Building a 79' Monte Carlo

[Stroked it]

Ok here's the deal. I bought my car. It's got a semi built 350 that smokes a bit (Rings im guessing) out of an old 78' camaro, I haven't done anything mechanical to it yet. where do i start??? I was thinking about running it until it blows up, then rebuilding it, but im not sure if it'd be worth it seeing as i don't know whether its 2 or 4 bolt. I really don't know. maybe just drop a 383 in her and call it done. Any info would help

thanks alot.... PEACE

[nissanfanatic]

383 is probably the way to go. Hope for 4 bolt mains. There are so many parts for these engines its not funny. Get a summit catalog. What do you mean semi-built?

[Stroked it]

I know it can't be a stock 350,,, she runs to crazy for that,,,i've been told that it's been built, but could still be built more,,, thats why i say semi built,,,, but i still need more,,, and this car was built befor i bought it so i have no idea whats in that engine.

[duplox]

Take it apart. Do not run it till it blows. You could break parts that you need, blowing the engine will just cost more money to rebuild. Hell, if you shred a piston or throw a rod, your block is shot, your heads are likely to be cracked, some of your rods will be bent, your crank will be bent... Basically you need a new engine to even start rebuilding. Rebuilding an engine costs a LOT of money(although you have the cheapest engine to rebuild), so if you can save anything already on the engine, do it.

[BullDog71ss]

Even with 2 bolt mains you can put some serious power in it. Just make sure to have the internals balanced out by a machine shop, takes a lot of wear an tear off the bearings an the rest of the goods, you'll also gain a good amount of revs.

[Stroked it]

thanks

[TerminalVelocity]

first....a rebuild is a good idea. But, learing how to take care of it is even more important. Drop a 383 and dont check the oil and well...you have a nice paperweight.

First learn how it works *i'm not joking, understand that the gas alone isnt what makes the car go, how OHV engines function (ie, what is a pushrod and what does it do) and go from there* and how to take care of it *if the temp starts to rise, GET OFF THE ROAD, if a strange noise suddenly starts up, somethings probally wrong because it wasnt there before, and check the oil, the water, the tranny fluid (if applicable)*

Then learn how to improve upon the stock engine, and simple things to give it more power/life when you rebuild *doubble rollers for your timing chain, what type of oil pump you want, what kind you dont*

and then have fun!

but dont be a noOb and assume you have oil and crap because everything seems fine!

NOOB BAD!, INFORMED RACER DUDE GOOD!