evan's 350 build thread

[evan]

I'm just starting to get some of the pictures sorted out from the build of my 350 and the swap that followed. The whole project took about twice as long as I was hoping it would, but I think I finally have most of the kinks worked out.

One of the things that helped make this project a little easier was that I picked up a used 350 to rebuild and was able to still drive the truck around powered by the 305 until we had to pull it for the swap.

Here are some pics.

This is what the 350 looked like when it got to the garage.



during tear down:





on the way to be cleaned:



after a good clean:



after machining:



just like new:
[/QUOTE]

[evan]

I did find some cheap (free) heads and had them worked over. This engine wasn't meant to be very wild, just something a bit more fun than stock. It's a noticeable difference between this and the old tired 305 2 barrel.


the bottom end:




view from the top:




head:




heads installed:




Edelbrock performer air-gap:




I couldn't resist setting it on to see what it'll look like:




Most of the assembly was done on the engine, so next came paintin' time! I put a couple of coats on the valve covers and oil pan before they went on the engine, mostly to keep them from rusting after I finished sanding them down.

I taped everything up:


and put on about 8 coats of orange:

[evan]

We spent a few hours in the garage and got everything out that we wanted to get out.

It started the evening with the 305 that looked like this:



Then I cut the exhaust system off and ran it for a bit ... because I like noise.

Parts started coming off:



until it was finally time to put the chains on:



and pull it out:



That is a big hole:






I didn't have access to a hose, let alone a pressure washer, so cleaning out the engine bay was a giant pain in the ass. I ended up spending most of that day cleaning and the rest of it taping and painting.

[evan]

I decided to bite the bullet and paint the engine bay while the engine was out instead of waiting for paint next summer. I didn't origionally plan on taking the extra time, but it just looks that much better now that it's done.

I taped off all of the black stuff that had just finished drying and sprayed the orange/red.




Once all the paint had dried and the tape was off we started dropping the engine in.






Here is a pic of the engine when it was almost ready to be fired up.





The finished product:



The exhaust looks good in my opinion. They kept the side outlets up high enough and close enought to the body that they are completely hidden behind the bumper from a normal angle. The pipes are acually perfectly level with the frame, it is just the box that looks to be on a bit of an agle in this pic because one tire is in a pothole.

[Russell]

Looking very sweet Evan!!

Well done!

[evan]

Originally Posted by Russell

Looking very sweet Evan!!

Well done!

Thanks a lot. I haven't really attempted anything more than an oil change before this, so I'm really happy with the way it turned out.

[84 400]

great work love that orange and white. I am guessing u are keeping it. what did u run for headers and mufflers?? Nice job man now it looks like you have some fender rot to deal with good luck and keep us posted??

[apstguy]

Wow! Very nice. Should be a bit peppier than the 305.

[86 GMG]

looks awsome keep up the good work

[evan]

Originally Posted by 84 400

what did u run for headers and mufflers??

I had some used car headers, but when those interfered with the transmission crossmember I bought some Dynomax full length truck headers. The pipe is 2.5 inch and the mufflers are Dynomax Super Turbo's.

[TEAM THC]

Im Thinking About Doing The Same Swap On My '82. I Live In Califorina. And Due To Smog Laws Im Limited To Very Few Preformace Mods. I Bet Going From A 305 To The 350 Sure Made A Diffrence.

[bigblock73]

Evan, this is one cool thread...and very well done. Would you like me to add this how-to article to 73-87.com? It could be a neat back-yard mechanics article on engine swapping or something like that. Lots of good info I am sure others will like.

[evan]

Originally Posted by bigblock73

Evan, this is one cool thread...and very well done. Would you like me to add this how-to article to 73-87.com? It could be a neat back-yard mechanics article on engine swapping or something like that. Lots of good info I am sure others will like.

Wow, thanks. If you think that it would be some help to people. I guess it could give people a good idea of the work involved but it's not really a how-to, so it won't hurt my feelings if you change your mind. If you do decide you want to put it on, I would be happy to rewrite it with answers the the questions that people have asked. ie. header issues.

BTW, I just checked out your website for the first time a couple of days ago and was really impressed. You are either really dedicated to our type of trucks, or you have to much time on yours hands. Maybe it's a bit of both.

[SSC's76]

From what I can see it looks good Too bad I'm on dial up and my lunch hour would be over before all the pics loaded. I remember my 1st engine swap, it was fun! Now days it's just a hassle especially sine it's aways someone eles ride I'm doing it for.

[bigarmzz]

wow....awesome pics man!!!!

inspiring

[84slopwaggin]

yeah awesome pics wish I had taken as many as you. Iv'e got to get some more taken this weekend. Enjoy the fruits of your labor, Man!

[boxrodz]

Originally Posted by evan

Thanks a lot. I haven't really attempted anything more than an oil change before this, so I'm really happy with the way it turned out.

Good job. It looks much better. Does it run as good as it looks.

[evan]

Originally Posted by boxrodz

Good job. It looks much better. Does it run as good as it looks.

I was having an issue with negative pressure in the gas tank, but I think I just figured out what will fix it.