A long, lingering death - time to replace the 'ole 350 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

bmartin9122 · 02-13-2006, 02:38 PM

Anyone out have an opinion on where I should go to have the engine replaced on my '79? I have zero experience swapping engines, and I want some kind of warranty. The local Firestone shop wants almost $3000 for a rebuilt replacement motor that comes with a 3/36 warranty. This sounds steep, but what do I know?

BTW - R.I.P. to the old engine, she has been a faithful workhorse the last 27 years.

Slonaker · 02-13-2006, 03:01 PM

Look at www.summitracing.com part number 10067353. It is a brand new Chevy crate 350 for $1359. Mine was $1459 shipped to the local freight terminal. Any reputable shop should be able to install it, and it has a 3 year warranty.

Slonaker

bmartin9122 · 02-13-2006, 03:07 PM

How does that compare to this motor?

http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/store...0763&langId=-1

Eyegore · 02-13-2006, 03:08 PM

I had the same problem about year and a half ago, and but I did have the experince to drop another engine in but did not have the time. I checked out several motor swap shops in the yellow pages and checked with the better business bureau, found a place who put a refurbished engine in ( I'll probaly get flamed for this) but hey its still working great, have not had any trouble for about $2000, this was upgraded from a 305 to a 350 with a 4 bolt main.
Just my 2 cents.

Tom

bmartin9122 · 02-13-2006, 03:16 PM

I keep hearing that "my engine has a 4-bolt main". I assume this has something to do with the main bearings, but what exactly is the advantage or benefit?

beaterC10 · 02-13-2006, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmartin9122

I keep hearing that "my engine has a 4-bolt main". I assume this has something to do with the main bearings, but what exactly is the advantage or benefit?

Really not much, unless you are really beating on the engine or it makes stupid amounts of horsepower. It mostly is good for bragging rights on a street driven truck. I have a four bolt main 350 in my daily driver by the way.

bmartin9122 · 02-13-2006, 03:59 PM

Hahahaha... I figured it had something to do with that.

hotrodhomi · 02-13-2006, 04:21 PM

$3000 installed? That sounds cheap. I payed that for my longblock and I did all the work myself. What HP / torque ratings do you get for $3000 installed?

mhicks · 02-13-2006, 04:36 PM

You can do it yourself. Go ahead and give it a try. Buy one from Jeg's or Summit and it doesn't really take any special tools. Just lable all of the wires and hoses. If you get a helper you can do it in about a day and you learn from it.

79BIG10 · 02-13-2006, 11:40 PM

I agree do it yourself and save some money. Get a crate engine and swap over everything you need.

SSC's76 · 02-14-2006, 12:07 AM

An engine swap in a 79 is no big deal, get into the early/mid 80's vacuum line horror shows and I'd suggest you take it to a shop. Get the crate engine Slonaker posted a link to and be happy for another 27 years. Ive probably installed more GM crate engines then the entire board members combined and can voutch for thier reliability in a wide assorment of applications.

bmartin9122 · 02-15-2006, 01:51 PM

Okay, upon further review, I now believe the shop I took my truck to is trying to sell me a new motor.

After consulting with a few locals who know more than me, I've deicided to get the heads rebuilt, replace the timing chain and gear(s?), and possibly get a new carburetor - like Holley perhaps? Anyway, any pointers/ideas would be welcome at this point.

I've already had a suggestion to get the cylinder compression checked. This was done a year ago, but maybe things have gone downhill all of the sudden.

02-13-2006, 02:38 PM	#1
bmartin9122 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Texas Coastal Bend Posts: 169	A long, lingering death - time to replace the 'ole 350 Anyone out have an opinion on where I should go to have the engine replaced on my '79? I have zero experience swapping engines, and I want some kind of warranty. The local Firestone shop wants almost $3000 for a rebuilt replacement motor that comes with a 3/36 warranty. This sounds steep, but what do I know? BTW - R.I.P. to the old engine, she has been a faithful workhorse the last 27 years. __________________ 79 GMC Sierra Grande K15 --PPG paint code 62608 Sunburst Orange Metallic (WA802K) --Gentex auto-dimming rearview mirror model K31 --Carriage Works billet grille model 40071 --Go Industries 2.5" tubular stainless headache rack --Sylvania Silverstar sealed headlights model H6024ST --Texas Saddlebags center console model 101 --Brown's Welding class IV V-5 pipe bumper --Ramsey RE8000 winch --33" tires

02-13-2006, 03:01 PM	#2
Slonaker Insert Witty Text Here Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 3,415	Re: A long, lingering death - time to replace the 'ole 350 Look at www.summitracing.com part number 10067353. It is a brand new Chevy crate 350 for $1359. Mine was $1459 shipped to the local freight terminal. Any reputable shop should be able to install it, and it has a 3 year warranty. Slonaker __________________ '86 Chevy C10 (Sold 04/19/13 ) Stock '01 Silverado

02-13-2006, 03:07 PM	#3
bmartin9122 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Texas Coastal Bend Posts: 169	Re: A long, lingering death - time to replace the 'ole 350 How does that compare to this motor? http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/store...0763&langId=-1 __________________ 79 GMC Sierra Grande K15 --PPG paint code 62608 Sunburst Orange Metallic (WA802K) --Gentex auto-dimming rearview mirror model K31 --Carriage Works billet grille model 40071 --Go Industries 2.5" tubular stainless headache rack --Sylvania Silverstar sealed headlights model H6024ST --Texas Saddlebags center console model 101 --Brown's Welding class IV V-5 pipe bumper --Ramsey RE8000 winch --33" tires

02-13-2006, 03:08 PM	#4
Eyegore What Hump? Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: New River AZ Posts: 2,009	Re: A long, lingering death - time to replace the 'ole 350 I had the same problem about year and a half ago, and but I did have the experince to drop another engine in but did not have the time. I checked out several motor swap shops in the yellow pages and checked with the better business bureau, found a place who put a refurbished engine in ( I'll probaly get flamed for this) but hey its still working great, have not had any trouble for about $2000, this was upgraded from a 305 to a 350 with a 4 bolt main. Just my 2 cents. Tom __________________ Lil red 86 c-10 99 Sub 78 Camper Special w/ 454

02-13-2006, 03:16 PM	#5
bmartin9122 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Texas Coastal Bend Posts: 169	Re: A long, lingering death - time to replace the 'ole 350 I keep hearing that "my engine has a 4-bolt main". I assume this has something to do with the main bearings, but what exactly is the advantage or benefit? __________________ 79 GMC Sierra Grande K15 --PPG paint code 62608 Sunburst Orange Metallic (WA802K) --Gentex auto-dimming rearview mirror model K31 --Carriage Works billet grille model 40071 --Go Industries 2.5" tubular stainless headache rack --Sylvania Silverstar sealed headlights model H6024ST --Texas Saddlebags center console model 101 --Brown's Welding class IV V-5 pipe bumper --Ramsey RE8000 winch --33" tires Last edited by bmartin9122; 02-13-2006 at 03:16 PM.

02-13-2006, 03:59 PM	#7
bmartin9122 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Texas Coastal Bend Posts: 169	Re: A long, lingering death - time to replace the 'ole 350 Hahahaha... I figured it had something to do with that. __________________ 79 GMC Sierra Grande K15 --PPG paint code 62608 Sunburst Orange Metallic (WA802K) --Gentex auto-dimming rearview mirror model K31 --Carriage Works billet grille model 40071 --Go Industries 2.5" tubular stainless headache rack --Sylvania Silverstar sealed headlights model H6024ST --Texas Saddlebags center console model 101 --Brown's Welding class IV V-5 pipe bumper --Ramsey RE8000 winch --33" tires

02-13-2006, 04:21 PM	#8
hotrodhomi Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Sacramento Posts: 3,737	Re: A long, lingering death - time to replace the 'ole 350 $3000 installed? That sounds cheap. I payed that for my longblock and I did all the work myself. What HP / torque ratings do you get for $3000 installed? __________________ '72 2wd blazer, bagged w/ watts link & EDC '72 C10 "Lowered Farm Truck" STOLEN 5-18-11 '66 impala ht

02-13-2006, 04:36 PM	#9
mhicks Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Weatherford,Tx Posts: 747	Re: A long, lingering death - time to replace the 'ole 350 You can do it yourself. Go ahead and give it a try. Buy one from Jeg's or Summit and it doesn't really take any special tools. Just lable all of the wires and hoses. If you get a helper you can do it in about a day and you learn from it.

02-13-2006, 11:40 PM	#10
79BIG10 I'm back with 2nd truck! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Texas Posts: 3,774	Re: A long, lingering death - time to replace the 'ole 350 I agree do it yourself and save some money. Get a crate engine and swap over everything you need. __________________ 1979 Chevrolet Bonanza Big10 "Tootsie Roll" 1985 Chevrolet Silverado (wife's) Member of the Southern Bowties Club "Don't underestimate how sexy a fat man who drinks to excess can be." Homer Simpson

02-14-2006, 12:07 AM	#11
SSC's76 No No Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Pueblo Colorado Posts: 1,781	Re: A long, lingering death - time to replace the 'ole 350 An engine swap in a 79 is no big deal, get into the early/mid 80's vacuum line horror shows and I'd suggest you take it to a shop. Get the crate engine Slonaker posted a link to and be happy for another 27 years. Ive probably installed more GM crate engines then the entire board members combined and can voutch for thier reliability in a wide assorment of applications. __________________ 1976 Custom Deluxe SWB Med FMB.3/4 Drop. Gen VI 454, Muncie HD 3 speed With Modified OE Hurst Shifter, 3.73 12 bolt, GMPP HO roller cam, Hooker headers, Performer intake with modified Q-jet, Accel distributor. Best 1/4 12.3 @108. Funnest run 19.84 @88 full 1/4 mile burn out. 1997 K1500 ext cab 5.7 stock except muffler

02-15-2006, 01:51 PM	#12
bmartin9122 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Texas Coastal Bend Posts: 169	Re: A long, lingering death - time to replace the 'ole 350 Okay, upon further review, I now believe the shop I took my truck to is trying to sell me a new motor. After consulting with a few locals who know more than me, I've deicided to get the heads rebuilt, replace the timing chain and gear(s?), and possibly get a new carburetor - like Holley perhaps? Anyway, any pointers/ideas would be welcome at this point. I've already had a suggestion to get the cylinder compression checked. This was done a year ago, but maybe things have gone downhill all of the sudden. __________________ 79 GMC Sierra Grande K15 --PPG paint code 62608 Sunburst Orange Metallic (WA802K) --Gentex auto-dimming rearview mirror model K31 --Carriage Works billet grille model 40071 --Go Industries 2.5" tubular stainless headache rack --Sylvania Silverstar sealed headlights model H6024ST --Texas Saddlebags center console model 101 --Brown's Welding class IV V-5 pipe bumper --Ramsey RE8000 winch --33" tires



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