need suggestions on my 350

[jlaird]

First off, I've got to tell you I know nothing about engines. I'm a total newbie so go easy on me! Quick history: these pictures are of my 350 in my '69. I only drove this truck a couple times after I bought it before taking if off the road to work on the suspension. All I can say is it ran, but not very good. I was pretty darn sluggish. The previous owner said it was a rebuilt engine and unfortunately, that's all I know about it. As you can see from the pics, it's got some Edelbrock components including the intake and carb. The intake says C3BX and I couldn't find any cfm info on the carb.

So basically I've been reading here on what are some popular parts for a 350. I plan on taking the info I read here and bring that and the engine to a local reputable shop to have them look at it. I'm assuming this engine can be rebuilt again but I'm unsure this engine is worthy of being rebuilt. I guess I have to rely on the engine guy to tell me that. Also, I'm wondering if I can use the intake and carb or if I'm better off buying off buying all new stuff. Other questions I have is how much should this cost. What I want out of this engine is a reliable engine that has a little "get up and go." I'm not looking for anything crazy. I also would like to know some things I should ask this engine guy when I go in there and things I should know to tell him. Basically I don't want to go in there sounding like an idoit! Like I said, this is new to me. I would like to spend around $1500-$2000 on the engine.

So what should be my course of action?? Thanks for any help.

Josh