Motor and Tranny Shop in Dallas

[Thundarr]

My 30 year old GM Goodwrench 350 SBC is starting to overheat. It's still running the TH350 3 speed so my highway speeds run at about 2800 rpm.
I think I'm ready to find a shop for motor and transmisson swap.

Anyone have any recommendations in the Dallas area?

[RustyPile]

Originally Posted by Thundarr

My 30 year old GM Goodwrench 350 SBC is starting to overheat. It's still running the TH350 3 speed so my highway speeds run at about 2800 rpm.
I think I'm ready to find a shop for motor and transmisson swap.

Anyone have any recommendations in the Dallas area?

"starting to over heat" isn't a just cause for an engine/transmission swap unless there are more serious issues -- high oil consumption, engine internal knocks, slipping transmission or other issues... Overheating could be a symptom of a faulty thermostat, partially clogged radiator, slipping water pump belt, or faulty water pump.. All these problems are easily and relatively cheap to repair.. Unless you are just looking to install a later model (read that LS) engine why not just have the overheating problem looked at by a skilled mechanic or shop???

[gmc684x4]

Look for leaking water pump can you smell antifreeze in the cab that is a sign of leaking heater core

Is your truck running rough tired and smoking ?

Looking for ls power upgrade

[lil hoodlum]

Not sure how much this will help you as I live in Denton. I had Wayne Calvert Precision Engines rebuild my 327 for my 1968 C10. The did an excellent job and running fine 3 years later. https://www.waynecalvertengines.com/

I had Robinson Restoration Services install said 327 in the C10. They are a bit on the pricey side but they do excellent work and only work on classic car and trucks. Very knowledgable and passion about classic car and trucks. http://www.rrstexas.com/index.php

[Thundarr]

The heat issue is causing vapor lock that has progressively gotten worse. I have done several things to mitigate that, but I do need to check the radiator.

The swap is partly about the engine but also about the transmission. I'm running high rpms keeping up with Dallas traffic.

This truck is a lifer for me, so I am definitely pushing this to get some more power too.

[Thundarr]

Originally Posted by lil hoodlum

Not sure how much this will help you as I live in Denton. I had Wayne Calvert Precision Engines rebuild my 327 for my 1968 C10. The did an excellent job and running fine 3 years later. https://www.waynecalvertengines.com/

I had Robinson Restoration Services install said 327 in the C10. They are a bit on the pricey side but they do excellent work and only work on classic car and trucks. Very knowledgable and passion about classic car and trucks. http://www.rrstexas.com/index.php

Great. Thanks!

I think I'll reach out to Robinson first to get their ideas on what my options are.

[Thundarr]

Originally Posted by RustyPile

"starting to over heat" isn't a just cause for an engine/transmission swap unless there are more serious issues -- high oil consumption, engine internal knocks, slipping transmission or other issues... Overheating could be a symptom of a faulty thermostat, partially clogged radiator, slipping water pump belt, or faulty water pump.. All these problems are easily and relatively cheap to repair.. Unless you are just looking to install a later model (read that LS) engine why not just have the overheating problem looked at by a skilled mechanic or shop???

Rusty, you were right. It was an easy solution. I started with the easiest thing first, and it turns out I had a bad thermostat. She runs cool and no more vapor lock. But, my great intentions are still there... I'm still unsatisfied with the lack of power and the 3 speed tranny.

Originally Posted by lil hoodlum

Not sure how much this will help you as I live in Denton. I had Wayne Calvert Precision Engines rebuild my 327 for my 1968 C10. The did an excellent job and running fine 3 years later. https://www.waynecalvertengines.com/

I had Robinson Restoration Services install said 327 in the C10. They are a bit on the pricey side but they do excellent work and only work on classic car and trucks. Very knowledgable and passion about classic car and trucks. http://www.rrstexas.com/index.php

lil hoodlum,
I talked to Robinson and they seemed very knowledgeable. Unfortunately, they are super busy, so they are going to call me back when they have time to even look at my truck.

When Wayne rebuilt your 327, what changes did you make and what power difference did you get from the rebuild?

Thanks to both of you for your advice.

[lil hoodlum]

Originally Posted by Thundarr

Rusty, you were right. It was an easy solution. I started with the easiest thing first, and it turns out I had a bad thermostat. She runs cool and no more vapor lock. But, my great intentions are still there... I'm still unsatisfied with the lack of power and the 3 speed tranny.



lil hoodlum,

When Wayne rebuilt your 327, what changes did you make and what power difference did you get from the rebuild.

It was a basic stock rebuild, long block. Cylinders had to be bored over .06 so this will likely be the last time this block can be rebuilt. I did go with a set of aftermarket heads though. Motor runs good and I haven't had any issues with it and the rebuild was a little over 3 years ago and this is my daily driver. I average a little over 100 miles per week on it. The dyno'd it to break the motor in and it got 338.8 torque at 4200 rpm and 308.3 CBHP at 5600 rpm. It's not a race motor for sure, but it gets down the road just fine and it has plenty of pick up and go. I paid $1750 for all the parts and machining except for the heads. It took about a month for the rebuild.

[Thundarr]

Wow. That looks amazing.
Congrats.