78 MC 305 to 350 Questions

[madkickz]

My good ole 305 finally went out and its time for a 350! No I'm not going LS, I'm keeping it old school so don't ask. I'm looking for a used motor right now, and found one out of a 70 El Camino but it is a 2 bolt main. My question is will an older block 2 bolt main swap right in or will I need to do some modifications? Also can I use all the parts from my 305? Can I run my old carb 4 barrel stock carb on my 350? Thank you!

 

[lilbowtie]

Direct swap !!

 

[Bar50]

Everything will bolt up from a 1969 and later except the G-body exhaust manifolds that go over the spark plugs. If you have the earlier style that go below the plugs you will be fine. If you have headers you will be fine. I don't know how mechanical you are, but, if you could source a TBI truck 350, they are 1 piece rear main AND have the mechanical fuel pump stuff, just blocked off, AND will accept OEM hydraulic roller cam stuff. Then go grab a cam, lifters, spider tray and dog bones from a Vortec truck, even better if you get a cam from an LT1 Impala or Camaro/Firebird motor. A guy could spend a day at the pull a part salvage and get most of it.

How much of a budget do you have?

What year is your Monte or 305?

 

[madkickz]

It is a 78. I seen a few TBI motors but wasn't sure what I would need to modify to put one in. I have a buddy with a shop who is going to help me.

Is this what you are thinking? http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/pts/5854403513.html

 

[madkickz]

My budget is 1.5-2.5k. I have to break my mechanic friend off as well.

 

[Bar50]

I wouldn't try to convert to TBI, just looking for the core. Have you considered a crate motor?

I would look at this:
https://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/pts/5881122602.html

Hone the cylinders, add new rings, bearings, and an oil pump. Have the heads checked/rebuilt/valve job. Score an intake for vortec heads and a simple external electric fuel pump. Its really gong to depend on your skill level, and that of your mechanic buddy.

 

[madkickz]

I'm open to all suggestions. I've been looking at crate motors online and they seem pretty expensive. I want more than the 190hp basic one.. someone recommended the L31-R. My thoughts are with a crate motor I may need to buy more parts.. than just buying a complete used motor with everything.

 

[Turbo Zach]

Everything will bolt up from a 1969 and later except the G-body exhaust manifolds that go over the spark plugs. If you have the earlier style that go below the plugs you will be fine. If you have headers you will be fine. I don't know how mechanical you are, but, if you could source a TBI truck 350, they are 1 piece rear main AND have the mechanical fuel pump stuff, just blocked off, AND will accept OEM hydraulic roller cam stuff. Then go grab a cam, lifters, spider tray and dog bones from a Vortec truck, even better if you get a cam from an LT1 Impala or Camaro/Firebird motor. A guy could spend a day at the pull a part salvage and get most of it.

How much of a budget do you have?

What year is your Monte or 305?

I built a 92 chevy 350 in my truck a while back and the fuel pump mount was cast shut no block off plate. There was a lobe on the cam for a fuel pump rod though. So be aware.

 

[64nailhead]

I would look at this:
https://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/pts/5881122602.html

Hone the cylinders, add new rings, bearings, and an oil pump. Have the heads checked/rebuilt/valve job. Score an intake for vortec heads and a simple external electric fuel pump. Its really gong to depend on your skill level, and that of your mechanic buddy.

X2^2 - throw in a cam similar to Comp XE268, add 1 1/2 or 1 5/8 long tube headers - easy 350-375 HP and reliable. Well within your budget and easy.

 

[Bar50]

http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/67838-budget-vortec-head-cam-355-build/

But, google: vortec 350 lt4 cam

Then do some reading.