Bummed out!

[kalidromos13]

So apparently my Thermostat breaking has caused a whole other mess of problems. Pretty sure I have a leaking head gasket. Win the radiator cap off and while observing the coolant while the t-stat opens I see a barrage of bubbles and foamy bubbles coming through regularly...I will confirm with a combustion leak detector. Just a little bummed out, but now I will be saving my pennies and I'll just go with a brand new Chevy Performance 350 crate engine. So now I guess I can focus on getting the rear gears swapped.

 

[Longroof79]

That's a bummer, David.
I guess the engine didn't react well to being overheated. Hope you find a reasonable alternative.
A nice Vortec headed crate motor might be in your not so distant future. Good luck!

 

[kalidromos13]

Thanks Jack, it sucks that while I was starting to drive it everyday to work, this happens. Oh well, I've been wanting a 350 for forever so time to make a goal of mine come true!! Good thing I can work overtime any time I want haha.
I want to go Vortec, but I need EGR to keep nOx down to acceptable levels. Chevy performance sells a retrofit Vortec intake with EGR but it's like $350!! So I'm gonna go with the 190 HP 350. I don't need a lot of HP, I drive like a grandma!! Haha

 

[Longroof79]

Thanks Jack, it sucks that while I was starting to drive it everyday to work, this happens. Oh well, I've been wanting a 350 for forever so time to make a goal of mine come true!! Good thing I can work overtime any time I want haha.
I want to go Vortec, but I need EGR to keep nOx down to acceptable levels. Chevy performance sells a retrofit Vortec intake with EGR but it's like $350!! So I'm gonna go with the 190 HP 350. I don't need a lot of HP, I drive like a grandma!! Haha

Well, the 190 hp version will get you back in the running without breaking the bank. You can always upgrade it down the road. I guess it will have to be emissions compliant.

 

[kalidromos13]

Exactly, I'm not taking it to the track or anything so the base 350 will serve me well, hopefully haha and yes I have to take it in every two years for tail pipe testing so I have to stay compliant, ain't worth the $200 to get someone to pass it. And if CA ever gets with the program and ends tail pipe testing for pre '80 cars I might consider upgrading to Vortec heads. My girlfriend was pretty bummed about it too, so no more cruise nights for us until I get it swapped. She offered to help pay for it, I think I might have a keeper! Haha

 

[Texas82GP]

For the money, look at the 290 HP 350.

https://m.summitracing.com/parts/nal-12499529

It's a long shot but consider pulling the valve covers and re-torquing the head bolts.

 

[airboatgreg]

The 290/350 is what I am going when the time /money comes. From my research it is a nice clean reasonable, driveable option that has a bit of muscle

 

[Texas82GP]

The 290/350 is what I am going when the time /money comes. From my research it is a nice clean reasonable, driveable option that has a bit of muscle

I went with a 350HP 350 from Pace which is the same short block as the 290/350 but with Vortec heads and a mild performance cam. The 290/350 was my second choice.

 

[airboatgreg]

I liked the warranty on the GM 290/350 crate. I have had my hot rods and I like a decent idle, fuel economy with a little zip. To me it seems like a nice combo. I would like to hear from people who have done this swap

 

[Texas82GP]

I liked the warranty on the GM 290/350 crate. I have had my hot rods and I like a decent idle, fuel economy with a little zip. To me it seems like a nice combo. I would like to hear from people who have done this swap

When my brother and I were planning the build on his 78 Z28 we saw the 290/350 on the dyno on Horsepower TV and fell in love. We ended up going with a 6.0 LSX because he wanted to do an LS swap. That 290/350 is surely a sweet street motor, that is surely under rated on power by GM.