Looking for Long Block 350

[ehjorten]

So my 1977 K20 with a SBC 350 in it, that I have had since like 2000 and put countless miles on, has finally developed a rod knock. It did it without any indication, just steady RPM down the highway. Oil was full, oil pressure good.

Anyways...I have my commuter car that I replaced the turbo on and not even 5,000 miles into the new turbo, after 200,000 miles on the factory turbo, the bearings are going out! Good think the OE turbo replacement has a 12 month warranty. With that little gem, I am just looking to buy a long block 350 for my '77 and swap it out. I don't have the time to invest in rebuilding that engine, that probably has significant wear.

So...my question to my 73-87ChevyTrucks family...where to get the best quality deal?

I would like 4 bolt mains. It doesn't have to be a powerhouse, but would take as much power as I can get for reasonable money. Hoping to be in the $3-$4k range, but might entertain closer to $5k. It can be either 1-piece rear main or 2-piece. If 1-piece I will have to buy a new externally balanced flexplate. Staying carbureted for now, as I would have to upgrade both of my fuel tanks and switching valve to go EFI and I redid all of that stuff about 10 years ago. Would prefer vortec heads (AKA fast-burn) and regular unleaded fuel. The truck has 4:10 gears, 32" tall tires, and a THM350 with the factory NP203. I would like to upgrade at some point to an overdrive transmission and put a NP205 behind it, just to get rid of the 203 part-time chain-drive and lower the RPMs on the highway.

[VileZambonie]

I would look for a 96-99 Vortec 350 which has all of the upgrades and roller cam. No mechanical fuel pump but that's easily worked around especially if you are planning on eventually moving to EFI. I bought a trashed Suburban and yanked the engine out for $400 bucks.

Assuming you've done the part time conversion, the biggest issue with the 203 is the shifter but cleaning it all up, new bushings on the linkage and the correct retaining clips makes a world of difference.

[Mr Diesel]

I would do this:
https://www.gmperformancemotor.com/parts/19432780.html

$4,600 and includes mechanical pump capability, plus roller cam. All the best features of the latest and last of the SBC. Brand new.

I'm looking for an excuse to buy one for one of my rigs, just don't have the need yet. I really want to put one in my 1985 Camaro but the stupid 305 just won't die, in spite of me trying to kill it by never changing the oil...