Rebuild motor or buy?

[da_mule]

Ok first new thread looking to get some advice,
First about the motor in general, then specifically the carb.
I have a 77 there is rod knock and the compression tests shows all of the cylinders are pretty varied from around 130 to around 110. Spec is 150 (new) with 30psi of change so it is within range (not a hole in a piston or rings on one gone, they are all low) The motor has NO POWER, it runs and drives but max speed is about 55 down a hill. I have never rebuilt a motor I am pretty mechanically inclined and have done most other repairs on this and other vehicles, but for some reason I am concerned about starting a full motor rebuild, I don't want to have the motor out and have it never go back together (time, money, knowledge) I WANT TO MAKE SURE THE TRUCK DOES NOT TURN INTO A LIFETIME PROJECT. I am pretty sure I am capable of doing the rebuild but want to know which option you guys would go with.
1. buy a long block
2. I have access to another motor as soon as I drive to PA, so try to build that while the truck is still running
3. go for the rebuild and then pick up the other motor if need be

The motor in PA has been sitting for about 5 years but still turns over it would need to be rebuilt anyway.

Does anyone know where to buy an inexpensive stock rebuild motor?

Also Carbs how do people feel about the quadrajet, i have been told they are good carbs but get a bad rap because they are hard to tune, which I can attest to I have had my carb apart 3 times and it seems the only way to do much tuning is to drill and buy different size jets and metering rods, that I am having trouble finding. I have purchased a book on how to tune and rebuilt the quadrajet but am having trouble finding the parts.
My main issues with it are that my truck runs very rich, idles about 1500 and runs out of fuel on steep inclines, also it won't hold fuel in the bowl so to start it I have to use the acc pump (yes the screws in the bowl have epoxy) but it is hard to tune the carb if i am blowing all the compression by into the oil. haha

Thank You for the help

 

[da_mule]

Ohhhhh

how do I move this to the driveway? didn't mean to post in the tool section.

Thanks.

 

[sweetk30]

driveway is for truck/vehicle build threads basicly.

you need general garage section.

pm sent to mods to move it for ya.

 

[da_mule]

Thank You.

 

[ryoken]

just buy a long block.... I know I'll get the "you can do it cheaper" guys chiming in... but it's hard to beat $1300 for a long block once you start throwing machine work, parts, time into the mix.....

I haven't rebuilt a rotating assembly at work in over a decade...... more cost effective to just buy the mill...

 

[bp71k5]

it's hard to beat $1300 for a long block once you start throwing machine work, parts, time

Yep, all the block and head machining and parts will set you back that much. It makes more sense unless your block is some kind of special numbers matching show motor.

 

[Jeremy_C]

Where can you get a good quality refurb 350 for 1300.00?

 

[scottishdave]

260hp, 350ft/lb + a Waranty. $1500.00 plus $159.oo shipping to your door. I know its not 1300, but this was the very first place i looked. I bought mine from here and sure enough, they drop it off in your driveway.

http://www.jegs.com/p/GM-Performance/GM-Goodwrench-350-Engine-Packages-1973-1985/752506/10002/-1

You really cannot beat a long block. I think the peace of mind is a huge factor, especialy since you have never built an Engine before. You could swap in this long block knowing its gonna run, it was built right and its under waranty. Or you could re-build your first ever engine, maybe for cheaper and then pray you did it right otherwise you are out all that money.