HOW IT ALL STARTED , and why its not a 350
I bought a 1985 GMC Caballero Diablo (Similar to the ElCamino SS) in good condition with a very tired engine for $2500. I started looking for a replacement engine and Found the following on Ebay:
305 roller w/ 081 heads Painless harness and ECM, TPI system, 700r4 trans with converter, engine storage stand. $600 for all.
So I buy the lot.
Sold the harness/ECM/TPI/trans for $600. I tore down the engine thinking I'll sell the heads/short block seperate.
After disassembly I discover I have a LB9 with the following. 081 heads, Dual timing chain, .020 pistons, valves were back cut, all journals were under cut .030, and every part was in great condition.(cross hatch still visable in all cylinders) So thinking I got a lot of machine work for nothing, I decide to use this engine in the GMC, and started collecting parts.
PARTS LIST actual prices I paid in 2009, All purchased on Ebay.
Holley 600cfm 4160-$250
Pro Comp Electronics HEI Distributor - $59.00
Fuel lines and fittings - $49.00
Duel ele 14" fans with temp control and mounting kit - $70.00
Summit header exhaust combo(Blackjacks/Thrush Turbos/side exhaust pipes) - $271.00
Engine - FREE
SBC Stainless Bolts $32.62
NEW SBC Edelbrock Performer Intake 3706 $157.50
HP Harmonic Damper 6.75" $44.50
HOLLEY MACHANICAL FUEL PUMP $28.66
ARP fuel pump push rod kit $10.50
Rebuild kit w/.020 pistons, rings, gaskets, bearings and cam $330
"Ice Man" crossmember $140
Assembly lube, locktight, oil, coolant, cleaners, paint, bolts ect. $175.00
TOTAL $ 1620.00
Had to have the pistons pressed off, and new ones pressed on by my local shop, $68.00
Got the short block done yesterday, I'll keep you posted as I go.
I bought a 1985 GMC Caballero Diablo (Similar to the ElCamino SS) in good condition with a very tired engine for $2500. I started looking for a replacement engine and Found the following on Ebay:
305 roller w/ 081 heads Painless harness and ECM, TPI system, 700r4 trans with converter, engine storage stand. $600 for all.
So I buy the lot.
Sold the harness/ECM/TPI/trans for $600. I tore down the engine thinking I'll sell the heads/short block seperate.
After disassembly I discover I have a LB9 with the following. 081 heads, Dual timing chain, .020 pistons, valves were back cut, all journals were under cut .030, and every part was in great condition.(cross hatch still visable in all cylinders) So thinking I got a lot of machine work for nothing, I decide to use this engine in the GMC, and started collecting parts.
PARTS LIST actual prices I paid in 2009, All purchased on Ebay.
Holley 600cfm 4160-$250
Pro Comp Electronics HEI Distributor - $59.00
Fuel lines and fittings - $49.00
Duel ele 14" fans with temp control and mounting kit - $70.00
Summit header exhaust combo(Blackjacks/Thrush Turbos/side exhaust pipes) - $271.00
Engine - FREE
SBC Stainless Bolts $32.62
NEW SBC Edelbrock Performer Intake 3706 $157.50
HP Harmonic Damper 6.75" $44.50
HOLLEY MACHANICAL FUEL PUMP $28.66
ARP fuel pump push rod kit $10.50
Rebuild kit w/.020 pistons, rings, gaskets, bearings and cam $330
"Ice Man" crossmember $140
Assembly lube, locktight, oil, coolant, cleaners, paint, bolts ect. $175.00
TOTAL $ 1620.00
Had to have the pistons pressed off, and new ones pressed on by my local shop, $68.00
Got the short block done yesterday, I'll keep you posted as I go.