Thread: what do I look for in buying a 350

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I have a 1986 Chevy Silverado in need of an engine. I already have a trans, drive shaft, etc. I was wondering what should I ask of the engine seller when I call them. This is the first engine I am buying and don't know what to ask. However I do have automotive knowledge. I do have some questions in mind, as far as, What accessories does the engine come with, alternator, power steering pump, water pump, belts, pulleys. Should I expect the engine to have these accesories or is that just wishful thinking? What else should I ask the seller?

I want a 350 with some performance or I'll just get performance parts later on. Are these good prices? I expected around $400, right?

Here are a few of the ads
1. 85 Chevy engine, 350 complete with 4 barrel carb, $400
2. Chevy 350 engine, w/4 speed trans, best offer
3. Chevy camaro motor, 305ci, from 86 camaro very good condition, runs great, fesh paint $250
4. Chevy motor, 1970, 350, $400
5. Engine, 350 Chevy, 4 blot main, roller cam engine, can hear run, will fit any year car or truck, $575 obo
6. GM motor, 5.7L, 350, 8cyl, still running in car

Some questions youu might want to ask are.

1. 2 or 4 bolt main.

2. How many miles on engine.

3.If it's had a rebuild, find out whats been done. What kind of pistons,cam,intake,carb,heads,lifters,valve springs. Has it been bored and if so how much.

4.what compression is it running. 8.5,9.0,etc.

These are some I would ask. I'm sure others will have more to add.

#5 would be my pick for a truck,,,,4 bolt mains mean heavy duty bottom end,,,put an RV Cam in it and your a happy camper.
Bring a mechanic with you and check every thing before purchase,,,but thats pretty cheap for a 350 4 bolt,,roller motor anyway.

The advantage to buying a motor that you're able to spin is that you can do a compression test or even a leak-down test on it before laying out the long green.

make shure that you take sombody with you that knows a lot because that is cheap for a 350 or somthing might be wrong with it if not take it.

If buying and engine to just drop in and run...

I would NOT buy if you cannot hear run.... running is the best bet.....It had better be quiet....even the exhaust as so not to cover up any engine noise...

If I could not hear it run... to me it aint worth spit...

Thanks for all the feedback. I called a few of the sellers, one was sold, another was a '92 350 and others were too far or no one anwered the phone.

So far it's between a 85 Chevy 350 with a 4 bolt main, 95,000 miles, that's all original for $400 and I can make an offer on, the other was the 350 roller cam for $575 obo, but I didn't get a call back yet from the roller owner.

I do know somebody that I was planning on bringing with me, who knows what he's talking about. He's got a 1980 Chevy custom deluxe long bed stepside with a 350, which will throw you back in the seat.

Thanks again for all the help and if anyone is interested I'll keep you posted on which engine I got and how it runs, plans for the truck, anything