Lonesome7.3
By whatever means necessary …
For everything needed a good running engine is reasonable mileage that is not a bad price.
Are 350’s still easy to get? If so, how would you build it?
- Thread starter Lonesome7.3
- Start date
Please forgive me if you have already considered the following info, but this above statement worried me just a bit. I will start by saying I have no idea of your mechanical abilities, experience, or budget. Just like you have no idea anyone on this sites experience or how much of the knowledge we are giving you is based off a friend, a magazine article or tv show. We can easily sit back and spend your money and tell you what "we" would do from our keyboards.
All that being said, I just want to make sure you think about a few things before you go planning on this build. Set a budget then add about 800-1000 to make it more realistic because there is ALWAYS expenses you don't plan for and they will nickle and dime you to death.
Next to Carl I am one of the biggest LS fans on this site. I'm all for you jumping off on that build but just remember that $1000 for the engine is just the start...
The truck you are want did not come with a LS motor so you will need a new...
Oil pan
headers- May be a custom build not sure who makes a set for this swap
If you want to hit the 350+ hp range Cam, timing chain, may be lifters
Intake manifold
Carb
Fabricated motor mounts
Gaskets
oil
plugs
will the ignition coils still be good and you'll need a set up to fire them
accessories - Alternator, power steering, AC, etc.
What transmission will you run? Will it need an adapter plate? If you go with a 4L60, 4L70, or 4L80 you will also have to change the tranny crossmenber and new drive shaft.
I'm sure I left quite a few things out.
Again, if all this has been considered. I'm sorry to waist the space. Some of this is a given with either a LS swap or Gen 1 sbc. But the truck would have most likely came from the factory with a SBC and there will be much fewer custom parts needed. I'm all for the LS and I look forward to a build thread anyway you go.
Well said, Robert 
Aww shucks
I second all of what Robert has said. Things get expensive when you are putting a motor in a truck that it didn't come from that factory with. It wouldn't discourage me from doing it but just know that it will take more time and a bit more money than just dropping it in.
That goes for the 350 as well. It will be twice what you think it will be.
What exactly are you puting the moter in?
Lonesome7.3
By whatever means necessary …
I with you on all of that. Even though I have never biult a Chevy, I have squeezed some Ford small blocks into Rangers before. I did most of them with out the adaptor kits you can get now just about anywhere. That was some fabbing right there. I am hoping a Chevy biuld would be some what simpler.
I am looking to get either an old box body or 72 and older Chevy.
I am looking to get either an old box body or 72 and older Chevy.
Alot of those came with small blocks. I would try to find one with a busted 350 already in it so it would be as simple as taking the old out and putting the new in.
Lonesome7.3
By whatever means necessary …
That is what I am hoping for. But it seems like every old Chevy truck i look at either does not have engine or it has a straight six.
The straight six is a decent engine IMO. They dont get good mpg but they produce good power for what they are.
