Should I keep my 301?

[shotgun]

The info is kinda hard to come by, but GM went to using the 301T block only in 80/81 whether it was a turbo or not . That should tell you something.

Early na blocks had oiling issues which helped kill the cranks.

The 301T block is supposed to be beefed up, the turbo crank got rolled fillet on the it, rods got bigger bolts and bigger wrist pins (I think).

Per usual GM, they seem to have gotten it right just before they stopped making them.

Not a sales pitch here, but having another block has benefits also.

You can build the "new" motor and keep your car running. Toward the end of the build you will need to pull your engine and swap some parts but there will be alot less "down time".

Lots of projects have died midstream when the car can't be enjoyed!

It will be tough fighting your Chevy "urges", but a Pontiac needs to be built for torque at low rpm.

 

[grant's prix]

my 2 cents

I have 2 301 4 speed cars, both original, though one had a 3 speed auto put in it. I am fixing up the one with the 301 and saginaw intact. THat said, I have a 1980 with 400 pont, TH400 and soon a 8.5 3.42. IMHO, I would try to find a 326 if possible, I like them better than a 350. OR, drive it as is, it is something to say you have one of 236 cars, and how many of them are left? I bet 100 or less. If you put in a larger motor, the saginaw will be suspect on its ability to hold up, might need to go to a m21 or t10.

 

[88ss408]

"p&p the heads and maybe bigger valves. better cam,flat tops", that's chevy speak. 🙂 .

what can i say ! i am a chevy man !!
i love and respect all gm brand of motors but don't know much about them except the chev