I am officially tired of my worn out 85 305 with 240,xxx on it and what is becoming my arch enemy all carburetors in the world. I want a tbi 350. But im on a pretty tight budget. However while looking for a decent used one i have come a cross many non running/very loud knock tbi 350s with tbi and all accessories for $150 - $250. How do i know if its worth rebuilding? Are there any obvious signs that the motor is trash? How much would it cost to rebuild one? I don't want anything crazy. A maximum of 35" tires (33" more likely) Occasional off roading and towing a trailer. Probably 3/4 ton axles at some point with 4.10 gears or something similar. From what ive read its really not all that hard. My dad has a large assortment of tools and a garage i could use. Are there any special tools required? I rebuilt my quadrajet with success, I know it would be a bigger more time consuming project than that but would it be much harder? I used a good quadrajet book you guys recommended. Any good books/videos on a 350 rebuild. Maybe something that covers a 4.3, 305, and 350? Are they that much different on the inside?
CK5
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Rebuilding a 90s 350
- Thread starter jkeys0218
- Start date
check horsepower tv 2 recent episodes. 383 build on budget no machine work required and 450+hp.
Look for a roller block, and try to find a used LT1`camshaft.
Martin
Martin
I found a 94 tbi 350 with everything but the starter and ecm for $200 on craigslidt. The only thing is he said the heads need redone. I txt him and he said the motor never over heated but the valves are burnt. What are the chances of this just needing a valve job? Is it likley that i would have to replace the whole head?
I think I would probably contact whatever machine shop you expect to do the work for you, and see if they have any 350's laying around that they know are good.
I have a VERY hard time trusting people on Craigslist anymore, especially when it comes to automotive stuff, so if you can throw $200 away, I'd consider it. Honestly, that's how I would approach it. Once you buy the thing, you own it. If I couldn't see/hear it run, I'd assume I was going to lose $200 and be happy IF it had no problems when I got it apart.
My suspicion is the guy doesn't know what he is talking about, how does he know the valves or burnt? If they are indeed burnt, that is from running lean, and if more than one valve, I'd be worried the cylinder(s) have other issues caused from pistons coming apart, etc.
Why would someone who has the knowledge to know the valves are burnt, let an engine fail like that?
Edit: I suppose you could tell him you were bringing tools, and the heads and pan would come off before you handed him a dollar. I'd pull the heads, rotate the motor, make sure the cylinders looked alright, then I'd turn it over, pop the pan, and take all the rods and crank loose to inspect the bearings. I wouldn't let you do that if I knew the bottom end was good, but if he wants the sale bad enough, and you are going to disassemble anyway, you have nothing to lose by asking. Still doesn't mean there isn't a hairline crack somewhere, or something else you might miss, but at least it will eliminate some of the major possible problems.
I have a VERY hard time trusting people on Craigslist anymore, especially when it comes to automotive stuff, so if you can throw $200 away, I'd consider it. Honestly, that's how I would approach it. Once you buy the thing, you own it. If I couldn't see/hear it run, I'd assume I was going to lose $200 and be happy IF it had no problems when I got it apart.
My suspicion is the guy doesn't know what he is talking about, how does he know the valves or burnt? If they are indeed burnt, that is from running lean, and if more than one valve, I'd be worried the cylinder(s) have other issues caused from pistons coming apart, etc.
Why would someone who has the knowledge to know the valves are burnt, let an engine fail like that?
Edit: I suppose you could tell him you were bringing tools, and the heads and pan would come off before you handed him a dollar. I'd pull the heads, rotate the motor, make sure the cylinders looked alright, then I'd turn it over, pop the pan, and take all the rods and crank loose to inspect the bearings. I wouldn't let you do that if I knew the bottom end was good, but if he wants the sale bad enough, and you are going to disassemble anyway, you have nothing to lose by asking. Still doesn't mean there isn't a hairline crack somewhere, or something else you might miss, but at least it will eliminate some of the major possible problems.
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NEVER TRUST A MOTOR YOU CANT HERE RUN / DRIVE. 
unless you know the builder and trust them.
unless you know the builder and trust them.
