How to Rebuild a 350 Small Block Engine: A Comprehensive Guide

Rebuilding a 350 small block engine may seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach and knowledge, it can be a rewarding project. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of disassembling, inspecting, machining, and reassembling a worn-down 350 small block engine to make it perform as good as new.

Introduction to Rebuilding a 350 Small Block

The decision to rebuild a 350 small block engine might seem counterintuitive given that there are readily available options. However, rebuilding offers several advantages, including cost savings, customization, and peace of mind. In this article, we will explore the steps involved in rebuilding a 350 small block engine from start to finish.

Why Rebuild a 350 Small Block?

There are several reasons why one might opt to rebuild a 350 small block engine:

Cost Savings: Rebuilding can be significantly cheaper than purchasing a new engine, especially if you have the tools and expertise. CUSTOMIZATION: You can tailor the engine to your specific needs, such as adding performance upgrades or fuel injection systems. Control of Quality: When you rebuild the engine, you have full control over the quality of parts used and the thoroughness of the rebuild process. Guarantees and Peace of Mind: Unlike a rebuilt engine from a third party, you can ensure the engine meets your exact specifications and performance standards.

Step-by-Step Rebuild Process

Disassembly and Inspection

The first step in rebuilding a 350 small block engine is to remove it from the vehicle or pull it from a junkyard. This process involves:

Taking off the intake manifold and sending it to a machine shop for necessary inspections and rebuilding. Removing the cylinder heads and sending them for valve and seat jobs, valve guides, and potential resurfacing. If the heads are not rebuildable, consider sourcing new ones. Disassembling the engine block and pulling pistons, rods, and crankshaft. Sending all the components to a machine shop for thorough inspections and machining to ensure they are in good condition or to replace them with new parts.

Reconditioning and Replacement

After the components have been inspected, the next step is to either replace or recondition them as needed:

Crankshaft: If the crankshaft is still usable, it should be polished or machined and balanced. If it is worn down or damaged, it will require replacement. Camshaft: A new camshaft is recommended for a thorough rebuild. Ensure that the cylinders are properly bores to fit the new pistons. Rings, Bearings, and Pistons: If the pistons and connecting rods are still in good condition, they can be reused. Otherwise, purchase the necessary new components, including rings, gaskets, rod bearings, cam bearings, and crankshaft bearings.

Machining and Balancing

Once the components are cleaned and inspected, they need to be machined to the correct specifications. This includes resurfacing and ensuring the correct fit for new components. The machining process can be complex and time-consuming, so it is often recommended to send the parts to a professional machine shop for these services.

Final Steps and Testing

After the components have been machined and balanced, the engine can be reassembled. It is crucial to ensure that the engine is properly balanced and that all parts are correctly aligned. Finally, the engine should be tested in a dyno to ensure that it meets performance expectations. If all is well, the engine is ready for installation in the vehicle.

Advanced Considerations

For those lacking the tools or expertise to complete the rebuild, consider hiring a professional engine rebuilder or a machine shop that specializes in engine rebuilding. While this adds an additional cost, it can save time and effort, and help ensure that the rebuild meets high standards of quality and performance.

Conclusion

Rebuilding a 350 small block engine is a rewarding project that can enhance the performance and value of your vehicle. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can take control of the rebuild process and achieve a reliable, high-performance engine. Remember that quality is key, and taking the time to properly inspect and recondition each component will pay off in the long run.