It's a fact, my engine is cracked

[JonnyTechMech]

Well it was all good during the summer. But when a cold spell came through in Nov. I got caught slippin. It was below freezing for about a week and I raise my hand as say I did it… “I did not confirm that I had enough antifreeze in the truck”! Now the block is cracked !!!! Looks like someone took a 10lb slug to it, on both sides just above the oil pan. It’s what I get for working two gigs and not paying close attention to everything.

Well….Game ON!!!! I need some practical advice and prices of a potential 350 engine I plan to replace my scraped 305. I was going to drop a 327 with Vortec heads and all mods necessary. But I don’t have time for that. I don’t have money for a LT model as well. So I’m going for a Vortec 350 model 90-98; if they exist that late. So please lend me your idea’s on junkyard searches (what to look for/identify) or reasonable priced creates. I’m sticking with the TBI and the 90 models only; unless 2000-02 offer something I can just drop in with minimal changes. I looking to spend in the range of $800 -1000.00 on the long block alone. I hope to get the “Intake and TBI” with it but not get taken for a ride at the junk yard; so I need to now the average price of such a motor.

My don’t list:
Don’t want a BB.
“ “ “ a SB bigger than a 400.
“ “ “ another 305
“ “ “ change to Carb
“ “ “ change to TPI
“ “ “ older model SB
“ “ “ nothin but a chevy

Why the limitations and being picky, Well….. I’m on a budget, need a quick and easy drop in, want to keep moderate MPG, and I want to upgrade while I have the opportunity.


So lets have it!!! Teach me somethin new! What would you do?

Thanks in advance.

[Izzy]

TBI was 87-95, Vortec was 96-98(99/00 on the SUV's).

[JonnyTechMech]

Ok.. But could you not use TBI on a Vortec engine or is Vortec strictly TPI?

[JonnyTechMech]

duh!!! I knew the answer to my own question. Bigarmzz is selling just the part I would need to get away with TBI and Vortec combo. I gotta get more sleep. Thanks Izzy, now I know where to start looking.

[bigarmzz]

yeah, you can run a newer vortec motor in your truck, no problem..

you just need the big ol' $$$ intake that gmpp makes, or you could use a carberated intake and use an adapter (although i really dont recommend that)

check out this web site
http://thirdgen.org/techbb2/forumdis...?s=&forumid=17

that link should take ya to there "tbi tech board", its for third generation camaro's, but the same concept applys

good luck man!

[Jonboy]

I looked into doing the same thing to my 90 Suburban. I found a couple 350 Vortec engines around here for $750. I figured I would have $1100-1200 in it by the time i picked up the intake and built the EGR valve.

You can also pick up a 350 premium long block at Blaines for $640 + core. I put one in my 87 SWB I had a couple of years ago, and it still runs great. They usually try to hose you on the core, but a full core charge is only $400. They come with a 12/12 warranty, too.

If you need any help with the swap and whatnot, I am in Arlington.

[JonnyTechMech]

Thanks Jonboy, for the info. I'll look into Blaines for the block. I'm not confident in the junkyard engines, unless I going to rebuild it. I have no time for that or traveling to south Texas to mess with Scroggin Dickeys. In my hood, I can't pull/replace an engine without HOA breathing down my neck or I would definitely take you up on a helping hand. I'll just have to pull it to the country in Tyler Texas where I got access to air tools. I got some more upgrades to make like dropping it, installing a 700R4, replacing the suspension and disk break job. I’ll have to wait until spring to jump on it.

Anyone else, who can offer more helpful info, would be greatly appreciated.