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350 Block

Well, my head hurts now.

I have officially decided I’m not going forward with building an engine at this time.

I’m intrigued at the crate idea. And to be fair, I think @Wes Harden may have advised that in my build thread. Can’t remember.
 
Wes Harden said:
look at a L31 new crate engine on summit or jegs. This is a NEW 350cu engine, roller cam, 1 piece rear main. You'll need to use a different intake, possibly also flex plate or fly wheel. Only visual clue once installed would be the center bolt valve covers.
Carburetor and HEi distributor, it will sound and smell the same.
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I support that direction.
It gets you the roller cam, the look is almost the same.
Center bolt covers came a long time before the L31, I believe it started in the early 80s so it's not that much older.
My engine builder friend can build one for under $3000 here in CA
 
In general, a new crate motor small block Chevy can be purchased faster for the same or less money than a reputable engine builder can do it. However, you get less control of what parts are used in the build. For your goals, the crate motor route is probably a better bang for the buck answer to fit a budget and can be delivered in a week rather than 3-6 months from an engine builder.
 
kennyw said:
In general, a new crate motor small block Chevy can be purchased faster for the same or less money than a reputable engine builder can do it. However, you get less control of what parts are used in the build. For your goals, the crate motor route is probably a better bang for the buck answer to fit a budget and can be delivered in a week rather than 3-6 months from an engine builder.
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Yeah, I explain it to people in a way they understand better, you go and buy a piece of frozen meat at the supermarket, it will be cheaper than going to a local meat market and getting a fresh cut that you visually approve.
If your goal is to have meat, cheaper is better, but if you really care about what you put in your body you buy the local prime piece, possibly a grass fed 100%
 
texarback said:
Not a fan of chrome. Also, that much shine scares scares me.
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I don't know about the GM warranty, they can be a bit squirrely (dealer install required?) but the L31 is pretty hard to beat for a drop in 350 replacement.

Everything about the Vortec except maybe head thickness (which isn't a problem unless you like to overheat your engine) is better than the "old" engines. So many improvements that reduce oil leakage. Stronger components like rods. Far more power without any downside.

The ONE con I see that really gets you far away from period correct, is needing to run an electric fuel pump. But look at the cost and performance for an *OEM* engine, and see if that one con takes away from all the positives.

The L31 crate is clearly not the best engine out there. But as a drop-in with minimal challenges, and quite close looking in terms of originality, it ranks up at the top.

I'm running one, I've nothing bad to say about it. Been a solid engine. Of course, I got it back when they were $1900 delivered to your house, but even at the asking price now, it's clearly cheaper than what most will pay to have someone build you one.
 
Just to put it out there there are a few more block castings that are 2pc rear main seal with a drivers side dipstick. Any 4" bore block from 68-80 will work. In 81 the dipstick moved to the passenger side and 86 on was 1pc rear main seal. There are universal blocks that had the dipstick location on both sides.

Technical Articles - SBC Block Casting Numbers

bzerob.com bzerob.com
 
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