350 Rebuild

[skyshark186]

Looking at having my motor rebuilt. Kind of a backyard mechanic swap in kinda thing. Looks kinda cool though. Ive been told that the wicked twisty lookin Hooker Competition headers are an indication of an older backyard 350 swap. Anyway, Im in Boise and wondering if you guys know of anyone good to do my rebuild and clutch. Kinda a tight budget tight timeline thing. Might be able to swing a grand to 1200 for both and labor and need it done within a week or so. Any thoughts and price ranges are appreciated.

 

[1Fine40]

Check Mulders and maybe Boise Cylinder Head service. The latter did a great head rebuild for me and it was not too unreasonable....I think you may be under funded though....

Cheers!

 

[Rice]

I agree. $1000 is a bit low. That's about what someone might charge just to pull the pan, yank the crank and pistons, but on new rings and bearings, a new timing chain, and call it a rebuild.

To do it right will mean cleaning up the cylinder walls (typical is to bore 0.030 on a standard bore block, hone, decking, align bore, new pistons, new cam and lifters, rings, bearings, gasket set, timing set ... things add up fast. If the valves are in need of work there's another list of possible expensives.

You may consider a basic performance crate motor ... $1400 plus freight.

Rice

 

[ranger]

If you catch the dealer at the right time you can pick up a universal 350 crate for around $1200. IMO is much cheaper in the long run.

 

[skyshark186]

Never dealt with crate motors. How much do you have to salvage from the motor youve got. Im assuming all the "non esential" parts ie....alternator, ps pump...ect.

I might look at going that route. Thanks

 

[Rice]

Summitracing has it for $1495 but it's $166 cheaper at GM Parts Direct:

http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/results.cfm?singlepart=1&partnumber=10067353

Nothing fancy ... just good old basic small block. Needs water pump, intake, carb, headers, and other bolt ons. Still, this is a zero miles new engine ... not a rebuild. May not be what you're looking for but it's an option.

Rice

 

[1Fine40]

Only issue to watch out for is the warranty. On mine, they would not warrant it because I was installing it in a nonGM rig.....sort of a bummer, but it hasn't killed me. I did have to do a valve job last summer after 5 years of running....not too much to ask. Still does not burn drop one of oil! YMMV!

 

[skyshark186]

Mine doesnt burn oil.....yet. Im just scared that when i take the valve covers off it aint gonna be a pretty sight. I dont really have that much personal experience with 350s, although....i have worked in two full service shops in the last couple years. So i do know my way around under there. So many options, so little money.

 

[Hodag]

Check Jegs

I think the latest Jegs catalog had the 265hp 350 GM crate motor for like $1200. Hodag

 

[skyshark186]

Saw that last night. It would be a nice addition....still debating.

 

[1Fine40]

Mine doesnt burn oil.....yet. Im just scared that when i take the valve covers off it aint gonna be a pretty sight.

You'll never know till you get bold and take a peak!! Might just need some headwork..which is less than a complete mill!! I fully relate to the low $$ thing Good luck!

 

[skyshark186]

Good news. Pulled the cover and it actually looks ok. A little residue and a small amount of buildup on the cover itself but nothing that i expected. Maybe the ol motor is better than i thought. Thanks for your thoughts. Ill try to post the pics i took.