What would you do?

[stilldreamin6772]

So other then an ls swap. What would you go with.....

[trac209]

Build my own Sbc or bbc.

[clay68c10]

L31 crate or build a core L31 to my own spec

[Easttennceeten]

Build you own. There's a ton of info and how-tos out there for big and small block Chevy's. There's very few special tools involved. And parts are fairly cheap. Just hire out the machine work to a local builder and let them mic and measure everything and order the internals for you. That way you will know for sure that everything will work together and you will save money on labor for disassembly and assembly.

[AussieinNC]

I build all my own engines....have done so for 50 years...heck, I've even built Ford and Chrysler engines when requested.

Its not that I dont trust others...its more the act of the build, and you know what you have in the engine.

There is a place for GM Goodwrench engines as well....

Cant speak of the other choices as I have never purchased a rebuilt engine...

[liftlawssuck]

GM or local builder is what I would do. All the Blueprint motors I've seen are newer blocks and not what I would want. If I were to do something different I might consider a small Detroit for a swap.

[palallin]

Definitely stay local if I had to: this engine has been in the family for almost as long as I have.

[garyd1961]

I hear a lot more horror stories with local builds than I do with GM crate engines.

[Coley]

Well, I would go with a local builder.
The primary reason is that you have to be able to put your money where your mouth is.

So If I want to support my economy (vs. foreign) than I have to be able to do more than cluck about it I suppose....lol.

There are a few builders in our area but I would do a lot of homework on the deal prior and I would make no assumptions....because the requirements and thus the results would be on paper and clear.

All good
Coley

[demian5]

I am at the same point. I have a broken crank and hole in block.

[Grumpy old man]

Build your own , Find a period 350 4 bolt 0010 block add some new aluminum heads and have a local machine shop build it out to a long block . search Craigslist for what you want in your area . I found these with a quick search in your area ,

https://rochester.craigslist.org/pts...791082690.html

I got lucky and found this local ,

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=752595

And after a little work and some chrome goodies , ( I'm a chrome fan )

[stilldreamin6772]

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

Build your own , Find a period 350 4 bolt 0010 block add some new aluminum heads and have a local machine shop build it out to a long block . search Craigslist for what you want in your area . I found these with a quick search in your area ,

https://rochester.craigslist.org/pts...791082690.html

I got lucky and found this local ,

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=752595

And after a little work and some chrome goodies , ( I'm a chrome fan )

That's a deal! I'm looking local. I saw those also. Thanks

[kwmech]

Originally Posted by stilldreamin6772

So other then an ls swap. What would you go with.....

383 engine with a later model roller block, 9-1 compression with somewhere around a 268-270 cam

[weim55]

Originally Posted by stilldreamin6772

So other then an ls swap. What would you go with.....

That's a really vague request, is the goal is to go with something modern EFI (??)

This might sound crazy to some ( traitorous )but I'm in the middle putting together a 4.0 jeep in-line six swap in place of an original 250.....

Steve weim55 Colorado

[trac209]

Originally Posted by weim55

That's a really vague request, is the goal is to go with something modern EFI (??)

This might sound crazy to some ( traitorous )but I'm in the middle putting together a 4.0 jeep in-line six swap in place of an original 250.....

Steve weim55 Colorado

Umm interesting for sure. Those engines are about as bulletproof as any inline on the planet. Post a few pics of that when you have a chance please.

[Greasey Harley]

383 stroker.
Lots of torque, drops right in, where a worn out small block used to live.
Biggest bang for your buck.
Build it your self, or have a REPUTABLE LOCAL builder do it for you.
A basic stroker build will be a major upgrade to virtually any stock small block and parts swapping is virtually eliminated.
Just my $.02

[stilldreamin6772]

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

Build your own , Find a period 350 4 bolt 0010 block add some new aluminum heads and have a local machine shop build it out to a long block . search Craigslist for what you want in your area . I found these with a quick search in your area ,

https://rochester.craigslist.org/pts...791082690.html

I got lucky and found this local ,

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=752595

And after a little work and some chrome goodies , ( I'm a chrome fan )

Originally Posted by weim55

That's a really vague request, is the goal is to go with something modern EFI (??)



This might sound crazy to some ( traitorous )but I'm in the middle putting together a 4.0 jeep in-line six swap in place of an original 250.....

Steve weim55 Colorado

It is I agree. My issue is I just bought my first project truck. I was thinking about going LS but looking around online you can pick up a pretty stout 350 383 reasonably priced I guess just trying to get a general senses of what a good way is to go. I see a lot of blueprint in ATK engines in the summit, Jegs, hot rod magazines so yeah kind of a vague question. LOL

[jocko]

1) rebuild original engine if you have it
2) replace with an original era engine that you rebuild
3) if $ not an issue - GM crate HT383
4) if $ yes an issue - GM L31R

Between the last two, L31R is certainly the most bang for the buck - a great upgrade and less than half the price of the GM HT383. I like the HT383 because, well, it's a 383 first off - but also allows a mech fuel pump. Not a big deal at all to use the electric fuel pump on an L31 though - it really is the best way to go unless you indeed happen to have money coming out of your ears and don't know what to do with it.
There are other builder crate options for 350s and 383s, but, well, there you go.

[HomeMadeSin]

Interesting to see the local route mentioned so much. When I went to a local engine shop, he suggested I go crate or used LS swap. He made it seem that the economics for local machine shop work far favor that approach unless you absolutely had to have matching numbers. In my case, I could care less about matching numbers but I was looking forward to learning how to build a V8 (only ever built up a split horizontal 4 banger VW previously).

[palallin]

Originally Posted by HomeMadeSin

I was looking forward to learning how to build a V8 (only ever built up a split horizontal 4 banger VW previously).

This is all the justification you need for doing it yourself.

[AussieinNC]

Originally Posted by HomeMadeSin

Interesting to see the local route mentioned so much. When I went to a local engine shop, he suggested I go crate or used LS swap. He made it seem that the economics for local machine shop work far favor that approach unless you absolutely had to have matching numbers. In my case, I could care less about matching numbers but I was looking forward to learning how to build a V8 (only ever built up a split horizontal 4 banger VW previously).

You have already made your decision then....if its the learning experience you are looking for...go for it!

As a starter, look in salvage yards for a later VORTEC style 350 engine...try and find one with the accessory brackets etc to save money later....

Why Vortec? Roller cam system to start, more torque for the dollar and the engine itself is not 40 years old....

Biggest test will be the heads...have them crack tested before any work is done on them...if you need to replace them with new ones...

You will need a different manifold to suit a carb....an electric fuel pump setup etc.

Just remember the Chevy engine weighs considerably more than a BUG motor....so I would invest in a good engine stand....

Have fun!

[72LB]

I'm in the process of putting in a GM 350/290hp crate engine and plan to rebuild the 350 I took out at a later date.

[AussieinNC]

Originally Posted by 72LB

I'm in the process of putting in a GM 350/290hp crate engine and plan to rebuild the 350 I took out at a later date.

Pic looks fine to an Aussie...view from downunder...haha

[72LB]

Don't know why it's upside down.

[weq92f]

.
Flip fa ya...