Help! I have a question I really need answered.

[smittyas00]

I have a '91 Chevy C1500 with a 350 in it. The motor has a rod knocking and I need to replace it. My question is: can I replace it with any GM small block V8 of any year or do I need to stick to a 350 close to the same year? I know they used to be pretty standard when I was a teenager but now I don't know. Money is really tight right now so a used motor is the best I can do for now. I have two options right now. One is a '73 400 small block and the other is an '89 350 out of a Blazer but that one is real expensive.

[swedish]

hey, welcome aboard, always great to see new members. as far as i know, the 400 small block will fit, being a factory bored 350, but if it's a big block then i dont think it will (not sure about that).

[HillbilySailor]

I don't know where you're from, but the problem your going to run into in most places is the smog check. Some places are REALLY anal about it, like California for instance. According to everything I've read about these damn smog vehicles, if you replace the engine, you have to replace it with an engine from a vehicle the same year or newer than the one the engine is going into. So that kills both motors you just mentioned. One source for you is an auto chain like Advance or Auto Zone. You can buy a 350 long block at Advance for around $1100.00 with a 15 month unlimited mileage warranty. I know it's kinda expensive, but it's cheaper than buying one form a GM dealership, and you get a warranty. All you have to do is take all of the brackets, manifold, waterpump, ect off your old motor and bolt it onto the long block. Stab that puppy in place of your old motor, and your back in business. Hope this helps!