Which 350? - newb alert

[arturo7]

I plan to drop a rebuilt 350 into my 59 wagon. At this point, I'm looking for a motor. There seem to be many versions, variants, and vintages of this venerable motor. What should I be looking for?

Thanks

[Indian113]

Right now Jeg's has a SBC 260hp long block with free shipping for $1499.00,You can't rebuild a motor if you hire it out for that.

[arturo7]

Can you post a link for that special? I visited their site but couldn't find it.

But on the bright side, I figured out what SBC means...


EDIT: never mind, found it

[Indian113]

can you bring up there home page? I'm not smart enough to do what your asking on a computer Or just go to there online catalog and go to Chevrolet engines you want the 260hp 350 long block

[arturo7]

If possible, I'd like to stay away from a motor that requires a computer. Is this reasonable? How does one determine if a computer is required?

[1project2many]

If it has a carburetor and non electronically controlled distributor on it then a computer is not required. Engines designed for fuel injection will run well with a carburetor. Engines designed for a carb may not run well with EFI. You should be able to put a carb intake on any SBC.

[arturo7]

So a crate motor can be configured without a computer, correct?

[1project2many]

From the Magic 8 ball: "Signs point to yes."

Just stay away from anything extreme designed for all out racing.

[OrrieG]

Since I have never had a smog or computer engine not much help, but someone needs to clarify about head differences. The short block itself does not care; valves, combustion chamber configuration and ports for sensors, etc. might. Still lots of early 350's available around here, most come with whole trucks attached!

[arturo7]

This is looking pretty good.

http://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet-Perf...oductId=752506

[arturo7]

JEGS just confirmed that the above reference motor does not require a computer.

One step closer...

[oldcouple]

You will need the hangons as well a dampner, pulleys, mounts, even a oil dip tube, and of course the intake and carb or what ever. When I put in my crate, I went to the u pull and found an old muscle car someone had spent bucks on making pretty and got most of the stuff used for pennies and time.

The above Jegs link is a good deal as far as I can see, I bought mine from the Chevy dealer, for about the same price and had to haul it home. Had a 3yr/36k warranty.

[1project2many]

Since I have never had a smog or computer engine not much help, but someone needs to clarify about head differences.

There are carburetor intakes for all production version of the smallblock, with the exception of maybe the 92-96 LT1 and LT4 engines. All of these intakes have distributor provisions and so they can all use non-computer distributors. In terms of factory parts, in the most general terms there are three year ranges where intakes will swap. 1955 to 1985 are interchangeable, from '86 to '95, and from '96 to 2002. Of course there are a million small variations and gotchas even within those spans. In the OP's circumstance it's almost certainly simpler to buy a complete crate engine and let the supplier recommend any extra needed parts, then if there's any uncertainty to return to a forum such as this to ask for opinions.

OP, as mentioned that GM engine is designed to be a factory replacement and does not come with any additional parts. If you do not have another engine to rob parts from you're on the hook for up to a grand of additional money chasing down all those small pieces. Intake manifold, gasket, and bolts; flywheel and bolts; balancer and bolts; starter and bolts; engine mounts and bolts; fuel pump, adapter plate, pump pushrod, and bolts; exhaust manifolds and bolts; distributor, hold down, and bolt; plug wire retainers, clips, and bolts; water pump and bolts; alternator / accessory brackets and bolts; oil filter adapter (recessed in block) and bolts; carburetor and bolts; fuel line from pump to carb... I'm sure you get the idea. If you don't have a donor engine then you might want to find a used complete engine in your area on craigslist to supply the additional parts.

[solidaxel]

I would think your budget would determine how much you will alot for your drive train, engine-transmission-rear end

[arturo7]

Thanks for the tips, 1p2m. I realize the need for all the ancillaries. Your estimate is a little higher than mine, but we're likely both on the low side.

With all of the time and resources going into the project, it would be a shame to drop in a questionable motor. The crate 350 in question is about the same cost as rebuilding something out of a junkyard. The scrapheap could still factor into the project, if only as a source for components to be refurbished.

Now to locate a source for all the dvmned bolts...

[arturo7]

Originally Posted by solidaxel

I would think your budget would determine how much you will alot for your drive train, engine-transmission-rear end

The budget's impact will most likely be seen on how long the project takes to complete...

[1project2many]

Now to locate a source for all the dvmned bolts...

The easiest place I've found for one stop shopping is the wreckers. Otherwise check out Summit, Jegs, Speedway Motors, or even Northern Auto Parts. Those vendors should have the parts to help. Northern sells Pioneer brand which has been reasonably good quality over the years.

[mr48chev]

Everyone has different Ideas on how to do these things. If you need engine, trans and all of the electrical pieces like starter, alternator, distrbutor and what not a mid 70's to late 80's Chev pickup or burb or van with a 350 and automatic isn't a bad place to look for a doner engine. The thing is, you still might end up having to rebuild it in the end.
Still a guy might be able to find a good running rig with a good trans with an ugly body for a few hundred dollars and drive it home, check it out and tune it up and make sure everything is right before pulling it. Then off the remaining hulk goes to the scrap yard or someone needing some of the remaining parts for money back into the kitty.

The Crate motor from Jegs is a great deal but you will have to spend some bucks on additional items. You need to add all of those pieces in and see where it will put you before ordering.