But which 350 to build
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 464
Likes: 1
From: Austell Georgia
But which 350 to build
Want to start a 350 build for the 78. This will be the wifes car so reliability is even more than gobs of power. I'm partial to having a roller block with lifters and cam. Here's where I get confused
Vortec: Can I get any 96 or later 350 and add my accesories? I am currently running vortec head and intake (carb) on the car.
Do I go back to what I know? Old school iron block, heads hydraulic etc?
I guess which accessories bolt to which blocks are causing my confusion. My chevy truck (03) had 250000 and haden't even needed plugs yet.
I'd like to keep the heads I have now, vortec 062?, if I can. ANd yes, money is always tight.......but my carb is with Lars as we speak
Vortec: Can I get any 96 or later 350 and add my accesories? I am currently running vortec head and intake (carb) on the car.
Do I go back to what I know? Old school iron block, heads hydraulic etc?
I guess which accessories bolt to which blocks are causing my confusion. My chevy truck (03) had 250000 and haden't even needed plugs yet.
I'd like to keep the heads I have now, vortec 062?, if I can. ANd yes, money is always tight.......but my carb is with Lars as we speak
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,524
Likes: 61
From: Medina Ohio
The roller block provision started in 86 or so, not 96. Some will accept a mechanical fuel pump, and some will not. Yes, accessories will be fine.
Actually, just found this for you;
"Hydraulic roller valve trains were used beginning in 1986. During this period, there were both roller and flat tappet (non roller) equipped engines available.
Some blocks came completely machined for a mechanical fuel pump. Others have either partial or no machining of the block to use a mechanical F/P.
It has been said that most or all of the c/n 638 blocks are ready to use a mechanical pump. In EFI applications, these engines will have a block off plate covering the mechanical pump area. Casting number 880 blocks have been seen both with and without mechanical pump provisions, and casting number 148 is mostly without the mechanical pump provision.
Blocks with a 4" nominal bore diameter (as used on the 350/5.7L SBC engines) that are equipped to use the factory hydraulic roller valve train, are casting numbers:
10243880 (common casting number of a 5.7L Vortec engine)
14011148
14088526
14093638"
I picked up a 638 4 bolt main block for $60.
Actually, just found this for you;
"Hydraulic roller valve trains were used beginning in 1986. During this period, there were both roller and flat tappet (non roller) equipped engines available.
Some blocks came completely machined for a mechanical fuel pump. Others have either partial or no machining of the block to use a mechanical F/P.
It has been said that most or all of the c/n 638 blocks are ready to use a mechanical pump. In EFI applications, these engines will have a block off plate covering the mechanical pump area. Casting number 880 blocks have been seen both with and without mechanical pump provisions, and casting number 148 is mostly without the mechanical pump provision.
Blocks with a 4" nominal bore diameter (as used on the 350/5.7L SBC engines) that are equipped to use the factory hydraulic roller valve train, are casting numbers:
10243880 (common casting number of a 5.7L Vortec engine)
14011148
14088526
14093638"
I picked up a 638 4 bolt main block for $60.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 464
Likes: 1
From: Austell Georgia
Ibanez
Good info. I was looking 96 and up since there are so many of the truck/suv engines and wanted to get one with the roller cam/lifters already in place. Seems the 638 is the way to go. Thanks
Good info. I was looking 96 and up since there are so many of the truck/suv engines and wanted to get one with the roller cam/lifters already in place. Seems the 638 is the way to go. Thanks
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Look for a 1987 to 92 Chevy/GMC truck that is wrecked and less than 200,000 miles. They are generally rebuildable with little wear, your vortec heads will bolt right on and it will come with the lifters and spyder. Basic bottom end refresh, new cam, your heads and intake. That said You can get an all new GM engine with Vortec heads here: http://gmpowertrainwarehouse.com/12530283.asp
All it needs is your intake and carb, new flex plate, an electric fuel pump with regulator, and a cam upgrade. Cheaper than a core block and bare bones rebuild and it is all new GM.
All it needs is your intake and carb, new flex plate, an electric fuel pump with regulator, and a cam upgrade. Cheaper than a core block and bare bones rebuild and it is all new GM.
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
And with the right cam swap this can probably easily make over 350 FWHP for under $2500 since he has the intake and Lars built carb. Sell the vortecs you got to help with the cost. There is always someone on here looking for a good set. Can't do a rebuild for what this cost.
Last edited by 63mako; Mar 7, 2014 at 11:26 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,363
Likes: 32
From: Bowtie, Pennsyltucky
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15,'21
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