Replacement engine options

[73c10Shorty]

Hey guys, my engine threw a rod and I need to replace it. It's a stock 350 with a recently rebuilt turbo 350 transmission. I don't know what the gearing is but I'm sure it's stock. I was planning to buy the 260 hp goodwrench crate motor, but now I'm not sure if that's what I want to do. I'm considering looking for a newer motor from a pick and pull in order to get fuel injection. If I go this route which year pickups should I be looking at? What mileage should I stay within? What is a fair price? Thanks for the help!

[Irish_Alley]

how much money you plan on spending

[73c10Shorty]

I would like to stay around $1,500 if possible.

[screamin86]

depanding on how you spend your money and what you can do yourself you can build a dependable fun small block for about that amount.

[78 Chevyrado]

I'm 98% sure this is the 350 I'm going to buy when the time comes.  Sgt Del got his 383 from the same guy.  If you want to know about the guy and his quality, talk to Sgt Del.   

$1995  330hp / 390ft lbs  and he will change things for you as you request   Complete long block from intake manifold to balancer to oil pan.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160471125380&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT

Video of the engine.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHiMKve1D3E&feature=related

[73c10Shorty]

That 350 does look pretty sweet! But what if I went with a motor from a pick and pull. Which years should I go after? And what about the price?

[beastie_3]

Pretty much anything will work, you might need to use some of your brackets etc. up to 79 blocks had the dipstick on the driver side and it moved to the passenger side in 80. newer engines had center bolt valve covers. somewhere in the late 80s. Problem with junk yard engines is you dont know the condition until you rebuild it. I suppose you could inspect the crank on the spot.

[Captkaos]

Direct bolt in would be any of the 87-99 old style non LS motors.
The TBI versions will be the simplest.

[Irish_Alley]

thinking about replacing mine also so I talked to tuff dawg about his 383 and 454 I think those two engines are about the same here’s the dyno that kind of looks too mspaint drawn lol

[Irish_Alley]

sorry about having to download those pics here they are just thought about doing it this way.
383

454

[Lt.Del]

Tell Darl at Tuff Dawg I still love my 383!

[73c10Shorty]

Here is a 400 that I'm considering. It was rebuilt by a reputable local machine shop. Would this be an easy swap from my stock 350? Would I be able to use all my parts?

http://modesto.craigslist.org/pts/1987537770.html

I'm having a hard time with the idea of spending $1,700 (after shipping) for a 260 hp crate motor when I can possibly find a good rebuilt motor that is already pumped up. But then again there is the benefit of knowing I'll have a reliable motor if I go with a new one. It's quite a dilemma...

[Layne]

It's a small block so you'll be ok. 400's are awesome! Dunno about the price though

[73c10Shorty]

Yeah, I did some research on this forum and I like what I'm seeing about the 400s. I'm not sure about the price either. I have only seen a few 400s in my area for sale and all of the other ones require some work to get them going.

[Captkaos]

make sure you have the 400 block magnafluxed and sonic checked by a reputable machine shop.
They aren't like normal small blocks.