Thread: Need Info On What Chevy Parts To Buy.

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I am going to start assembling the 350 Vortec Chevy for my T. Time to buy bearings, rings, gasket set, etc. I called Summit, and PAW, and they show no listing for a 1999 Chevy 5.7, so I called Autozone. Of course the expert there started with "give me an application."

That is the problem. The engine is a 1999, but it is a marine engine. I know it is derived from a car engine, but it looks like Chevy only continued this into 1999 for marine use (at least it looks that way to me) I can buy the parts at our Marina, but even at my cost, the parts are probably cheaper if I can get automotive, as boat stuff is always twice or more as much. I also don't need copper head gaskets, as it won't be drinking salt water.

So the question..........what cars were these engines used in, an what do I ask for at the auto parts store? I plan on using a good brand, like FelPro, or similar, and my sizes are all standard, even the crank and rings. In the old days I could have just asked for a small block rebuild kit, but I have lost touch with Chevy development.

Thanks for any help you can give me.


Come on Denny. I know you have some part numbers stashed away in that vast library of yours. lol


Don

go to a Napa or carquest, and tell them your working on a 1999 ( whatever boat had this 350 Vortech ) tell them it is a boat, they can usally figure that kind of stuff out for you, the closer to the water you get with your parts stores, the more probable they will be able help you, it will become. not like it's a Mercruiser 3.7L " 488 " 4cyl, where the water pump is part of the timing chain cover, my dad went thru that ordeal, ended up having a boat shop put it back togther.

it seems to me like it would be the same as the last chevy truck vortech 350, which would be 1998, I'v heard some commercial vans had them until 2000 tho.

That is exactly what I am trying to avoid, buying marines parts. I can buy them right at work. I know this is a Chevrolet engine that was used in SOME car or truck, and I just need to find out what that application was. For example, were the 350 Vortecs used in 1995 C 10 vans, or Caprices, or whatever.

This engine came off of a GM assembly line, and could have gone into any number of cars, except that Volvo, or Mercruiser ordered some with brass freeze plugs and copper head gaskets. Otherwise they are pure Chevy.

If this were a Ford 302 I wouldn't have this problem, I would just ask for 5.0 mustang parts. But being a stranger to Chevy, I don't have that knowledge.


Don

Summit lists re-ring kits for Gen I small blocks through 1999.

Don
Does the engine have a GM# on the back of the block rear the top. I don't have my books in here but you should be able to ditterman what it would be for(car/truck) with those numbers.

I think it does. I just got the new Summit catalog today, and will have to look. When I called them (and PAW) they flat out said they had nothing for them.

I'll take a look at that catalog right now.


Don

well you need to know what ring pack you have about that time chevy was using low tension oil ring and 1.5m1.5m 4.0m ring pack and it may not ? hard to say the vortec gasket set are more money and on them blocks i deck them and cut the heads there like a hacks saw from gm cut them all the time the freeze plug kit is the same as all small blocks but the front galley plugs drill small holes in them this helps keep the air out of the lifters so they do not tick and just get a gasket set for a truck on van it will work fine