new engine for my 79
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 807
Likes: 2
From: VIRGINIA BEACH VIRGINIA
new engine for my 79
Thinking of buying an engine off craigslist and rebuilding it this summer and then putting in my 79 this winter. Just trying to go the semi cheap route, get alittle more hp than the current stock 350 and learning as I go along. I have never done this before so I do not want to experiment on my engine that I have in my car plus I want to drive it this summer. I would prefer something that will fit right into the current set up and the 350 transmission. I am not a welder so I won't really be able to change much. I don't want to spend thousands of dollars on it and I am not worried about numbers matching.. The current engine is not numbers matching. 350/383/454???
Any ideas.
Any ideas.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 228
Likes: 1
From: Warwick New York
Just about any 350 before 87 will fit. I would find a machine shop in your area that has a good rep and get some help from them. any used motor could have its problems but since there so cheep you can get some bad parts and still not spend too much. I would look for a 350 for mid sixtys all the way through the 70s before 1971 they come with high compression. You will probably replace the pistons any way so you can fix the compression on just about any motor. Shoot for a set of 2.02 valve heads but they are not easy to find. the average head out there is 1.94 intake and they are not bad but need to be check for cracks around the valves. Good luck with a good machine shop on your side it is not that hard.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,557
Likes: 9
From: Oquirrh Mountains
St. Jude Donor '09
In that case, get a 400 small block for it. Decent cubic inches without all the $$$ of converting to a Big block. Pulleys and brackets alone will run $1000 for bb corvettes.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 387
Likes: 2
Well, how about something like this:
350 GM Goodwrench Engine Kit, Stage 1 - $2275.85
GM Goodwrench 350 Crate Engine Specifications:
* 249 HP @ 5,000 RPM
* 304 Ft/Lbs @ 3,500 RPM
* 8.50 to 1 Compression Ratio
* 4 Bolt, 2 Piece Rear Seal, 4.000 Bore Block
* Cast Nodular 3.480 Stroke Crankshaft
* Cast Iron Heads, 76cc
* 1.940 / 1.500 Valves
* 0.390 / 0.410 lift, Hydraulic Camshaft
* 195 / 202 Duration @ 0.050 Lift
Stage 1 Kit includes:
* Edelbrock Performer Intake (Non-EGR style intake)
* Edelbrock 600cfm Carb with Electric Choke
* GM Intake Gaskets
* ARP Intake Bolts
* Chrome Bowtie Valve Covers, Wing Nuts, and Dipstick
* New MSD Street Fire HEI Distributor
* 350 Goodwrench Engine #10067353
350 GM Goodwrench Engine Kit, Stage 1 - $2275.85
GM Goodwrench 350 Crate Engine Specifications:
* 249 HP @ 5,000 RPM
* 304 Ft/Lbs @ 3,500 RPM
* 8.50 to 1 Compression Ratio
* 4 Bolt, 2 Piece Rear Seal, 4.000 Bore Block
* Cast Nodular 3.480 Stroke Crankshaft
* Cast Iron Heads, 76cc
* 1.940 / 1.500 Valves
* 0.390 / 0.410 lift, Hydraulic Camshaft
* 195 / 202 Duration @ 0.050 Lift
Stage 1 Kit includes:
* Edelbrock Performer Intake (Non-EGR style intake)
* Edelbrock 600cfm Carb with Electric Choke
* GM Intake Gaskets
* ARP Intake Bolts
* Chrome Bowtie Valve Covers, Wing Nuts, and Dipstick
* New MSD Street Fire HEI Distributor
* 350 Goodwrench Engine #10067353
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 228
Likes: 1
From: Warwick New York
I would kick up the compression a bit some ware between 9.5 and 10 it would boost horsepower and still run on high test. I did the 400 route but I didn't go cheep mine cost around 5 to 6 grand.
If you go with cast iron heads you might want to stay with 9.5 or below compression so you don't have overheating problems.
If you go with cast iron heads you might want to stay with 9.5 or below compression so you don't have overheating problems.
Last edited by captl27; Mar 8, 2010 at 08:59 AM. Reason: Add some specs
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 807
Likes: 2
From: VIRGINIA BEACH VIRGINIA
Thanks all. I guess I will hit the books and start reading. The new crate sounds like what I want but it takes the fun out of learning about the engine and how to build one. I will keep listening to ideas. Thank you.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 228
Likes: 1
From: Warwick New York
I tell everybody that want to build a small block they should find Lingenfelders small block book and read it. Some guys say it old but it covers lot of basics and is understandable. Good luck with your Quest. May the force be with you!!
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