84TA305

a guy i know at work has a 350 from a 69 chevy truck, he says it has headers and is in really good shape, doesnt smoke or use oil. i was just wondering how much horsepower thyis engine would have. i heard somewhere that the 60s chevy engines have bad cams and are really weak. also would a truck engine fit and work well in my trans am? thanks in advance

AlkyIROC

69 and newer blocks are the best to use. All sbc engines are externally the same. There's no difference from using that engine to using one from the early 80's. It just depends on the casting numbers. HP will depend on the cam. If it's still a factory engine don't expect more that 170 hp.

Unless changed, it'll have a points distributor. Not sure about the intake system for a 69 truck. Could be a q-jet, might be a 2bbl.

It'll be a good project engine, tear it down, new bearings. If it isn't smoking then rings might be still ok. If the cylinder walls are still in good shape then a simple honing and new rings should be done. If not then boring and new pistons. Aftermarket intake, carb and cam will help wake it up. Drop in an HEI distributor.

The heads are questionable. They're 31 years old. unless they've been rebuilt recently, the guides and valves are probably worn, seals dried out, springs will definatly be worn out. Some reman exchange heads should be installed or even a set of dart aftermarket ones.

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SSC

Basicly what Stephen said.
The 69 truck depending on what model should have a base HP of 170/240hp.
This block would be an excellent base for a good engine build up. Also on what was said you should consider some exchange heads, it's a very good idea and the cost is actually chaper than a machine shop work. I beleive Advanced auto had some heads priced a 129.99$ But if you port them it voids warrenty.
SSC

jms

iTrader: (1)

If the engine is original, and if it is an original four-barrel carb version, the odds would be it would be a four-bolt main engine.

If it is a four-bolt main, there is a fair chance it would also have a steel crank, although the steel cranks came mostly in the 3/4 and 1-ton models. It may also have the 'x' or 'o' rods--both decent.

The late 60s-early 70s blocks are the best ones to use.

The heads are probably junk, though there are a few versions worth salvaging for re-sale.
jms

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Truck engines had dished pistons and large chambers = low compression. But, the chances of it having factory pistons in it after 32-33 years (2002's are coming out now, don't forget) are pretty slim.

The heads also had soft valves & seats, not very compatible with unleaded gas. Toss 'em.

The latest I saw SBC soft cams was '67. But, a 350 cam is about the cheapest performance part out there.

I'd agree that the block and crank are a good foundation for a performance engine. It will have a 2-piece rear main seal (no problem with an '84) and driver's side dipstick (minor problem but can't be ignored). Get some later heads like L98 or new World Torquers or Sportsman II's.

To get decent power out of it, you'll have to upgrade the exhaust (headers a good way to solve that dipstick issue). Oh, just in case you wondered, the 69 truck headers won't fit.

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