Screwed...350 block is shot

[Duane Mills]

Recently took my early 80's 350 block to speed shop. Guy says cylinders have been bored past their limit and engine would run hot if we continued. Engine was in 81 Z but turns out to be from a truck. Was running fine but we wanted to upgrade heads, intake, exhaust. Took to guy to get in vat and he calipered it. Is he giving me the straight scoop? Didn't try to sell me something else so pretty comfortable with him. Thoughts.
Thanks

 

[351maverick]

around here we scrap Chevy 350 blocks....can't even give them away....so another block should be pretty damn easy to find

Jeg's has a NEW block for $925 & free shipping...you'll spend more than half that at a machine shop prepping the junkyard junk

 

[MyBoTy]

How is it going to run hotter? There's less metal to retain heat, thinner cylinder walls actually pass heat better than thick ones. This is a lot like the old belief that 400's run hot. They do - if you expect to be able to cool them with the same cooling system that barely works on a 350.
What's the bore diameter now?

But 315 Maverick is right, they're still plentiful, you should be able to find something locally.

 

[larrylarry]

If it was running fine just have the shop hone it for new rings.

 

[Duane Mills]

Thanks...

How is it going to run hotter? There's less metal to retain heat, thinner cylinder walls actually pass heat better than thick ones. This is a lot like the old belief that 400's run hot. They do - if you expect to be able to cool them with the same cooling system that barely works on a 350.
What's the bore diameter now?

But 315 Maverick is right, they're still plentiful, you should be able to find something locally.

Thanks...guy is defin old school...new to this so not sure but think his caliper showed 4.06 and change. He new they seemed bigger as soon as we unwrapped it.

 

[Twisted_Metal]

My suggestion: Buy a new GM 350 short block and add upgraded heads.

If it's already 0.060" over-bored.... It's lived it's life as an engine and is now a boat anchor.
A new GM crate short block (4 bolt main) will probably suit your needs and be reasonable on the budget.

 

[budro6968]

What is on the top of your pistons? There should be some numbers like .030 or .040. That tells you right off if the engine has been bored to larger Diameter. In your case It sounds like you have .060 over bore. If that is true then The guy was telling it straight because that is the limit before you get break through to water.

 

[71 rs BBC]

If your going to look for a different block then I'd personally try to find a 96-2000 vortec. They're hydraulic roller blocks. 4 bolt and roller ready. Just a thought. Good luck!

 

[Duane Mills]

If your going to look for a different block then I'd personally try to find a 96-2000 vortec. They're hydraulic roller blocks. 4 bolt and roller ready. Just a thought. Good luck!

Thanks...we are somewhat limited on on structural changes for motor mounts. Would a 96 fit an Fbody without much cost?

If your going to look for a different block then I'd personally try to find a 96-2000 vortec. They're hydraulic roller blocks. 4 bolt and roller ready. Just a thought. Good luck!

 

[71 rs BBC]

It'll bolt right up with your mounts. You'll have to change the flywheel and sheet metal (oil pan etc) from your original motor because it has a 1 piece rear crank seal. Most of the time when you find one it'll come with both. ( oil pan, flywheel) If you run vortec heads you'll need a intake that'll bolt to the vortec heads. Do a google search there's tons of info about it.