finding junkyard engines

[mwood1985]

after much debate and thinking about my factory 6.2 ive come to the conclusion that i need more power. that being said its cheaper to build a 350 gas for a mud truck engine. when i go to the junkyard to find a complete engine to tear into and rebuild what do i need to look for? and what CI chevy would be best to start with and cheapest to make 400hp at the crank. thats just a goal im trying to shoot for

 

[paratrooper307]

For your relatively reasonable power goals, it may be a better option to go with one of the crate motor choices available. Reasonably inexpensive, ready right away, and none of the potential pitfalls from a junkyard engine.

A 350 will be cheap and the most flexible option, big blocks will be more expensive to buy and build. Since you will be replacing major components, focus on finding a good block with no cracks or damage. Make sure to get a warranty too.

 

[DokWatson]

I would bring a breaker bar and see if the engine turns or not. Other than that, I dunno. I'd rather rebuild an engine in known running condition, see if you can find a cheap used one on craigslist that you can hear run.

 

[79rustyk10]

your best bet on a JY engine would probably be a vortec 350 from a 96-99 chevy half ton.

swap in a hotter roller cam, vortec pattern intake, and a carb, and you're good to go for a while.

You would also need an electric fuel pump as most newer blocks dont have the fuel pump pushrod hole in them.

 

[Bowtie85]

your best bet on a JY engine would probably be a vortec 350 from a 96-99 chevy half ton.

swap in a hotter roller cam, vortec pattern intake, and a carb, and you're good to go for a while.

You would also need an electric fuel pump as most newer blocks dont have the fuel pump pushrod hole in them.

i agree with that totally.

when we set out to build a motor for my beaumont, this is what we were shooting for, ended up building a 383 instead though=

http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/0611phr_vortec_small_block_350_chevy_engine/index.html

 

[smier]

Find a reputable machine shop and ask them if you can buy a block from them... You're going to want to have it machined anyway, might cost a little more, but at least you'd know you're not starting with scrap... I bought a running 350 for $150 for a core to build into 383 stroker, started tearing it down and found a deep groove worn into one of the cylinder walls, block was salvageable, but I had to go 40 over to get rid of the groove. In my area, bored out, align-honed and clearancing for the crank was $500 in machine work, so I have $650 into this build and all I have is a block!!! Times are tough, it's worth a call, you might find some really good deals. I have 2 shops near me, they usually have a few good cores ready to go.

 

[manchildau65]

Find a newer wrecked 5.3 or 6.0 truck and get the wiring harness / engine all at once. These are becoming much more accessible and cheaper to find (couple local wrecked trucks going for $500 - engine only)... they may not be at your hp level to start with but the aftermarket world can easily get you there.

 

[mwood1985]

Find a newer wrecked 5.3 or 6.0 truck and get the wiring harness / engine all at once. These are becoming much more accessible and cheaper to find (couple local wrecked trucks going for $500 - engine only)... they may not be at your hp level to start with but the aftermarket world can easily get you there.

is it possible to use a 465 with the newer engines lol cause i like my 465 too much

 

[manchildau65]

Yes, but I believe you won't be able to use all the bell housing bolts... someone will chime in with more information around this (its been reviewed, run a search - gurantee you'll find an answer)

 

[mwood1985]

Yes, but I believe you won't be able to use all the bell housing bolts... someone will chime in with more information around this (its been reviewed, run a search - gurantee you'll find an answer)

ill have to look around. and i think ilove the twin stick 205 more so as long as i can keep that ill ditch the rest for better stuff