So ive got a 78 custom cruiser, engine and trans are giving me hell so ive decided to pull them and am considering dropping in another running engine and trans in the meantime while i take my time with the rebuild.

i know the 78 has windowed webs, therefore id like to find one 76 and earlier if possible. Please, give me all of your opinions.

 

Wouldn't it make more sense to rebuild the earlier, stronger block and then drop that one in? Where are you located? I have numerous early engines, complete; empty blocks, short blocks, long blocks, heads, cranks, etc., etc. If interested, email me direct: drolds1@bellsouth.net. Thanks, Bob.

 

Located in hamilton, ohio. The 78 has a spun bearing at the least and the wife doesnt understand the impractibility of rebuilding this engine as opposed to just getting the earlier and rebuilding it.

So im looking to get an earlier and make it my project and just have this 78 engine in the back to tinker with when ive got nothing else going on.

 

Hey GoolOld
what engine do you currently have?
the only earlier problem engine is the 77-79 403ci due to its internal structure, any other SBO would be a great candidate for rebuilding. The 350 was the same platform thru 1990,
Brett

 

ive currently got the 78 350. Im so upset i had these #5 heads bolt holes drilled out for the 78 because im pretty sure they wont fit on early 70's 350s.

i dont know much about the earlier 403s and whatnot, but have read they are good engines. I just want something with a compatible trans with good gears for highway driving im tired of trying to make things work where they dont

 

The earlier head bolts were 7/16”, however after 76 (I think) they went to 1/2”, hence why you had to open those up. The heads will still work on any SBO engine, The dowel pins maintain alignment , not the bolts. Your existing 350 would be a good candidate for rebuilding, unless the block is cracked or a water jacket split etc.

 

Have 350 /350 in Lansing Michigan have a 73 the other one I took out of my Chevy truck before I sold it I got one in a 69 Vista too

 

Actually, the blocks did change around 1978; they were thin wall castings and used a different head gasket. I found that out the hard way during an engine tear down at a national event.

 

Thanks for. clarifying Bob, I stand corrected

mid year 1977 SBO were undergoing the same casting changes as the 403 had, and as Stated the blocks have windowed main webs so if your engine (in your car now) was made after early 77 then it probably is windowed.

apologies
Brett

 

You just blew my mind with that dowel pin fact! I was so bummed because i thought that ruined them being used on an earlier engine!

Half of you say go for an earlier 350 and leave this one on the shelf and the other half say to rebuild the 78 350. Why cant there just be a right answer....

 

Now from the standpoint of a windowed main block, I strongly vote get an earlier year block and use the #5 heads you already have and go from
there

Brett

 

I have a running bop th 350 from an 80 t/a. $150
also have a low mileage rebuilt th350 in a 79 t/a.(about 2000 miles)
I will be swapping it for a built 2004r when trans guy is done with it.
Stroudsburg Pa
Jim

 

I have a 68-72 350
4 speed crank
small cam
aluminum intake
someone put number 8 heads on it
ran when pulled but would recommend a rebuild
located right down the road
Dayton Ohio
700 937 789 8347

 

Did you find a trans yet? Have a fresh th350 I will let go cheap, in Detroit metro area.