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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Fall River California
Posts: 2,026
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are all 350 blocks the same?
I'm getting ready to buy a 350 crate engine and want to make sure I don't get something that won't bolt up to my th350. Are all 350 blocks the same? Do any have different bolt patterns? Anything else I need to know before ordering? I'm replacing the 350 in my truck, have no idea if it's the original engine, it does have newer exhaust manifolds so it may have been changed.
Thanks!
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Fall River California
Posts: 2,026
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Re: are all 350 blocks the same?
Looking at this one, http://m.summitracing.com/parts/nal-12499529
Or this one, http://m.summitracing.com/parts/nal-12530283 Would one of these be good? Would one be better than the other? It's going in my 72 GMC 4X4 with th350. Thanks for any suggestions or ideas on other engines! I need to keep the price under $2500 delivered. Thanks!
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#3 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Glendale, Arizna
Posts: 1,642
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Re: are all 350 blocks the same?
Quote:
Good news is you can use a later model serpentine belt system 87-95 from the junk yard and it will fit as opposed to the gen 1 engine needs a special expensive GM R side bracket or a drilled hole in the head. The serpentine kits in the GM performance parts catalog have that special bracket. If you don't mind using an electric fuel pump, new flexplate, new dist gear, t-stat bypass hose and new intake manifold, and can deal with the accessory bolt pattern, I'd use the L31, it's a stump puller and won't leak oil. The 290HP will have less torque but more high RPM HP. IMO, it's over-cammed for it's compression ratio and has the old 2pc rear seal and rough valve cover gasket surfaces. They tend to leak a little oil, if that's an issue with you. But it's a cheaper install and all the parts you have now will fit. Kinda depends on what gearing you have for the 290HP and if your budget will allow the L31. |
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#4 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Fall River California
Posts: 2,026
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Re: are all 350 blocks the same?
I'm also wondering what break in oil to buy, apparently these engines don't come with it, any recommendations on break in oil? I've pulled and installed several engines in my time but never a new one so I'm virtuous to all things new engine! Any other things I need to know before ordering? I'm going to use my stock intake, carb and exhaust manifolds and will buy a new water pump. I just want to make sure I have everything on hand, my son inlaw is coming up for the weekend to help me pull the old and install the new, parts store will be closed so I don't want to forget anything! Thanks for any suggestions!
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#5 |
US Army Veteran
![]() Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Central Texas
Posts: 1,049
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Re: are all 350 blocks the same?
Both of those blocks are very common for replacements in our older trucks. I have the same block, but in the 260 hp version. GM crate motor.
For engine break-in, I've only used Rotella for the few motors I've broken in. This is what I found a lot of guys were using: http://www.blueprintengines.com/inde...tappet-engines Both should be available at your local auto parts store. Sounds like a fun weekend! Be sure to update us when you get her running!
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1972 C10 Highlander - The making of a daily driver |
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#6 |
Registered User
![]() Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Seagrove, NC
Posts: 50
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Re: are all 350 blocks the same?
For break in oil I have used regular 10w30 with Lucas break in additive and also Joe Gibbs break in oil 10w30 with no problems. Both on flat tappet cams.
Make sure you break in your flat tappet cam properly if that's what you will be using. |
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#7 |
Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Neskowin OR
Posts: 1,153
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Re: are all 350 blocks the same?
I got the 260hp version too and yea, they don't even supply a break in procedure in the paperwork. Also they don't mention you need the oil filter adapter to put a spin on filter, had to grab the Mr Gasket version. Make sure and clean out the paint from the back of the crank before you seat the torque converter, the paint makes the pilot on the converter to fit... ask me how I know! Just had to crack the engine / trans apart 1/4" to spin the converter to line up with the bolts, wouldn't spin before I did that.
They also don't include the fuel pump plate. I've heard no complaints about these engines though, just the lack of documentation. Any of these will be a direct bolt on to your TH350, they all have the same bellhousing pattern. |
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#8 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: canton ga
Posts: 12,728
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Re: are all 350 blocks the same?
Check JEGS Online ,they usually have them for less ,I got my 260 HP from them delivered for $1207 ,may be a little more now , Im very happy with mine . I also have a 290HP one in my wife's Malibu convertible ,many miles on it .
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#9 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Godley, TX
Posts: 17,963
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Re: are all 350 blocks the same?
Concur with Flashed - if you want the 290 hp motor, wait for it to go on sale at JEGS if you can. It happens often (or, at least the 260 hp version does - but I THINK I've seen both versions on sale at different times).
If you want simplicity - go with the 290 hp version - it is as close to a direct replacement as you can get (but with a bit more power than stock...) and all the accessories are a simple bolt-on in the same places. The L31 has some differences that mechman outlined very well (thank you!). I think the one piece rear seal is a bonus feature on the L31, but I (personally) don't like center bolt valve covers (I know, it's a stupid pet peeve of mine ![]() |
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#10 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Godley, TX
Posts: 17,963
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Re: are all 350 blocks the same?
Also - keep in mind that the L3 has a $100 core charge... (290 hp motor doesn't) I am not fond of shipping long blocks around the country to save $100. So, if that makes a difference in your price comparison, just thought I'd throw that in.
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#11 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Fall River California
Posts: 2,026
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Re: are all 350 blocks the same?
I just ordered the 350/290 hp engine. They weren't going to ship it unless it was to be used in a pre 1966 vehicle or off road vehicle because of California laws, told them it's going in an off-road dune buggy! Didn't even have to pay sales tax!
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#12 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: May 2012
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Posts: 1,906
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Re: are all 350 blocks the same?
Well, for me that's just one more reason to get a local build, and maybe even do it myself now. None of their business to have documentation on what's under my hood. I met their smog requirement by buying a 1970. I don't look at mid 70s or later project vehicles to get around the smog checks. Now their putting the squeeze on a 290hp V8. What are you supposed to put in a truck. Maybe they think a EcoGreen Turbo 4 cylinder should do the job. It's a truck, it needs power, lots of power.
They just sold me on 383 (there you go Cali Greenie, I'll stroke you right back). That way I can get out of this state faster!!! more coffee........ I'm hyping out after I read that!....... |
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#13 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Glendale, Arizna
Posts: 1,642
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Re: are all 350 blocks the same?
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#14 | |
Moderator
![]() Join Date: May 2007
Location: Southern Cal
Posts: 20,005
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Re: are all 350 blocks the same?
Quote:
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1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man |
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#15 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Fall River California
Posts: 2,026
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Re: are all 350 blocks the same?
You guys have any suggestions on intake and exhaust gadgets? I don't want pull it apart again.
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#16 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Modesto, CA
Posts: 2,188
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Re: are all 350 blocks the same?
Congrats on your motor purchase! I have that same motor, but it was a bit older and I've had some work done to it. A good dual plane from most any manufacturer is what that engine was designed to use. It's not designed for any top end performance and starts to level off dramatically in higher RPM's. If you'd like some interesting reading for that particular motor (the only difference between the 260HP and the 290HP Crates is the camshaft), check this link out. It outlines everything done to these motors to squeeze the most HP/TQ out of it one step at a time. http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/463...-engine-build/
On another note, I don't know why they wouldn't ship unless it's for 66 and older, as our laws state 1974 and older don't have smog requirements. |
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#17 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Fall River California
Posts: 2,026
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Re: are all 350 blocks the same?
Quote:
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#18 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Glendale, Arizna
Posts: 1,642
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Re: are all 350 blocks the same?
Quote:
http://m.summitracing.com/parts/nal-12499529 2069.97$ http://www.summitracing.com/parts/na...7353/overview/ 1509.97$ For the price of the 290HP engine, you could get the Jegs 260HP bundle that comes with HEI, intake manifold, dampener, intake gaskets and still have room left over for 141.04$ worth of camshaft! And assuming the 260 has never been ran, you don't even need new lifters! And it would be within the budget to upgrade the timing chain as well. http://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet-Perf...06#moreDetails 1928.93$ http://www.summitracing.com/parts/su...make/chevrolet 71.92$ shipped, works with stock converter, IMO better than the cam in the 290HP for this compression level. Check out the reviews on people who have got this cam from summit and put it in a 260HP. Heck let's throw in a name brand double roller timing chain http://www.ebay.com/itm/Competition-...3b508b&vxp=mtr 28.99$ shipped Rubber with steel core fel-pro timing cover gasket http://www.summitracing.com/parts/fe...make/chevrolet 7.97$ Water pump gasket (X2, sold as single, .97$ each) 1.94$ http://www.summitracing.com/parts/fe...make/chevrolet That leaves 30.25$ for pan gasket. You could get a nice fel-pro 1pc gasket from summit somewhere between 20-30$ (not sure which one fits, they would know what fits the 260HP). And if between the cam and gaskets if you exceed 99.00$ you will get free shipping on everything. You could always bump it up over 99$ with some break-in oil or something else you need to buy anyway, like maybe clamps, etc. That's a lot more engine for the money of a 290HP. ![]() |
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#19 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Fall River California
Posts: 2,026
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Re: are all 350 blocks the same?
Quote:
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#20 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Glendale, Arizna
Posts: 1,642
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Re: are all 350 blocks the same?
Well, it just dawned on me after I read leftybass's post about the cam being the only difference, and you pulled the trigger on that 290 pretty fast like the next day. Have they shipped it yet? Maybe you could cancel.
I think you will be happy with the 290, however; it will be fun to drive. Hang in there speed. ![]() |
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#21 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Fall River California
Posts: 2,026
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Re: are all 350 blocks the same?
I'm going to the parts store to get all the stuff I need but don't want to forget anything.
So far I've thought of - new water pump, intake & exhaust gaskets, oil and filter but not sure which oil. New belts, permatex, new hoses, new motor mounts, I want to replace as many parts that wear now so I don't have to do it later! I just installed new plugs a few weeks ago, should I reuse those or get new plugs as well? What else might I need from the parts store? I'm sure I'm forgetting something.
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#22 | |
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![]() Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 627
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Re: are all 350 blocks the same?
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#23 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Modesto, CA
Posts: 2,188
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Re: are all 350 blocks the same?
I have the same engine and I didn't need an oil filter adapter to use the spin style.
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#24 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Glendale, Arizna
Posts: 1,642
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Re: are all 350 blocks the same?
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#25 | |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Chico, California
Posts: 941
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Re: are all 350 blocks the same?
Quote:
But I forgot to take it off before I put the old engine into the crate the new one came in. Took me almost an hour to uncrate, bolt the hooks back onto heads, hoist up into the air, get oil filter adapter, and crate old motor back up. ![]() |
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