Well I'm going to buy a goodwrench 350 to replace my tired old 305. I purchased almost all the extra parts I need from Summit. I was originally going to break the motor in while it was still stock, so it was under warranty, then in a few months, swap the heads for vortecs and a cc cam. Well someone went and put the idea in my head that I should just do the cam swap now and put heads on later. What do you guys think. Should I leave it stock for a while or put the cam in now. It's just a matter of taking chances I guess. Any opinions or personal experiences with this motor would be helpful, thanks. Either way I'll be glad to get rid of the 305. graemlins/hurray.gif
-Brandon

Wouldn't it be cheaper to buy a ZZ4 crate engine than to buy the Goodwrench 350 and then build it up? You will also be losing your warranty as soon as you start changing parts. The ZZ4 will have better crank and rods plus a roller cam. Comes complete with aluminum intake, distributor, water pump, spark plugs, aluminum angle plug heads, dampner and flexplate. I had one in a 64 SS and it was a lot of fun.

I just couldn't afford that on my budget. zz4 cost about $2300 more, the only other Motor I would consider is a 350 HO. Which is basically what I'm turning this one into except it will be with better heads and cam.

I think if you are just going to change stuff I would do it the first time. Find an old 350 take it to you local machine shop and have them long block it. See what kind of warranty they offer. I know most of the ones around here I checked with let you substitute parts for a discount. Find your heads that you want, get a block and have fun. Heck if you wanted to learn and do it yourself you could get a master kit and assemble it yourself. Heck I have a 350 block and most of the brackets and stuff I was going to get rid of. If you wanted to do something like that I'd sell it to you for dirt. Shoot me an email if intersted, either way good luck with your build. graemlins/thumbsup.gif

I agree with Elco Joe. if you're going to void the warranty, why bother with a new engine price. Find a used one and a reputable shop that will warrant there work. I was quoted 2200 total for a complete top to botton rebuild of my old engine, and the shop offered a 12 month/ 12,000 mile warranty as part of the deal. I went ZZ4 anyway, but it was tempting.

More options:
12530282 - 1996-00 1/2 - 3/4 TON PICK-UPS 5.7L 350 ENGINE This is a vortec headed truck replacement engine. I think this has a roller cam. About $2150 at Paceparts.com


12513151 is the '92-93 Caprice engine. About $1,550. Has the same bottom end as the 350HO, except for 2-bolt caps. Forged powered metal rods, and Hyper pistons. Has the Roller cam (very mild) and terrible swirl-port heads. This one doesn't cost much more than the old-style Goodwrench but add a cam and vortec heads/manifold and you've got the 350 HO.

With either of these, you would need a one-piece rear seal compatable flywheel. Either would be less expensive than piecing together a hot rod engine from a crate motor and a wishbook.

Thanks shurkey, ill check those motors out