I'm new... and looking to rebuild!!!

[sbx22]

Hey all. I'm from Northern California & I'm new to this forum. With the help of this site, am looking to do a rebuild on my Pop's 1974 Chevy 350 V8. It's pretty much a POS, but after looking around this site, I have much motivation. Money is not that big of an issue, I hope.

My goal of this ride is to make it look better, perform better, be a little more gas efficient?, and lastly, because it's been in the family for so long that I want to prolong it even more. Looking to get a fresh engine, tranny, maybe lower the suspension, pain, and new miscellaneous items. I am not looking to go all out, however I do want some power to the pedal. I have no experience in engine rebuilds, so that's probably out of the question. However, I think I can manage getting a pre-assembled engine and do the install myself with friends. What do you all think about the Goodwrench Quest Crate 350? Just finished reading an article on it. Basically, what are my choices for engines and trannies? Is there a page on here where it sums up everything for me to read? Thanks a bunch guys.

[Lt.Del]

welcome from Va, SBX
If you search many of the threads on here you will see many things and projects that others have done that will answer many of your questions.  I have done exactly what you wish to do.  Instead of replacing my 350 with a 350, I replaced it with a stroked out 350, which in my case was a 383 stroker engine.  Stroked means I had a crank shaft from a 400 cubic inch engine put in it, allowing for more displacement and loads of torque.  It won't help your mpg though.  The block is still a 350 block, so everything from power steering pump, alternator, starter, A/C all bolted right up with no problem.
www.delbridge.net/install

Goodwrench engines are good because of the warranty and such, but, not too much in the way of agressive HP. Others on this site have used them and may chime in.

 

[eventhorizon66]

Welcome aboard sbx22

I bought a GM Goodwrench crate with the same expectations (slightly better power and efficiency) and I'm disappointed on both counts.  If I wanted stock-like power levels with increased efficiency, I should have either gone with a late model engine swap or rebuilt my own TBI engine.

If you are mainly wanting to bolt in more power and money isn't an issue, my advice is skip over the Goodwrench and go for the 350HO.  It has much better Vortec heads, a mild performance cam, and decent compression.  If tuned correctly, I don't see why it shouldn't get about the same gas mileage as the Goodwrench.  Oh and if the warranty is important, GMPP engines now have 2 yr/24,000 mi warranties.

Now if you REALLY want to step it up a notch, check this one out: T&L 383 turn-key

As far as the trans goes, if you want more drivability and improved mpg, look into a 700R4 swap.

[Captkaos]

If money is no object and you aren't looking for originality, and you want power and economy, retrofit a LS engine out of a 2000-up truck.

[joesgarage71]

If money is no object and you aren't looking for originality, and you want power and economy, retrofit a LS engine out of a 2000-up truck.

X2

[eventhorizon66]

If money is no object and you aren't looking for originality, and you want power and economy, retrofit a LS engine out of a 2000-up truck.

The only reason I didn't suggest that is it is not a simple drop in affair.  If money is no object what about a GMPP LS3 crate?

[sbx22]

That 383 Stroker sounds very appealing. I'll do more research into that.

And yes, I'm not looking into going all out on a motor and tranny. I would like to keep its originality as well.

[eventhorizon66]

If you do go with that T&L engine, be sure to call and talk to them about exactly what you want in terms of power and driveability.

[Lt.Del]

i bought my 383 from Tuff Dawg Engines.....no core needed, no shipping costs...tell him what you want it for and Darl will adapt it to your needs...(intake, cam, valves, etc...)


http://stores.ebay.com/Tuff-Dawg-Engines

[TexasRed]

I think in Northern California, there's still emissions. Even though it's a 1974. So bear that in mind with any build.

[Lt.Del]

there's still emissions

that's why a 383 is perfect.  It is a 350 block.  And, if they still check that old of a vehicle, I don't know if your '74 had an EGR or not, but if so, make sure you order an EGR -ready intake.  I dont think a '74 even had a cat.  Maybe so.

[TexasRed]

I meant if you do an efi swap, those crazy cats will want you to have EVERY thing that vehicle the engine came from had in terms of emissions equipment.

[eventhorizon66]

The visual inspection really irritates me.  If it passes tailpipe emissions, what does anybody care what's under the hood?  And if it is exempt from tailpipe emissions, how are you ever going to know if that cat or egr valve is actually functioning properly?  Who cares if the original smog equipment merely present?  Hairbrained law makers, that's who.  It's ridiculous legislation, written by someone who knows jack about cars.

Rant over.

[73c10Shorty]

There are no emissions requirements for '75 or older vehicles.

[sbx22]

That's weird, I just asked my dad if smog checking is still required. He says that it still is required for the Chevy. Looks like I'll need further research. THanks all.