Need some info about an old engine
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,503
Likes: 33
From: McGrady NC
St. Jude Donor '15-'16
Need some info about an old engine
A fellow just offered me a 1971 Chevy 350 with 68K original miles. Said he took it out of a big truck (one ton or larger) of his that was recently wrecked. He also says it has double hump heads. The price is very right if it's what I need to build for my '80 ($500). I won't see this motor for another week and I need a little info. In all probability, will it be four bolt mains and a steel crank? The heads were added sometime in the past so I know they aren't original and he can't tell me from memory if they are late model with the mounting holes on the ends. He said it runs great with no issues. Thoughts?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,557
Likes: 9
From: Oquirrh Mountains
St. Jude Donor '09
If it came out of a truck, it might be true. you're right. It certainly didn't come with the "camelback" heads originally. They were a good head - 35 years ago. I also think $500 is a bit steep. You can buy a 454 core for that price.
If you decide to go for it, definitely make it contingent upon tear down and inspection of the engine. I've seen a few 'runs great' specials with broken cranks and ruined blocks.
If you decide to go for it, definitely make it contingent upon tear down and inspection of the engine. I've seen a few 'runs great' specials with broken cranks and ruined blocks.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,503
Likes: 33
From: McGrady NC
St. Jude Donor '15-'16
I feel that a freshening is in order. Block and head tanking and then anything new that it needs. If it's actually as represented, I may build it back as an updated L-82. In this area, used small blocks are at a premium (even cores) so the price is very right. I even checked junkyards (and the teletype system) and local small garages and couldn't find a good one to buy or build that wasn't outrageous. When all is said and done I'll still have less in it than a commercially-built engine. I will store my original numbers matching but very damaged L-48 engine for later.
I want the car to look stock so I'll keep the original intake\carb\air cleaner as well as cast manifolds although I'm looking for L-82 stuff to help it out as much as possible. I'll even paint it blue even though I really like good old Chevy orange. The previous owner already changed out the rear end for an earlier HD unit as well as upgrading the transmission and rebuilding the entire factory Gymkhana suspension and brake system. I'm ready to get my baby back on the road!
I traded an old Miata even for the car so I think I did OK on the deal. I've always wanted a Corvette. Now I have one.
I want the car to look stock so I'll keep the original intake\carb\air cleaner as well as cast manifolds although I'm looking for L-82 stuff to help it out as much as possible. I'll even paint it blue even though I really like good old Chevy orange. The previous owner already changed out the rear end for an earlier HD unit as well as upgrading the transmission and rebuilding the entire factory Gymkhana suspension and brake system. I'm ready to get my baby back on the road!
I traded an old Miata even for the car so I think I did OK on the deal. I've always wanted a Corvette. Now I have one.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
The suffix code stamped on the pad on the block at the front of the right head will identify the specific engine. It will also list the date the engine was assembed and in which engine plant.
