all the lower end machined and assembled at a shop.
Should I just stick to stock specs? Or what should I do, I dont want to dump tonnes of money into it, my just get it bored to make it fresh (some new pistons obviiously). When building the 355, wha other internals do I need, of just stick with new "stock" parts?