Hi again,
Spent a couple of weeks looking for donor cars to find a fresh sbc plus manual trans. After checking out a lot of cars that weren't quite as advertised, I decided to go for a rebuild from a local shop that has a great reputation and a warranty. Price is $2500 for a rebuilt 350 including Edelbrock intake and carb, HEI, starter, one-wire alternator, water pump, aluminum valve covers, oil pan. Pretty much a complete package with 320 HP, 370 Lb-ft torque.
I use the pickup for general cruising; not planning to go drag racing but it is possible we might tow a small vintage trailer once the kids are out of the house. Rear diff is 3.38 and is new. My requirements are that it be reliable, bulletproof, decent power and torque, a lopey idle for car shows. Gas mileage is secondary as it isn't driven much but would be nice to get 16-17 on the highway. Haven't decided on 4 speed or overdrive yet; that is next.
He gives options to customize the engine to my requirements. So, a lot of questions that I hope to get your input on.
How important is a 4 bolt main? I believe he quoted a 4 bolt main bearing block.
One piece rear seal or two piece? Not sure what his standard offering is.
Vortec, 2.02, 1.94 heads? His standard is 1.94.
Max overbore 0.030, 0.040, 0.060? My thought was 0.030 but don't yet know what he is offering.
He recommended an Edelbrock Air Gap intake. Is this a good choice for decent power and torque over the full rpm range?
He uses Comp and Crane cams. Any specific cam suggestions?
Headers or stock manifolds? Every set of headers I have had eventually leaked so I was leaning toward stock manifolds. He uses Hedman Elite headers that "don't leak" and are worth up to 20 Hp.
My stock radiator was recently gone through and keeps the 235 cool. Will it be adequate with a V8? Will I need a fan shroud?
Any other questions you would ask before signing on the dotted line?
