350 Build Progress

[70C10Step]

Well this weekend, I got a chance to start working on my 350 build for my truck. This motor will be used until I get my big block done the right way. The 350 will be topped with Vortec Heads and 268H Comp Cams Camshaft. I am amazed at how much I spent on this mule motor... I am close to 2k but I just had to do it my way so that in itself has driven the price up! The problem I ran into so far is two cans of the wrong color paint... I have some repaint to do in the morning....

[72swb_327stroker_?]

that looks awesome!!!!!!! great job, can't wait to see it in the engine bay!!!

[70C10Step]

Yes, I know I have to make sure the engine bay is clean also.... I plan to put some time into the frame and engine bay... This is my first Chevy build so the guys on the base I am stationed at are watching my every move. I have a 65 and 66 fatsback mustangs that I am usually working on. For me to start on this truck is a real change in direction for me... I am learning a lot about Chevy engines etc.... it has been a fun experience so far....

[72swb_327stroker_?]

awesome you could possibly talk someone into trading you a few shiny pennys for those fords that you don't need anymore, and you could invest that in your real project. maybe some spray paint for the engine bay in(the chevy)

[Billla]

Looking good (love the valve covers!) and I'm sure it'll be a great combo- that cam and those heads are a great match!

[70C10Step]

Thanks Billa, I followed your advice you gave me early in this build. It really made matching up the parts pretty easy.... I just needed a solid combo... Now I got to figure out do I go 350 turbo or 700r4.....

[haysonj]

If you are going with a big block later you might want to consider the turbo 400.

[70C10Step]

ight now I have a 350 turbo, a 700r4 and a turbo 400. I got these all from different deals off ofcraig's list. You are so right about the turbo 400 but I need to find a place to rebuild it because I do not know its working condition...

[dan42]

When you're done with that 350 and want to put in the BB, you might pass that motor down to one of your local neighbor board members... (I wouldn't want it to go to waste)

[70C10Step]

That seems like a very reasonable option!!! Keep in touch, you never know when the BB project will take off faster than it should. Just sent my heads over to a buddy in phoenix for a port job... I have a 454 now but I would love to get my hands on a 396/402 truck block...

[hotrod 80]

The motor in the second picture does not have vortec heads .

[70C10Step]

In response to the heads question. This is what I bought:
CHEVY 350 SMALL CHAMBER HEADS BEST STREET
These Are Custom Rebuilt set of Cast iron 64cc " Heads, First Gen Vortec Heads
Heads Will fit 1955 To 1995, Will Fit 12 bolt Intakes
POWER 2 ENGINE® MACHINE LABOR includes:
PER 4-angle® valve job
• 4 Angle Valve Job Cut 1.94" Int,1.5" Exh valve size
• Machined for 460,470,480 CAMS
• Install Per SS High Performance 900 springs to installed correct heigth
• These can Handle up to .500" valve lift
• Both Heads Mill Matching Resurfaced Heads
• All 16 valve guides Replace Heavy duty thick wall
• Valve guides custom cut for posi-seals
• Heads are Jet vatted, magnafluxed to check for cracks
• Both Heads are Tapped out on All Bolt Holes
• Heads Will Fit 12 bolt Intakes Bolts
POWER 2 ENGINE® ENGINE PARTS includes:
• New Per ss Spring set 900 series
• HD 1.94 Steel Stem intake valves
• HD 1.5 Steel Stem steel exhaust valves
• Premium positive seals polycrylate
• Note: You can use Steel Stamped or Roller Rockers with These Heads
• Note: Pushrods Size 5/16
This Power 2 Engine Head Combination would be GREAT Replacement
Mild To Hot Street
This will be a Excellent Set for your everday Driver,
Will Run on Premium unleaded fuel

I am new to the Chevy world but this is what I bought! I stand corrected if I was sold something else! All I know is it will serve as a good mule motor for now....

[OrangeCrush1970]

Whatever the heads are, that 350 is going to be BAD A$$. Cant wait to see the truck! Good work-

[chevy72blu]

Those definately arent vortec's. Vortec heads require a different intake with vertical rather than diagonal bolts like this one:


Check the casting number. I actually made the same mistake when I was young and ignorant- bought a set of what I thought were vortec's but turned out to be TBI's (good thing I only payed $250). On TBI heads, the center bolts through the intake are vertical while the forward and rear-most bolts are diagonal.

Nothing wrong with them, they just are going to flow as well in the upper rpm range as vortec's would.

Let us know what you find out