Good deal?

[jordanfr13]

I'm looking around for a new motor for my cutlass. I'm not sure whether it would be a better deal to buy a stock 350 and build it up myself, or buy a built up motor and put it in. Do you guys think this is a good deal? $2000 Canadian

http://winnipeg.kijiji.ca/c-cars-ve...-350-SBC-Small-Block-Chevy-W0QQAdIdZ175722704

 

[madmaxstyle]

I think the hp estimate is a bit high for what it really is but that may be just my opinion.
He's probably got at least that much in receipts if he had it done up at a reputable shop though.

 

[CUTLASSJESSE]

well...it all depends on what you want for performance i would guess that engine to be around 350 hp it says that it has a mild port job but it still has stock iron heads on it which most machine shops now days wont tough them....at least around me they wont.........just my opinion i would look around a little more before you make a decision

 

[jordanfr13]

Thanks. How about one of these?

http://fargo.craigslist.org/pts/1502022559.html - do you suggest a big block? My cutlass is a canadian car so it has a chevy 305 in it right now

http://fargo.craigslist.org/pts/1511414365.html

 

[jordanfr13]

What do you think about just buying something like this?
http://winnipeg.kijiji.ca/c-cars-ve...0-Small-Block-Chevy-4-bolt-W0QQAdIdZ179279241

 

[outsider_27]

Just me, but I'd go with an Olds engine. You can find a 403 or even a 455 and have better power and torque than a Chevy.

 

[jordanfr13]

I'd love to, but since it's a Canadian car, it's already got a 305. I think that it makes the most sense to find a nice small block chevy, since the car is set up for one performance parts are so cheap.

 

[outsider_27]

I understand that, I just threw it out there as an option. It would be a little more work to do, but I feel it would be worth it. But if you're on a budget then the Chevy may be the best option right now.

 

[megaladon6]

the first link: i'd get a hell of a lot more info first. for a "professionally built" engine it looks like crap. at best it's been sitting for a few years and you'll have to pull it apart and de-rust it. and it's a solid roller with a single plane intake. i'll bet the street manners suck. you'd have to constantly adjust the rockers, and the low end power (since solid lifters are usually for a very big cam) will be non existent.
the last link: again, more info needed. when was it pulled, where was it stored. if it's been sitting for a year w/out a cover--lots of rust, maybe water in the oil killing the bearing surfaces. but, i'd rather go with this one. pull it apart, clean it and do a basic rebuild plus a new cam, intake and carb. remember, a 73 truck would be emissions and very low HP. the intakes were restrictive, cam's small (good torque though), and the heads anemic. i probably do this even if it got pulled yesterday--unless they can demonstrate that it's in great shape.
it also depends on what you want--strip, street, basic cruiser, lowrider, show car...

 

[jordanfr13]

Thanks for the replies. I'm on a pretty small budget right now, but it will increase as time goes by. I thing the last link is the type of engine I'll be looking into. I'd like to find a set of vortec heads and buy a vortec intake, as well as a comp cams 262 or 268 to spice the motor up a bit. Eventually, headers and a new exhaust system would be next. Right now, I'm just looking for motor that I can take apart and learn about as I slowly add more and more performance parts, and eventually drop it in the car.