305 to 350 swap questions

[DRobb's_85]

Alright the 305 in my 85 k10 is ticking and knocking like crazy and has no power anymore, in other words its time for a new engine . I'm on a major budget (16 year old, part-time job) but I'd like to get a new crate 350 instead of rebuilding the 305. the one I'm looking at in particular is the Gm Goodwrench 350 with 260hp. I was thinking about getting a package deal on Jegs or Skoggin-Dickey that comes with the edelbrock 600cfm carb, performer intake, msd ignition etc. Has anybody had any experience with it? Also, what will I be able to carry over from the 305 to the 350? Radiator, alternator, water pump? Anything else that I will need? I'm assuming my 700r4will handle it just fine also..One more question, What do you think a shop would charge me to install it? I know what yall are gonna say, Just do it yourself! blah blah blah. Well thats not an option right now. I dont have the tools or the engine hoist or the knowledge to do it and all my friends have brand new vehicles and dont even know how to change the oil! So theres no way...Thanks

[bwilder10h]

Radiator and alternator will be the same but why buy a $2000 engine and put a used water pump on it when they cost $25-30

Figure at least $500 to pay an independant shop to install an engine and that's probably a low estimate...

[LONGHAIR]

Everything will fit but you might have heat issues with the stock radiator, and like bwilder10h said, I wouldn't put a used water pump on anything.

[old Rusty C10]

im going to echo what the others have said put a new water pump in and id get the biggest radiator i could find for it

[piecesparts]

replaced a fair amount of the mid 80s truck engines (305 out and the 350 in) in the last few years. The 260 HP chevy replacement is a good motor and can be beefed up a little with a different cam for a better operating performance. The radiator should be enough for the 350 and the tranny will work well with the engine. Everything that is on the 305 engine will fit the new 350--alternator, A/C, cruise brackets, exhaust should work,(if the heads are llike the ones that I have with a dual bolt pattern), temperature sending unit, oil pressure unit, and anything else that is bolted to the engine.with you being in texas, I am not sure of the shop rates down there. I have a mechanic friend and his rates are at $65.00 an hour. A change out of the engine should take about 8 hours total and that is if he is dragging his tail. Work from there.

[Hoods69BadBowTie]

Yea I gotta agree and say that when I have a motor out I like to replace all the easy stuff like water pump and fuel pump with the carbed motors and anything else that looks like it needs to get change and would be alot easyier with it out. I would try running the rad and just watch your tempature gauge and see if it wants to get hot. Too bad you aint closer man I would do that motor swap on the cheap for you. Good luck with it all man.

[Albatrossian]

Originally Posted by DRobb's_85

Alright the 305 in my 85 k10 is ticking and knocking like crazy and has no power anymore, in other words its time for a new engine . I'm on a major budget (16 year old, part-time job) but I'd like to get a new crate 350 instead of rebuilding the 305. the one I'm looking at in particular is the Gm Goodwrench 350 with 260hp. I was thinking about getting a package deal on Jegs or Skoggin-Dickey that comes with the edelbrock 600cfm carb, performer intake, msd ignition etc. Has anybody had any experience with it? Also, what will I be able to carry over from the 305 to the 350? Radiator, alternator, water pump? Anything else that I will need? I'm assuming my 700r4will handle it just fine also..One more question, What do you think a shop would charge me to install it? I know what yall are gonna say, Just do it yourself! blah blah blah. Well thats not an option right now. I dont have the tools or the engine hoist or the knowledge to do it and all my friends have brand new vehicles and dont even know how to change the oil! So theres no way...Thanks

You could also ask if any of your friends have mechanic fathers or whatnot. Just remember, after you do the engine swap, MAKE SURE the TV cable is properly adjusted for the 700R4 or you WILL be swapping out a transmission next..

[DRobb's_85]

Thanks for the replies guys, I'll definately grab a new water pump while I'm at it. One question, should I order the motor and everything off the internet and then take it to the shop for them to install? Will they even do that or do I need to get the motor from them somehow?

[Albatrossian]

Most shops will install the motor for you, but they might not warranty the motor. I'd ask what kind of guarantee they will offer, though.

[bwilder10h]

Post back and tell me where you find the best prices on GM crate motors. I'd love to have a 383 or maybe even a 350 HO...

[Deenice21]

yearone has a 400 hp crate for 2899 1 year warr, summit has a blueprint 385 hp for 3,095 if irc

[DRobb's_85]

Ok I found a shop so it looks like I'll have to find a good deal on the motor online and order up. Heres another question, What about headers? I dont wanna throw old manifolds on this new engine so does anybody have any suggestions on headers? Thanks.

[Albatrossian]

I use Hedman long tubes with 1-5/8" primaries and 3" collectors. They make great torque. I didn't get ceramics because I painted mine blue with VHT high-heat paint to match the color of my truck. I guess it's all how much you want to pay and if you have any clearance issues with long tubes.

[DRobb's_85]

Are there any that are a sure-fit on our trucks that dont require any mods like grinding, cutting, etc.?

[Albatrossian]

I'm sure there are.. mine is 2WD though. I don't know if the 4x4 is any different. You can get them to fit your truck, without mods.. that much I do know.

[Hoods69BadBowTie]

I like the hedman and hooker headers and yea you should be able to order a set that will just bolt right up. As said up above I would check into the shop wanting to warranty the work or not wanting too.

[us111]

Hello, at 16yrs old with your ambition you can do anything you want! wish i was closer would offer up some help but all i can do is give ya a good ole sermon.lol..J/K aside,first take your time,know ya want it done "NOW" but take time to check and double check everything from shop you want to use,to parts you want.MIght take a couple weeks longer than u want but like has been said above,don't go to all the work and put on (4 example)a used water pump just to have it go bad on you first trip,etc.. keep asking questions,learning,do it right first time,you will b very happy with what u can build the first time .. people here are great and will NOT point you in the wrong direction. oh yea,,NEVER SAY NEVER! lol

[piecesparts]

As you take stuff off of the truck---LABEL AND BAG EVERYTYHING. Go to the Walmart and purchase a full box of the heavy duty sandwich bags and a good Sharpie marker. Get a good roll of masking tape and label each and every plug hose or connector and what it goes to. If nothing else get a digital camera and take pictures of all of the items as they are removed. You will find that you are soon to have a great file of info and when you put the new motor in---it will be helpful,.


Scoggin Dickey parts outlet offers a manual for engine removal and you can purchase one through them that will make it simple---kind of a "Engine Removal for Dummies" thing LOL....

[Rodms]

First time I did it I found a big tree borrowed a comealong and replaced my motor in 2 days,everything should work but if it runs warm buy a good electric fan and thermostat and it won't any more.You can buy them at the junkyard for a little of nothing and put whatever therm sensor you want 170,180,190,even 160 to turn fan on itself

[DRobb's_85]

Ok I have one more question I promise, I've heard somewhere that you shouldnt break in a new motor with ceramic-coated headers because the high temps will discolor them? If thats true, then what are you supposed to do, throw the old manifolds back on for break-in?

[Albatrossian]

Ceramic coated headers are made for just that.. the coating helps keep the heat out of the engine bay and they're made to not discolor. That's the reason why they're more expensive than non-coated headers.

Ask all the questions you need to.. that's why we're here on this board!

[piecesparts]

I have actually broke in two new motors with ceramic headers and they did not change colors. The ceramic coating holds heat until the exhaust is out of the header region and then the collapsing gases help to scavenge the exhasut out of the cylinders. Don't get me wrong---maybe someone has something up their sleeve, that I don't know about--but I haven't seen Bulwinkle for awhile.