Engine swap? What would you do?

[thumper]

I bought a 87 Monte Carlo that I am using for a high performance street (second car) play toy. The 305 in it has a bent valve and messed piston from something in the cylinder.

I am trying to do this on a budget now as I still need to get a rear end (plans for an ford 8. 8)

I can get a running Vortec 350 for 600-700 at a junkyard

I can get basically a reman 350 with 1 year warranty and a small performance cam for 900(300 core added)

Or I could get a short block some used vortec heads and make the swap as I believe the 305 (90's roller motor) has self aligning.

My big question to everyone would you spend the money for the vortec have decent power now but know to get more in the future that basically you have to buy new heads/intake

Or Do I buy a older 350 now and have less power but when the urge hits pop for some new heads and exceed the vortec but still have same intake.

I also was looking into a single turbo as I good with stuff and used to have a fast turbo talon plus worked on several.
Would you turbo vortec heads?

Just seeing how everyone feels. I was going to pick up a 350 at a junkyard (u pull it type) and just rering and bearing it but weighing my options now.

 

[gman415]

I'd keep an eye out for a ls.

 

[prairiehotrodder]

buy a good running used 454 for 6-800 and put in a cam and intake. Then when you want to go really fast you have the foundation for a 496.
brian

 

[LS6 Tommy]

buy a good running used 454 for 6-800 and put in a cam and intake. Then when you want to go really fast you have the foundation for a 496.
brian

This man speaks the truth!

Tommy

 

[Doober]

Indeed, a BBC will be the easiest power maker. There is a slightly older Car Craft build where a 454 with oval ports made 450hp/550lb.ft. for around $2,600. The link below is slightly cheaper, and about 50 hp/tq less.
http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/ccrp_1207_chevrolet_454_blue_collar_build/index.html
For just street with no handling emphasis/drags I say BBC all the way. If you want it to handle I'd say a Vortec engine with a low-lift cam and either stock springs or some Z28 type springs.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/CCA-08-432-8/

My guess with that and an otherwise stock Vortec engine will be 400-420hp... the heads will need a little work or beehive springs to work with it though.

 

[thumper]

The Big block is an option I didnt look at. Not sure how I feel about it with the stock trans (200r4) and stock (after engine swap to be replaced) rear end. It is funny you mention that cam because that is the exact cam Comp recommends for my car if I had a vortec. So much to think about. The big block swap I am thinking needs a new radiator, headers and prolly about it unless I have a mount issue but I would imagine mounts are easy to get.

 

[Doober]

I have an XE268H in mine (something like 1800-5600 powerband) and I'm very surprised how strong it runs for being basically a stock Vortec long block.

I know it was just a peg leg... part of the "things to change" list.

 

[thumper]

How does it sound and do you have a convertor?

 

[Doober]

No converters, it sounds good. Check my Youtube channel, user Doober12082.

 

[thumper]

Sorry I meant do you have a stall convertor? I am going to get one but prolly not with the engine.