Hi everyone,

I am eagerly awaiting spring which is almost here! I was browsing some local ads and found an Olds 350 engine, he thinks from a 1969 or 1970. It has been sitting on a stand in his garage for 30 years apparently. He thinks it was rebuilt and running when bought, he just never ended up using it.

I would be buying it to tear down and rebuild myself, so I am not overly concerned if it runs. I am waiting to hear back from him - I just asked if he can confirm that it spins and isn't locked up, and if he can get me a number off the block so I can try to figure out exactly what year it is.

Having said that, what would you feel is a fair price for an engine that has been sitting that long with a lot of unknowns? Is there a preferred year? I thought 1969 and 1970 were the best years, but maybe I am wrong there.

 

If you are rebuilding the engine, it really doesn't matter as from 1968 to 1972 they are essentially the same. Slight differences in the #5, 6, 7, and 7a heads is all. 1973 to 1976 are similar but with less desirable #8 heads.

 

Thanks for that. Good to know that exact year isn't overly critical. I don't even know what the plan in terms of HP and torque numbers are. I was thinking something in the 300-350HP would be fairly easy to hit without destroying the bank account, lol. I just also have to make sure that where it ends up isn't too much for the stock TH350. I was finding people claiming they had 450HP with no issues. The determining factor seemed to be use. 450HP seemed fine if it was just on normal tires driving around on the street with minimal abuse (like mine would be) but if you put sticky slicks on and raced regularly it may be a different story...

 

As noted, the exact year doesn't matter if you plan to replace pistons and cam anyway. You can tell the exact year of the block by the second character of the VIN derivative stamp. Just be careful of sellers who "think" such and such.

 

Thanks!

That is why I am having a tough time putting a price on this thing. He "thinks" it was rebuilt and running.... 30 years ago, lol. To me its a gamble on both sides. It might be rebuilt, and rebuilt well with lots of nice parts making it worth something decent. But, it is 30+ years old and no one really knows making it risky for the buyer. I found another ad somewhat nearby asking $750 for 2 Olds 350 engines, one cleaned up and ready to be rebuilt, another for parts (not sure why someone would use an old engine for parts during a rebuild rather than install new parts). So, I would say something in the $300-500 for this mystery engine would be fair. He has no asking price listed so I guess we will see how it goes. Maybe I am way off

 

Get the casting number above the water pump/timing chain casting area, next to the oil fill tube to confirm it's a 350. As far as which years are best, IIRC 68-76 350 blocks were solid castings in the main bearing saddles vs. windowed mains '77 on up.

 

recently a couple 'good used' running 350s have changed hands for around $600 +-

I would say 2-500 is fair for an unknown or engine needing rebuild depending on parts (good intake or carb etc) on the engine and obvious signs like rebuilt heads (pop off a valve cover)

Its a ton easier if if you can get accessories, pulleys and brackets w the engine, water pump, alternator powersteering AC

 

You're also assuming the guy that "rebuilt" it knew what he was doing. You do have choices. .

 

I got the number by the oil filler - 3955582.

Based on a chart I found on this site it is from a 1968-1974 and from what has been said above, anything 1976 or older is best.

I think depending on price this might be worth picking up.

 

That's the casting number used on every 1968-1976 Olds 350 block. Check the VIN derivative for the exact year.

 

I wonder why no one making internet databases seems to be able get this right?

 

Good, so know we know it is a 350 non-window main block. As Joe said the VIN derivative will tell the exact year.

Good luck!!!

 

I wonder why people think that something they read on the interwebs is correct.

 

Because they can’t put it on the internet if it isn’t true... I read that on the internet.

 

What ads are you looking at? I'm in Texas looking for an Olds 350 engine for my 75 Delta 88

 

I picked up a good known stock runner for 250 with an edelbrock Intake. 2 years ago I picked up a good runner for 350 both engines stock. I'd rather start with stock running engines because if you can stick em on a run stand the vitals can tell you alot about the engines health

 

I recently picked up a 85,000 mile 1972 350 for $300 and a rebuilt 1969 455 for $400 i think $300-$500 is a fair going price these days. the 72 350 I found on this site and had it shipped through fastenal it went great!