going to take engine out.

[chucks70]

I plan to take my engine out this summer and at the very least replace every seal in the thing. My engine is a 350 4bbl in a standard 4wd. Truck is a daily driver and would not see much off road use. I would like to get a moderate power boost and maybe a little better torque. I've seen some posts about an Edelbrook manifold and carb set up. What cam would you recommend if any? Any other suggestions while it is apart. Whats the easiest way to tell if the rings and valves and bearings are in decent shape? Also will replace clutch, pressure plate and throw out bearing while apart. What should I look for in the transfer case and 4spd granny gear tranny? Might as well do them while they're out too. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Last thing I rebuilt was a v-6 in an 81 cutlass about 14 years ago. Oh yeah, moderate budget.

[chucks70]

ttt

[O'l Buck]

If your are going to take the engine apart, you might as well go ahead and get a rering kit for it, they don't cost much and it will save you some trouble down the road, as far as worn bearings, look for scratches, and copper color showing through, any discoloration in the bearings will mean wear, the darker the color, the more wear, and eventually will go to copper. Rings, look for scratches and sharp edges, check the cylinders for a ring grove at the top of ring travel. I don't know much of anything about cams or intakes, as i've never had money enough to build anything but a stock engine.

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"In the words of Motley Crue, This will always be my home sweet home"

Ol' Buck: '72 Chevy 1/2T 4x4 shortbox stepside 350/350auto on '84
ralleys and 31/10.5s

Angel girl: 67 Cutlass convertible
330, 3spd stick

Greener: 90 GMC Jimmy
350/auto
Chad Stephens
Orleans,NE

no name yet: 72 442 under serious construction
my site:
http://communities.msn.com/Beastonabudget/homepage

[chucks70]

ttt

[Blue68]

Unless you are experiencing blowby or have done a compression test and found the cylinders lacking, or you are loosing oil pressure, I'd question pulling the engine. If you are out to do a rebuild and are going to go through it while it's out then go for it.

My suggestion would be to take the shortblock to a machine shop and have them measure wear on the cylinder walls, pop a few caps to check bearings and make a decision based on the condition of the engine. Rerings are ok, but are not as long term solution as a complete rebuild.

As to more power, you can do that without pulling the engine (even though it is phenomenally easier). I like the vortec heads. They are inexpensive for brand new ready to go out of the box pair(currently around $460 complete (but add $125 for the new intake) and make excellent power. If you are looking to bump it up with a cam, contact the cam manufacturer of your choosing and tell them what you have (2wd, tranny, rear-end ratio, truck weight, intake, exhaust, heads, daily driver,etc) and they can make the best recommendations.

To be honest with you, I've worked with Sallee Chevrolet (www.sallee-chevrolet.com) to put my combination together as well as verifying with competition cams. So far, they've been exceptionally helpful.

Good luck.

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'68 C-10 LWB, '98 Z-71 350 w/accessories (Serpentine), Edelbrock Performer, Edelbrock 1405 (600cfm) carb, GM HEI, CompCam Extreme 4x4 roller cam, Thorley Headers, Carter Electric Fuel Pump, Vintage Air, 700r4, 3.73, disc brakes and power steering upgrades.


Way too much money and time..But it's a hobby.