350

[Mr.Hyde]

I just found out my 283 is cracked and I was looking and engines. well the thing is im almost completely self taught and im wondering are there any engines ii should avoid if im buying of craigslist or other websites? and specific years of 350 blocks that are no good?

[DesertCat]

Beware the "Hecho in Mexico" blocks! Will be stamped by the casting numbers.

Always check the casting numbers and I would make any sale contingent to inspection by a machine shop if you are buying a rebuilder.

Good luck!

[GASoline71]

Go into it with the mindset that anything you buy will need a full on rebuild. I don't trust ANYONES word on craigslist or ebay. The only time I wouldn't rebuild a used engine is if I buy it from someone I know and I also KNOW the history of the engine.

Gary

[70cst]

Maybe a better question might be is where or who are quality builders/sellers of engines.

Good luck

[Coley]

No numbers check, no full inspection, no compression test....no deal.
OR as Gasoline 71 said...consider it due for a full and complete rebuild.
None of this is bad or surprising news....just meant to help you set the bar of expectations relative to cost so you you don't get taken.
Good luck
Coley

[Mr.Hyde]

and if its just a block basically a pure visual? and number?

[buckskins4ever]

There is no such thing as a good engine on Craigslist or Ebay!! You need to find either a good engine builder in your area who will build you a nice 350 to fit your needs....be it HP, sound, performance...etc etc. You can by a crate 350 from chevrolet without any mods for around $2k and thats a drop in with need to time it and finish off with intake and carb setup. Otherwise you can probably get a really nice modded 350/355/383 for $2500-$3500 built.
to find a good reputable builder in your area, talk to a tranny shop or find someone who races sport mod dirt race cars. those guys go through engines regularly and depend on quality and will guide you to what you need within your budget.
Just whatever you do........dont blow your money on a $100-$1500 used motor on classifieds sites.

[buckskins4ever]

PS.....As mentioned by others already, anything you do buy on CL or Ebay is guaranteed to need rebuilt......that will run you as much as a crate or mildly modded 350.

[Mr.Hyde]

sounds absolutely fair, i was kind of hoping to do the build myself but ya after the 500$ engine and the bore cleaning and rebuild kit its about 2k

[buckskins4ever]

I will bet you can talk a builder into building you a vortec for $2500, time and tune it on the stand, then all ya gotta do is bolt it in. We have a guy here in Iowa selling completes for $2200-$3000 (Vortec 350's)

[PanelDeland]

No CL engines.There's no telling what you're getting.I don't even want a block from there,due to not always being able to tell it's cracked.If you feel that's the way you have to go,make the deal contingent on a magnaflux by a reputable machine shop.I would go with a rebuilder or crate with warranty.

[cdowns]

go to local GM dealer get crate engine is the best of all worlds// a great warrenty that GM backs up/// no fuss no muss just pay pick it up and install it at really cheap price
//
most "machinest" engine builders have the traditional screw u taillight warrenties/// rebuilding you have probally less than a 50% chance of getting one with any longevity

[dsy1]

I did a full rebuild of a 350 on my chevelle and then decided to go with a big block. I sold the 350 on Craigslist, it was like new and in great shape. The buyer got a great engine for about 1/2 price. They are out there but you need documentation and you need to know what to look for.

[danheit]

Before you guys knock buying a used engine, keep in mind that there are a few CL engines that can be had cheap and in good shape. In fact, I have my 350 out of my truck (no, I am not using this as a sale ad, and in no way do I want to ship a motor to Canada, so don't ask) on Craigs List. HOWEVER, and this is the key thing, I am leaving my engine in the truck, running, so that the future owner of this motor can see, hear, smell, touch while the engine is running. My motor runs great, and doesn't smoke, and I'm only asking $400. Just throwing that out there, that if you are still willing to look for one locally, and on CL, just make sure you can hear it run and test it out before you buy it. That is done pretty regularly down here, don't know about up there.