Termn8r

Currently I have a 1989 Z28 Convertible with a 305 TBI. MSD 8394 Distrib (not computer controlled), MSD Coil, 6AL, Flowmaster 80s 3". I have completely restored her (take a look at my build history here) except for the motor, which is an eyesore and is still the stock motor.

Car runs 'ok' but has 114k miles and doesn't feel super reliable. I am a complete newb when it comes to engines. I have never even replaced valve covers let alone the rest (slightly comfortable around the rest of the engine bay), but here is what I was thinking of doing.

I would like to learn. I would like to teach my son in the process. I was debating on just buying an engine and working on it as time/money are available. My first initial pause is whether to get a block and just start buying the rest or buying a crate motor for $1,500 ish and building that.

My son is about to turn 10 so a bit young on helping me with it, but when I showed him a picture of a performer rpm diy kit with the hundreds of pieces he was excited and basically told me, "it's like legos dad only bigger". Actually he isn't far off so, I thought it would be a great experience for both of us.

The other issue is I see people arguing about LSX,LTX motors etc. I don't want a race car, in actuality this is a show car (won first place last week) so I would like it to sound and look great, but I wont ever be going to the strips.

My main concern is not having to modify the car to fit an engine. So I am pretty certain I want to go with a 350. As to TBI vs TPI I have heard so many arguments. I have heard a lot of good about the MSD Atomic.

I know this might open up the flood gates but any ideas? I am looking at spending about a year on the build with a budget between $3,000-5,000. If the build goes 2 years I could up that to $5,000-7,000.

Termn8r

By the way the reason I want to buy/rebuild another one instead of the one I have is I would like to keep showing the car during this time.

midias

My suggestion for now would be get some SBC rebuild manuals and read them cover to cover a few times. If it seems like something you can handle then go for it. It is not too hard but you have to take your time and be careful.

Termn8r

I know it will be work, but I think I can handle it. It's also why I state I plan on taking a year and going to buy an engine stand and just work on it/Add when I can.

The question though is should I get a used engine or a block or a crate motor? I was just looking at maybe a Gen I 350, but if someone can convince me to go with an LS1/3 or similar and it wont be a complete rewiring/frame change of the car I am all ears.

I want to start this correctly because once I dig in, I wont be changing. I ask about just a block or used because I do plan on buying all of the performance parts, pistons, rocker arms etc. I want to take my time at this and do it right.

A friend of mine says to go carburetor but I kind of like the idea of a computer doing things for me, hence the MSD Atom mention. I have heard it's somewhat the best of both worlds.

midias

If I were going crate I would probably just buy one that was what I wanted like this

http://www.jegs.com/i/Blueprint-Engi...rentProductId=

The reason is generally the pistons and other internals suck in cheap crate motors.

If I were building one I would look for a 1996-2000 350 in a junkyard then I would bring it to a shop and have the block and heads checked and cleaned and most likely bored 30 over. Have the heads machined for screw in studs and higher lift. Then I would rebuild it.

L31
http://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet+Perf...30283/10002/-1


Carbs are quick and easy although EFI will probably give similar max HP numbers it will run better, give more MPG and be less temperamental after it is dialed in. The big disadvantage is price although the MSD kit looks reasonable.