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Snoozin' 350 into Building the Rockbeast

evolve991

evolve991

Resident Problem Child
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Nov 1, 2010
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Location
Lordsburg,New Mexico
I recently bought a Goodwrench MD 350 with low,low mileage.
From what I can find on the numbers it's got typical smogger 76cc heads.
It's a 1 piece rear seal, 4bolt, roller ready (but has flat tappet) very tame cam.

Are those heads a dead end or will a cam,intake and headers actually make a difference?
700r4 and 3.73s drivetrain. Currently a 600 Holley on Edelbrock Performer RPM.
I was looking at Comp268 or Summit 1101 cam possiblities. And some Hedmans w/2 1/2" collectors. It's already duals out the rear.

It's a daily driver/work beast. It's heavy. I don't tow anything ( not sure if I will later) but I figure that power plan is a good one since I'm loaded down with tools. I'm more concerned with getting out of intersections and passing than causing sonic booms on I95 :rolleyes:

Any opinions or alternatives appreciated :bow:
 
14101148 block casting. 627 on left side rear flange, 638 on right side of flange.

VH197027 on machined pad.

14076921 heads
 
96-03 vortec heads have there own problems . not direct bolt on and need new springs and intake to match new pattern .

few other things also .

do your research first there is a lot here . :thumb:
 
Vortec heads will add about 40 hp by themselves.

I don't know how much torque, but it is the single best bang for the buck you can do.

Be aware off the shelf Vortecs are only good for ~.470 lift. But they flow so well a small to moderate cam will be a huge increase in power.
 
SweetK from what he was saying he's got the heads,cam,intake and a 750 all together, he's just hard to catch up with and doesn't stand still long enough to get a lock on it all. I'll no doubt study this to death since funds are so tight lol.

I was just wondering if I failed to get lucky on heads if the cam and headers would at least give me more punch.

Big Ray thanks I assumed Vortecs has better spring range than my stockers.
 
evolve991 said:
SweetK from what he was saying he's got the heads,cam,intake and a 750 all together, he's just hard to catch up with and doesn't stand still long enough to get a lock on it all. I'll no doubt study this to death since funds are so tight lol.

I was just wondering if I failed to get lucky on heads if the cam and headers would at least give me more punch.

Big Ray thanks I assumed Vortecs has better spring range than my stockers.
Click to expand...

You're welcome. And, no the Vortec heads are only able to handle about .470 valve lift from the factory. Jegs and Summit sell new Vortecs that are already machined for higher lift cams.

And yes, a cam and headers alone would be an improvement. Be aware, it is sooo easy to over cam an engine.

If it were me, I'd just go with the Comp Cam 268, headers, and maybe some 1.6 rocker arms. Should wake it up a bit.
 
research the header part #'s here first to get ones that fit / clear front shackles / sit up in high out of the frame .
 
Big Ray that's what I was hoping for, my budget isn't very big right now so....
I may go a little "less" than the 268 to keep the lift under .470. I'm looking for low to midrange punch with minimal changes for the moment. If I have to start changing springs etc, I may as well go junkyarding and snatch some Vortecs . I'm just concerned with those 76cc limits.

SweetK I've been following the header posts on here for a couple years now. I know there are 2 Hedmans for my 'burban I just need to figure out which one it is. I wasn't sure if it hinged on which heads I use or the year of the body...or both.... Pretty sure it's the 090s that fit mine.

Don't get me wrong about this motor. I'm damn glad I snagged it for 300 bucks, it starts if you blow on the key, it's steady and smooth....I don't have to worry about worn parts or thin walls....it's one hell of a good starting point ...I just want some input before I go doing something goofy....again:D......
 
I would start with just a cam swap on what you have. You might be pleasantly surprised.

Martin
 
82355 said:
I would start with just a cam swap on what you have. You might be pleasantly surprised.

Martin
Click to expand...

:bow:

The hard part will be having the cam and waiting til I have the headers to do the swaps

Now....Do I start the whole single vs dual cam debate here?:rolleyes:
Seems most guys like the dual here.
 
You don't have to do the cam and the headers at the same time.

Martin
 
Thanks that's good to know. I've been repairing my machines since I was 18 but haven't gone much beyond stock. Didn't want to start blowing gaskets or valves or something. I don't want to turn my DD/work truck into a lot ornament with my bright ideas.

Forgive me for some of my newbie questions. I've never "built" a motor on my own and all the gearheads I know are hung up on the 1/4 mile launch in stripped down cars. I ask dumb questions here because we drive beasts. The muscle I need is to get in and out of driveways and construction lots that won't see blacktop til we're long gone and when I do get on the highway I want to be up to speed before some idiot azzends my rolling tool shed.
 
Last edited:
Are you running a electric or mechanical pump?

Would you happen to know which engine part # you have?

12530282

12568758

12520270
 
Mechanical pump.

It's a strange beast Van. Casting 14101148. Info I've found says "86 n up" 350
it has 627 on left side of rear flange and 638 on right. On the machined pad on front of head it has VH197027 I have found nothing on those numbers.
It's a 1 piece seal, 4 bolt main,has roller provisions ( visually confirmed) It wasn't TBI,the guy had factory intake and 2 Jet Rochester which he kept. On top of flange says GM 5.7L "G". Any other identifying tricks?
 
If it is a roller block, I would upgrade to a roller cam.

Martin
 
82355 said:
If it is a roller block, I would upgrade to a roller cam.

Martin
Click to expand...

:dunno: budget man, budget.

IF my buddy cuts me a deal on the Vortec heads,cam etc he's got it'll be roller. But being as broke as I am he's probably going to need all he can get and I can't blame him nowdays.

Which is why I'm looking at being stuck with the smoggers and flat tappet if my luck goes as it usually does.
 
It's a daily driver/work beast. It's heavy. I don't tow anything ( not sure if I will later) but I figure that power plan is a good one since I'm loaded down with tools. I'm more concerned with getting out of intersections and passing than causing sonic booms on I95

What gears does it have, if it has 3.08"s will not help your cause of getting quick acceleration from a stop sign.
 
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