Author Topic: Engine swap Vortec/350c or ???  (Read 2906 times)

Offline Buds Dad

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 30
Engine swap Vortec/350c or ???
« on: October 27, 2009, 09:33:39 am »
I'm trying to figure my options and wanted some advice.I have an 85 c10 with a carburated 350 with fuel injected heads and a 350c tranny. I found a 97 Vortec that needs new rings for $450 minus ECU and harness. Can someone tell me if the 350c and Vortec will work or do i need a later transmission? My other option is to keep looking for a TBI set up since I already have the heads. Salvage yards around here are wanting about the same money for a TBI set up so i thought the complete motor wasn't all that bad of a deal. Cant really afford to spend a pile of money to do the swap but i figured it would save me some gas money in the long run since this is the vehicle my kids drive to school.Thanks
« Last Edit: October 27, 2009, 09:40:10 am by Buds Dad »

Offline Captkaos

  • OWNER and Administrator
  • Administrator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 18469
    • http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com
Re: Engine swap Vortec/350c or ???
« Reply #1 on: October 27, 2009, 11:33:17 am »
It will work with the TH350, but you still need the harness and ECU to control it.  Personally, I wouldn't buy it unless it came with the ECU and harness.

Someone had a TBI setup in the classifieds.

Offline notched

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 9
Re: Engine swap Vortec/350c or ???
« Reply #2 on: November 01, 2009, 11:47:23 am »
I would buy the Vortec 350 and get the intake so you can run a carb.
The Vortec engines (actually the heads alone are) what makes the power difference.
It is a good legitimate 40 horses easily over the tbi engines.
I am currently running a freshened stock 86 350 short block with a Comp Cams 268 kit. I had the guides machined down to clear the retainers and valve stem seals.
The intake manifolds are all over ebay. I picked up one for $150
Dollar and cents it was the best thing I did to mine.