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Motorhead350
09-30-2008, 07:11 PM
I found an engine on-line for my 65 Chevy. 350 with a 350 tranny for $450 and the guy liked me so he said $400. The problem is this guy never heard the engine run, nor has he drove with it. He bought a 52 Chevy with full intention to restore it and had an engine waiting for it, that's why he is selling the 350 with tranny. The engine needs a pully, belt and really that's about it. The oil has no water in it or anything, but he couldn't get it started. It needs a starter which he said he would give to me. I didn't notice any oil leaked anywhere or anything, but again he's never heard it run or anything. By the looks of the spark plugs it seems fine too... but then again the guy could have cleaned this all up. Here is my second option...

I was looking at the engine next to it and asked what he wanted for it. It is a 305 that was rebuilt 2 years ago with 16,000 miles. It looks great, like brand new from a crate engine company. It's complete with headers, but it needs an air filter, alternator, exc... little stuff. But man that thing looks great. He said he didn't know if he wanted to part with it, but it has been sitting for 2 years and has been taking up space. It even has headers. He said it's mine for $550. I'm thinking that seems a little high for a 305, but this thing looks mint and the guy knows it's a good engine. Even has an Edelbrock carb. Do you think if I say I'll give you $500 cash and you keep the headers this will be ok? Again I know the 305 isn't a 350, but I don't care, I just want to cruise.

Which engine should I look into? These seem like the best I have found so far and the 305 has more of my attention right now. The price is the only thing that is has me hesitating. I want to get an engine on friday.

Advice please!
justbob
09-30-2008, 07:22 PM
You don't need the tranny right? Nor the headers right? So now your down to probably $500.00 for a decent 305 or probably $3-350 for a unknown junkyard condition 350. As much as i hate 305's this is probably the one i'd go with or keep looking.
Bigdogjim
09-30-2008, 07:23 PM
Try a google search for "chevy" :)
UncleLar
09-30-2008, 07:23 PM
Did you try turning the 350 over by hand to see if it's "free"?
Motorhead350
09-30-2008, 07:27 PM
Did you try turning the 350 over by hand to see if it's "free"?

Yes and it has great compression!
larryo340
09-30-2008, 08:01 PM
How long was it stored for, and was it stored properly ?
Motorhead350
09-30-2008, 08:08 PM
How long was it stored for, and was it stored properly ?

The 305 was stored in a garage with a plastic cover on top for the past 2 years. I'm unsure of the 350.
Motorhead350
10-01-2008, 10:20 AM
No other thoughts?
Dragcity
10-01-2008, 10:30 AM
Are you just looking for a 'drop-in'? If so, you better be sure it runs, so the 305 sounds like the ticket.

If you're doing a re-build, grab the 350 and have at it.

Another option is to look for a whole car for sale, that is running. People are selling winter beaters right now. Look for a 70's Monte or something that runs. There's your engine.
Dark_Knight7096
10-01-2008, 11:10 AM
Are you just looking for a 'drop-in'? If so, you better be sure it runs, so the 305 sounds like the ticket.

If you're doing a re-build, grab the 350 and have at it.

Another option is to look for a whole car for sale, that is running. People are selling winter beaters right now. Look for a 70's Monte or something that runs. There's your engine.


Got a good point
UncleLar
10-01-2008, 11:34 AM
Find one that's still in a (wrecked) car or truck that you can hear running and run a compression test on.
KillJoy
10-01-2008, 11:50 AM
Dominick, I do not think YOU should be buying anything that YOU did not see run. If you have to ask on here.... you obvoiusly do not have the necessary skills to make sure you are getting what you are paying for.

Just my opinion....

KillJoy
UncleLar
10-01-2008, 02:49 PM
I'm with Killjoy on this one Dom,find one that's still in a vehicle and running.You can pull it afterwards and get all the hardware and accessories you'll need them too for the install.
Call me if you really think you've found a good one and heard it running,I've worked on motors ranging from.18 R/C's to 278 cubic inch per cylinder V-16 Detroit Diesel 16-278 Naval propulsion units and have a clue to what a good motor should sound like.
Breadfan
10-01-2008, 05:17 PM
I agree only buy the engine you haven't heard run if you're prepared to rebuild it.

The idea of buying a junker running car is a good one. Buy a car with a good motor for $500, pull the motor, and then sell the shell for $250.

Otherwise a 305 will get you down the road just fine, you may regret it later when you wanna get more power but it's still a good running motor, if not a powerful one. LAst forever though...
blazen71
10-01-2008, 05:37 PM
Forget the small block!

http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/pts/857119455.html
imorb1994
10-01-2008, 11:19 PM
How does the engine in the new(doner) k5 run? is it a 350 also? Not much of a chevy guy but i do know a guy that bought a rusted out POS 1967 chevy pick up with a fresh engine rebuild and he put into his 1988 3/4 ton pickup with very few changes needed. i would go with that engine personally
Motorhead350
10-02-2008, 02:21 PM
How does the engine in the new(doner) k5 run? is it a 350 also? Not much of a chevy guy but i do know a guy that bought a rusted out POS 1967 chevy pick up with a fresh engine rebuild and he put into his 1988 3/4 ton pickup with very few changes needed. i would go with that engine personally

Wish I could. It's a fuel injected 305 and the owner wants the rest of the truck (minus the body) for another project. He has 3 K5's and wants to put the body of another one on that frame. I think K5 fanatics are all nuts. :D