Rebuild 350 or JEGS Crate 350... (again)?

[RedBed]

I know it has been asked before... like everything else has... but...

My '79 has an old tired 305. Crappy mileage (around 9.5mpg), and pretty low-powered in general.

My buddy offered to help me find and rebuild a 350 and install it. I have never rebuilt an engine, but he has many times. He is a guy with a pretty full plate though and I know it is no small job. So I started looking at prices for rebuild kits, etc, and I ran across a number of threads that suggest that a JEGS Crate 350 is a pretty good price considering the work it saves you.

It would be a lot easier if I only needed his help doing an install.

Any thoughts on this? JEGS motors good? Decent warranty?

I am not looking for a high powered motor, just something better than my 305, hopefully that gets better mileage. I recently purchased a Holley 600 and Edelbrock performer intake, so I have those. I figure maybe some headers and I would be set.

Opinions?

[Wgesnerjr]

His availability is a huge consideration since it would modulate the pace of the rebuild/swap.

Also, is this your daily driver or a side project? Your time frame should also be considered.

[Dead Parrot]

If all you are after is basic truck usage, go for the crate motor. Get the 260hp version and avoid the often listed 290hp version.

I bought the same motor years ago and it has performed fine. Performer intake, Eddy 1405 carb, basic ceramic coated headers into dual exhaust. Purchase was through a local Chevy dealer but the price was about the same.

Read the following thread, particularly the carb tuning and timing parts: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=736001

Last time I checked mileage, was getting between 12~14 highway depending on speed. 12 on the 75+ turnpike, 14 or so on the 60~65 local highways.

TH350 trans with 3.42 rear gears and 235/75/15 tires.

What rear gears do you have? Possible the OEM gears have the motor turning too slow.

Nothing says you can't practice your rebuilding skills on the old 305 if you buy the crate 350. Just reuse all the old parts while doing all of the measuring and torquing steps. Your buddy can help but without the time pressures of having your truck down.

[Kudzupatch]

I went through the numbers of rebuilding vs. buying a crate motor. By the time we figured in machine work and parts, the crate was about the same price and it had a warranty and I didn't have all the labor.

[RedBed]

I do not know what rear gears I have. However, I did get a friend to rebuild and install a 4L60 OD trans in place of the old TH350.

The truck is an occasional driver. A fun project that I already took way further than I said I would when I bought it

The whole idea is up in the air

[TwoFiftyShifter]

Go with the blueprint 355 roller motor. 375hp and only $2599!

[Rooster73]

1 year ago bought the 260hp 350 for my 79 k10 sm465. Karl performance is a Chevy dealership, I think Iowa, 1550. Shipped. At the time they beat everyone on price, I spent more time priming engine on the stand, valve covers off to watch oiling, and had a gauge on it, ran 10w30 with Lucas TB break in additive. Mexican motor I know, but runs great. Just meat and potatoes, whatever you budget for the swap, double it!