Marina Blu "unexpected" engine build

[marinablu68]

So i had a heap of goodies to fit to my matching numbers 327. She was a 210hp 327 with a glide that has always been reliable and given us plenty of cruising fun. I am not really all that experienced with engine work but am mechanically minded and decided to fit all the parts up that i had. Fitted a victor junior manifold mated to a 650 holley DP with manual choke. I got a nice double fuel rail and pressure guage, re did the fuel lines , vac lines and leads. All new black valve covers with matching a/cleaner. I learned how to correctly install the hei dizzy and get all the timing sorted. After a bit of tweaking i got it sounding sweet and going a bit harder. Then i thought ,lets not stop there as now i got it sucking more gas and air i may as well fit up those Hooker headers i have had sitting in a box for a year and help her fart a bit better too. So up on the ramps to fit up the headers after removing the old cast iron originals it went. While laying on my back to squeeze the sexy new headers in, i spotted a strange rusty coloured stalegtite looking thing joining the block to the engine mount! Thats not good.... It seems the core plug you cant get to has had a hemorage. Did GM put a core plug there as some sort of joke? at least you can get to most of them but i did not know there was one there. Bastards. Then i started looking closer at the one behind the starter motor. Guess what, that ones having a wee as well.
I am convinced this motor has never been out before as it was so damned original when i got it. Chances are the ones at the rear will be naffed too. One of the engine mounts is as soft as jelly as well.
At least i have a new set of those ready.
So basically after watching a lot of how to vids on you tube, i borrowed an outboard mechanic friends engine crane and today performed my first engine removal on my own.
I was wanting to get a rebuild/freshen up/horsepower increase anyway, but just have to much other stuff going on at present that i was not expecting to have to do this now.
So now the delema, now the donk is out do i get a rebuild the way i want it, or get a new motor like one of those 355ci turn key crate motors that Darrel at Fastco in the US can land to any port in OZ for around $5600 US.???????

I am not after a street racer/track monster, just a punchy but reliable fun cruiser with a showy looking engine bay.Any suggestions would be gladly taken on board.

[Boondie]

Hey Basil sorry to hear about the motor, I would do what what needs to be done to repair the original motor, and then store it away, Then get a hi po motor to have some fun with, and you will always have the matching numbers motor at home to install if you ever sell the car

[qik66]

Bazil
I have to agree with Mark, if it is the original numbers matching engine, I would knock a set of core plugs in it and put it back to standard, complete with original manifolds and rocker covers. I would than buy or build another engine that you can have some fun with. When you get that engine put the original in storage. Keeping the original engine unmolested would have to increase its value to anyone looking to buying a numbers matching car in the future.

[Intruder]

If you don't mind having the car off the road for a few months over summer then do as Boondie has suggested.

If you want to get some cruising done, drop in the new welsh plugs, dump the engine back in and then cruise around whilst you wait for your new engine to arrive.

Make sure you give Shane (guffer) a PM re waiting time for an engine from the US.

[whitey27]

If you don't mind having the car off the road for a few months over summer then do as Boondie has suggested.

If you want to get some cruising done, drop in the new welsh plugs, dump the engine back in and then cruise around whilst you wait for your new engine to arrive.

Make sure you give Shane (guffer) a PM re waiting time for an engine from the US.

Totally agree especially on Pm for guffer

Whitey

[chevguy]

Another vote for leaving the original motor, if you want more power grab another engine. A mate just slotted an eagle 383 into his monaro. Cost about 8k I think. Keep in mind for an import motor you have to pay gst and freight once it gets into the country e.g. I bought my th400 from tci for $1800, it owes me just shy of 4k here. That was air freight etc but just gives you an idea.

[LS3 HQ]

Hey Baz, thats sucks but I guess it could have been worse. As others have sais I would fix the original motor and put it away and get a crate motor for it. Looks like there are some pretty good deals getting around.

[ari666]

2 words:

big


block

[1968SS]

Another vote for motor aside and drop in a.crate motor.

[Aussiecamaroowner]

Sorry to hear that Baz. I also agree with all of the above. Store the numbers block away and get yourself a new crate engine....

[GM064]

Hi There,

I am another vote for a new engine, keep the original for another day. While crate engines are cheap, I have a mate who builds engines as a sideline, who recently priced all the componenets for a new engine, including new block, crank and AFR alloy heads, and with assembly would cost about 9K. The benefits of getting someone local to build an engine for you are many, especially if there is any sort of post assembly drama. If you dont want alloys, then this would be cheaper. I am not on a commission for this guy, I was just surprised that because of the dollar, how cheap things really are. You can save even more given that you already have an inlet manifold and carby, exhaust etc.

Also I would go at least 383 cubes, especially with a glide. The increase in torque will have you smiling for years :eek:

Yeah I know, more food for thought :confused:

Greg

[SpeedTechJay]

This is hard to beat for $2000.

Copy and paste this link.

http://store.gmperformanceparts.com/store/SelectProd.do?prodId=7665&redir=true&manufacturer=GM&name=350/290%20HP%20Economy%20Performance%20Engine%20&model=<!--12499529-->

Check out GMPERFORMANCEPARTS.COM When you are looking at the motors just add to cart it should bring up a list of dealers that discount them further than the web site. This 290HP/350 retails at $2300 but dealers sell for $1900 shipping is cheap in the US I get them to us for $50 lol

[marinablu68]

Thanks for the advice and opinions guys.
Due to the tight budget to get the old girl back on the black stuff, so far the easiest solution is to go with the GM crate motor 350/290HP #12499529 .
I found a mob in Adelaide that do it for $2899. plus freight to Perth which is around $140-200.
Another Mate said he got one for a Pontiac Grand Prix last month here in Perth for $2700.? so i will look into that avenue.
The fact is this is an exact replacment for pre 69 models meaning all my new external goodies will just transfer over. I will get a new fuel pump,dipstick and tube, Balancer and starter and the whole lot will be new. I can always look at cam and better heads at a later date. over the next couple of weeks i can delete the a/c box, fit new engine mounts,and sort any other bits around the engine bay that i could not get to while the motor was in.
Like i said before , i am not after tyre frying grunt but a bit of extra go would be nice. I want it to sound good ,look good and be a fun and reliable weekend cruiser.
If any one knows of a good deal for the GM 350/290hp in Perth, please point me in that direction. The other option is if anyone has a slightly used but nice early style SBC they were thinking of offloading , i would be interested to have a look if local. Thanks again for you advice guys.
Thanks again for your advice guys.

[GM NUT]

Try Chris Mills, they seem to have a pretty good range of crate motors lately..
383 would go nice!!

[Pro68]

If any one knows of a good deal for the GM 350/290hp in Perth, please point me in that direction. The other option is if anyone has a slightly used but nice early style SBC they were thinking of offloading , i would be interested to have a look if local. Thanks again for you advice guys.
Thanks again for your advice guys.[/QUOTE]

Bazil I might have something you Are looking for , I have a 350 4 bolt mains, double hump fuelies ,victor jnr ,650 holley, roller rockers etc etc came out of my ht monaro.
Great motor ,never had any problems.
PM me and we can talk $$$

[marinablu68]

If any one knows of a good deal for the GM 350/290hp in Perth, please point me in that direction. The other option is if anyone has a slightly used but nice early style SBC they were thinking of offloading , i would be interested to have a look if local. Thanks again for you advice guys.
Thanks again for your advice guys.

Bazil I might have something you Are looking for , I have a 350 4 bolt mains, double hump fuelies ,victor jnr ,650 holley, roller rockers etc etc came out of my ht monaro.
Great motor ,never had any problems.
PM me and we can talk $$$[/QUOTE]

PM sent.

[camaro_1967rs]

Bazil I might have something you Are looking for , I have a 350 4 bolt mains, double hump fuelies ,victor jnr ,650 holley, roller rockers etc etc came out of my ht monaro.
Great motor ,never had any problems.
PM me and we can talk $$$

PM sent.[/QUOTE]

Eagles in melb are on sale at the moment, they are used to sending engines all over Australia for a couple o hundred. There deals include all the bling with chromed manifolds etc. just for peace of mind a call is worth while. Also if you already have things you might go for a short motor and crunch them further. All the guys have sales targets to reach as well.

[Nev68]

Not sure if this is an option.
I have heard of Year One, but I have not had any experience with them.
Looks like good bang for your buck though.

https://www.yearone.com/Product/DisplayProduct?BucketProductID=227100

[GM NUT]

I have dealt with them........pretty painful.
Would go local, deals are pretty good at the moment.

[marinablu68]

Thanks again for all your advice and ideas guys. I just picked up a new crate 350/290hp GM performance long motor from Michael at West Coast Chev. He had just unpacked one from his last container load, and came to the party for less than i could have got one sent over from Eagles. I have delivered it to a mechanic mates workshop and should start setting it up with all my new goodies within a week or so. In the meantime i will delete the A/C evaporator box and tidy up a few things in the engine bay. Then i will get the car trucked up to the workshop for a few evenings of work refitting the new donk and fitt up the hooker headers.
The main plan is to get back out cruisin over summer and any other HP mods like better heads,cam etc can wait till winter.
I am keen to learn more about engine building, so now the old 327 is on a stand and did still run,i might aim to totally pull it down and have a go at the rebuild process myself. Obviously i will pick all your brains again for advice when that happens. I will wack up some pics as the new one comes together.

[Aussiecamaroowner]

Well done mate! Look forward to seeing it back on the road.....

[LS3 HQ]

That's great news Baz, you must be pretty happy with the outcome.

[Boondie]

Thats a good outcome Baz trouble free cruising and rebuild the numbers matching engine with no deadline or pressure

[marinablu68]

I wanted to update this last week as i was assembling the externals on the new 350, however the pics i took on my phone are proving to be utter bastards to transfer to my pc.
The good news is im, back on the road and the new donk transfer was quite painless. Thanks to Scott and Dan of Topline Autogas in Wangarra for their help and use of their facilities. Beats the crap out of struggling in a cramped garage at putting in an engine.
I am not really into the chrome goodies and went more for a black and silver theme. I really wanted to use these valve covers and air cleaner. I also used all the original pulleys and p/s pump and restored them all.New engine mounts and trans mounts were fitted too. Heres a few pics of it after driving it back this arvo.

13512

I was unable to remove the ugly condenser box due to some creative panel attachment at the bottom of the guard. If i were to release the guard there will be paint damage externally. I did not have the time to open up a big can of worms with the deletion of the AC firewall components, so i just tidied up the best i could with the time available.I made up some blanking gromets and loomed and insulated all the original wiring for heater and a/c systems , then pulled back inside the dash so the option of re installing at a later date is still an option.I will still try to delete the condenser however as i hate the look of that box and it makes getting to the back header bolts and spark plugs a nightmare. I do have the A/C delete panel to do it properly. I also deleted the heater hoses to minimise clutter in the bay but can easily refit if required.



13513

If anyone was curious on the header clearance, i used Hooker Headers from Eagle Auto Parts in Melbourne ( for LHD 67-69 Camaro with std heads and a/c ). Landed to my door in Perth for $440. As they stated , they clear p/s, and a/c equipment no worries. I just needed a 150mm sleeve and flange fitted to my existing custom exhaust to marry them up. Sounds great too.

13514

I know i am a bit ambitious stuffing the Victor Junior manifold on a relativly stock 290hp 350ci . It felt like it had a bit of a low down flat spot when i drove it home ( as i was expecting ). If a bit of fine tuning cant fix that then i will get a performer 2 for it in the meantime. The plan is head work and cam to suit in the near future but preferably to suit the victor. It did feel like it has a stack more poke than the old 327 / 210hp stocky that i was used to.

13515

I made the alternator bracket by hand using only a jigsaw, hand files, my drillpress and a linisher to polish it.

13516

[Aussiecamaroowner]

Looks awesome mate! Love your work. Good timing too, cruise may be coming up soon ;)

[69SS]

Nice work Baz, looks so much cleaner, and I bet you loving that extra bit of poke!!

[marinablu68]

Looks awesome mate! Love your work. Good timing too, cruise may be coming up soon ;)

Cheers Albert, i spoke to Joe yesterday and it sounds great what you guys are organising.

I just need to start chukin some laps and get the tuning sorted the best i can.Would be cool if your car was going befor then but i guess you would need the Foose team on the job if that was going to happen.

[S[_]SPECT]

Looking good Baz.. Like really good.

[67 rs Rhodesy]

Nice Work Baz! i agree love the black and silver! :P looking forward to a cruise and catch up! been ages

[kiwicamaro]

Looks great love the dealing look.

[YenkoSC]

That looks awesome. A change from over loads of chrome. Have you got a before pic for comparison?

[marinablu68]

That looks awesome. A change from over loads of chrome. Have you got a before pic for comparison?

Thanks for the kind words guys. Here is a few befor pics.

This is how i got it, super original.
13517


This was semi resto of original until a few weeks ago.
13518

And now but still work in progress.
13519

[Thirsty390]

I like it.
A very sleek looking motor

[Classic 57]

Hey Baz, why dont you give Jason a call, he has got his restoration business going really well in Malaga, I watched him build a flat head recently and it was a piece of art, he might have a small block he can help you with and you know he does a great honest job.

DJ'S CLASSIC RESTORATIONS
UNIT 6/308 Victoria Road
Malaga W.A. 6090
Phone 92481336

[marinablu68]

Hey Baz, why dont you give Jason a call, he has got his restoration business going really well in Malaga, I watched him build a flat head recently and it was a piece of art, he might have a small block he can help you with and you know he does a great honest job.

DJ'S CLASSIC RESTORATIONS
UNIT 6/308 Victoria Road
Malaga W.A. 6090
Phone 92481336

Hey Alan, been a while. Not sure if you only viewed page 1 but all sorted now. I did think of contacting Jason a few weeks back but sourced a new 350 long motor with warranty and did most of the work myself , which i kind of wanted to have a go at anyway.
Is your 56 truck on the road yet?

[TUFF68]

Looks great Baz, I'm liking those black valve covers and matching air cleaner. Look forward to seeing it on the next cruise

[Classic 57]

Hey Alan, been a while. Not sure if you only viewed page 1 but all sorted now. I did think of contacting Jason a few weeks back but sourced a new 350 long motor with warranty and did most of the work myself , which i kind of wanted to have a go at anyway.
Is your 56 truck on the road yet?

Hey Baz, yep i didnt see the end of your thread, great to see you got it all sorted, and its looking very cool Mate. The Pickup is now on the road, still got a few little bits to sort out but its a driver. Not sure if your going on the Pipline run this weekend but will be taking the Pickup out for its first run, might see you there ?

[marinablu68]

I forgot about the pipeline run! unfortunatly i wont be able to make it due to other commitments. Have fun and post up some pix.

[tuffss]

Looks great Baz, really love the satin black look, also George from Narre Warren says G'day.

Cheers Mick.