Block question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
From: Crystal Lake IL
Block question
I'm thinking of starting an engine build...unfortunately cash for the project seems to come and go...and if I save up, the wife will spend it.
I was thinking of just buying parts as I go along, which would mean starting with a block and getting it machined.
Is it worth it to buy a used block locally? I did a quick search on craigslist and found several 70's 350 blocks in my area. All claimed to be out of running cars with prices ranging from $75-200. The best looking deal was $100 for 76 Malibu block, 4-bolt main that was pulled from a stock setup and parted out.
Or am I really just better off trying to buy a new or reconditioned block from a reputable vendor? For those that will suggest going crate, I considered it, but I feel like I'll enjoy building my own (I've been reading 1000's of pages on the subject lately...might as well put it to use)...and the engine in my '81 is still running strong, so if it take all year to build it, I'm not missing out on anything.
I was thinking of just buying parts as I go along, which would mean starting with a block and getting it machined.
Is it worth it to buy a used block locally? I did a quick search on craigslist and found several 70's 350 blocks in my area. All claimed to be out of running cars with prices ranging from $75-200. The best looking deal was $100 for 76 Malibu block, 4-bolt main that was pulled from a stock setup and parted out.
Or am I really just better off trying to buy a new or reconditioned block from a reputable vendor? For those that will suggest going crate, I considered it, but I feel like I'll enjoy building my own (I've been reading 1000's of pages on the subject lately...might as well put it to use)...and the engine in my '81 is still running strong, so if it take all year to build it, I'm not missing out on anything.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,883
Likes: 124
From: Lubbock TX
Scoggin-Dickey in Lubbock has a couple 350 short blocks - 4-bolt mains, late model for hydraulic roller, etc. $799 apiece, I don't think you can build that for that price. These are brand new, not rebuilt.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,057
Likes: 4
From: Concord Calif
I'm thinking of starting an engine build...unfortunately cash for the project seems to come and go...and if I save up, the wife will spend it.
I was thinking of just buying parts as I go along, which would mean starting with a block and getting it machined.
Is it worth it to buy a used block locally? I did a quick search on craigslist and found several 70's 350 blocks in my area. All claimed to be out of running cars with prices ranging from $75-200. The best looking deal was $100 for 76 Malibu block, 4-bolt main that was pulled from a stock setup and parted out.
Or am I really just better off trying to buy a new or reconditioned block from a reputable vendor? For those that will suggest going crate, I considered it, but I feel like I'll enjoy building my own (I've been reading 1000's of pages on the subject lately...might as well put it to use)...and the engine in my '81 is still running strong, so if it take all year to build it, I'm not missing out on anything.
I was thinking of just buying parts as I go along, which would mean starting with a block and getting it machined.
Is it worth it to buy a used block locally? I did a quick search on craigslist and found several 70's 350 blocks in my area. All claimed to be out of running cars with prices ranging from $75-200. The best looking deal was $100 for 76 Malibu block, 4-bolt main that was pulled from a stock setup and parted out.
Or am I really just better off trying to buy a new or reconditioned block from a reputable vendor? For those that will suggest going crate, I considered it, but I feel like I'll enjoy building my own (I've been reading 1000's of pages on the subject lately...might as well put it to use)...and the engine in my '81 is still running strong, so if it take all year to build it, I'm not missing out on anything.
There will be a bunch of opions on this, but I would frist decide how big of an engine you want, that will make the frist requierment for a block.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
From: Crystal Lake IL
Was thinking of a 383...that's probably the biggest I would go. I don't want to go insane here, I just want something with a little more umph than my stock 190HP with 110,000 miles on it.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,445
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
I would buy a 350 4 bolt for $100 if the cylinder walls did not have an excessive upper ring ridge or cylinder wall damage. Then save up and get a stroker rotating kit.....................................
Then all of the sudden you have a 500 hp 383 - 396 ci small block. I keep my complete spare motor in a box. So if mine blows I'm only down a matter of man hours
Then all of the sudden you have a 500 hp 383 - 396 ci small block. I keep my complete spare motor in a box. So if mine blows I'm only down a matter of man hours
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
Likes: 39
From: Fremont CA
Since you probably are not an expert in looking for core shift problems, cracked cylinder walls, bad thrust surfaces, and more, I think you should talk to the local machine shop. My buddy will sell you a late model 350 roller core for between $250-325 depending on his inventory. If the machine shop sells it to you, they will guarantee the soundness of the block. You could also talk with a machinist about inspecting motors you intend to use BEFORE you purchase them. You decision, I don't think much of crate motors myself so I tend to look for good cores when I need them but, my first motor build was done in 1976 and I pretty much know what to look out for when buying a core.
