Budget Building a Small Block Chevy 350 for $1,500!

In this video Rob shows you his budget build small block Chevy 350 that he plans to put in his Square Body. He plans to build this engine for $1500 and convert from a Throttle Body Injected 350 to carbureted.

[@ronniecox109]

Right now , budget building anything isn't easy. Parts have went up 30% in one year. I had to wait 3 months for a hydraulic roller cam for aSBC , from Howards. I build transmissions, Raybestos 40% increase this year, Sonnax and Borg Warner 35%. All you gearheads, get outside and build something. Myself included. ✌

[@BoneyardRevivals]

Hell yea! Keep on wrenchin!

[@rickfernald3452]

lets go branndon

[@ronniecox109]

Please leave politics out of this. Not related to the thread.

[@prevost8686]

@@ronniecox109 like it or not politics has 100% to do with the economic issues that we are facing right now and is directly responsible for the screwed up supply chain issues plaguing this country. One would have to be willfully ignorant to not know that.

[@ronniecox109]

@@prevost8686 irregardless ,respect this guys thread. And not use as your forum for this discussion. And out of respect for the originator of this site, I will not respond to any thing you say. Good day ,good luck. Good bye.

[@damnitstiner522]

Nice to see somebody else that still builds sbc not very many of us left

[@BoneyardRevivals]

Honestly you can’t go wrong. They are the most supported in the aftermarket and they are super affordable compared to anything else.

[@damnitstiner522]

@@BoneyardRevivals Your not wrong! And they are largely aftermarket/performance supported, still new ideas coming out for them alot of people have moved to LS or so on which nothing wrong with that at all! Whatever works for the platform or use

[@jtbzautomotive9852]

Like Damnit Stiner said it's nice to see somebody else that works around small block chevys not very many people still build them, stiner and us have built multiple Sbc currently building a few for a couple S10 and full size trucks to have a little fun with! Can't go wrong with them little tips and tricks are fun

[@jonathanseagull.4551]

318,225 slant6,351 Cleveland and Chevy 350 were all great motors that withstood the test of time.

[@BoneyardRevivals]

Back when our US automotive manufacturers made some quality products. You cant go wrong with any of the engines listed and there is a reason why guys like us are still building these engines to this day.

[@jonathanseagull.4551]

@@BoneyardRevivals I left out a lot of other great engine creations These were my personal favorites.Thanks for the input and you have a great channel. .

[@prevost8686]

The Edelbrock Performer TBI intake sucked worse than the factory unit did in heavy work trucks. Back in the late 90s when these trucks were still hugely popular I was rebuilding them fairly regularly and I installed the Performer TBI manifold, cam, and t-chain on a few of them. Bottom end grunt on all of them suffered at the expense of a minimal increase in mid range throttle response. TBI was done just so GM could say that they had fuel injection on trucks since Ford had MPFI on the F-Series.

[@johnbehneman1546]

I LOVE IT!!!! GREAT BUILD. GREAT VIDEO AND A GREAT EDUCATION. THANKS FOR SHARING!!!

[@grumblykitten6813]

Awesome work with your dad!

[@BoneyardRevivals]

The man is my best friend. No one else I’d rather be in the shop with building engines and clapped out piles!!!

[@briang4470]

A set of vortec heads and a matching carb Intake would be a awesome upgrade later on down the road.

[@BoneyardRevivals]

You’re absolutely right! I actually got a set I am working on at the machine shop now. Already got the cam and intake bought and waiting on the shelf. Will have another update video coming out soon!

[@briang4470]

@@BoneyardRevivals nice, that will make a nice boost in performance and really wake that engine up a bunch. Also just as a word of warning those 88-89 steel serpentine belt drive brackets suck and were notorious for cracking/breaking especially since you are missing some of the braces for it ,there is actually suppose be 3 braces for the alternator and 2 for the ac compressor and if leave ANY of them off you will have issues at some point, I would suggest finding a set of cast aluminum brackets off a 90-95 truck with a tbi 305 or 350, they are alot more reliable and you only need the brackets themselves you can swap all the accessories like the compressor, alternator, and PS pump over to the aluminum brackets which you can find in almost any junkyard.

[@BoneyardRevivals]

I actually have all the brackets for this engine, but the issue is that none of them work with this intake. And I know exactly what you mean by needing to have them. With the serpentine set up and no brackets the vibration is super hard on that front metal plate that all the front accessories bolt on to. I definitely need to find something or even custom fabricate something to solve the issue… we just haven’t gotten there yet.

[@briang4470]

@@BoneyardRevivals honestly, it would be easiest to just swap the metal plate for the later cast aluminum brackets from a 90-95 tbi truck, you could also use the aluminum car style brackets found in 88-92 V8 Camaros and firebirds and some 88-90 caprices the car brackets use the same accessories but the brackets are shorter and more compact and are nice for applications with tight hood clearance, matter of fact GM performance sells a sbc serpentine conversion kit and all it is, is a 88-92 v8 car bracket set, I used them on my 82 C10 when I got rid of the junk v belt brackets.

[@BoneyardRevivals]

Thanks for the info, I almost had half the mind to swap all my v belt accessories on this engine from our original 350 that we pulled out of the truck, but the serpentine set up is so much better. I’ll have to see what I can get from a local junkyard!

[@user-sb9fw6ui2i]

I had that squeeze out happen to me when I rebuilt my motor. My motor was blowing oil out of the back end of the intake, a place that’s impossible to see where oil is leaking from. So, I had to tear the intake back off, and I used the permatex instead of those pieces of crap rubber gaskets. After a few hours of work, no more oil leaks. I probably could have used gasket adhesive to hold the rubber gaskets in place, but I just wanted to get the job done.

[@shitbox82]

The TBI heads were designed for low speed velocity, not so much maximum flow, it looks like a lot of the valve is going to waste but the swirl ramp distributes the air/fuel mixture around the full 360 degree radius of the valve, in stock form they do their best work below 4500 RPM, they will make good low speed torque in the right combination of cam, compression, induction, displacement, etc, a high performance head they are not. Believe it or not flow testing has proven that narrowing the pushrod pinch does not increase flow…

[@BoneyardRevivals]

Interesting, I did find through research that these heads where designed for trucks for torque and also emissions! Either way these heads are not good for the horse power and are not as desirable. And a good set of Vortec heads would do this engine justice. So that is what is in the plans for it.

[@shitbox82]

@@BoneyardRevivals Yep you’re exactly right, TBI heads worked good on stock truck engines, otherwise Vortecs or an aftermarket casting is definitely the way to go. 👍🏻

[@MoDawdy]

@@BoneyardRevivals yeah, the start of the vid w/ your guy talking about the pushrod pinch inhibiting flow is highly misplaced area of focus for head porting. I wouldn't listen to his porting recommendations. Go watch David Vizard videos if you want some free learning.

[@BoneyardRevivals]

@@MoDawdy I see your point, but the point we where trying to make is that these heads are not your best option for getting maximum power due to their design. Obviously these heads where not made for maximum horsepower. The “push rod pinch” is clearly a restriction to the flow even though they were specifically designed that way. It was a specific mention to these set of cylinder heads and not every type of cylinder head. Maybe that clears things up. Sorry if we misconstrued that information. Thanks for your feed back.

[@beniamino939]

I like me a 350 for a work van!

[@ZeginMakesMusic]

"Let's build a 350 for $1500. Step one: Have a 350 engine. Step 2: Spend $1500 to get it running. " Nice title, but not everyone owns a 350.

[@BoneyardRevivals]

I bought this engine too. And converted it from Throttle Body to Carbureted.

[@BoneyardRevivals]

So I am not sure what you are trying to get at.

[@historybuff9276]

​@@BoneyardRevivalsah nit picking usually this is technically an upgrade but dont stress it

[@mr.cutlass87delgadillo.d45]

You helped out a lot

[@BoneyardRevivals]

Glad we did!

[@MM-hh5nz]

…for headers paint, did you remove this black one or just repainted silver heat paint on top of it? Thanks I have the same issue with mine

[@BoneyardRevivals]

I removed the black paint off of those headers with paint thinner and painted them sliver with high temp VHT Sliver. The black paint was only a temporary coating that they have so they don’t rust, it will burn off over time.

[@artemiasalina1860]

Which did you clearance, the heads or the intake?

[@BoneyardRevivals]

We clearance the heads. You can see that at 16:25

[@artemiasalina1860]

@@BoneyardRevivals Thanks.

[@marcushaynes843]

A digital torque wrench? It's the first time for me seeing it.

[@BoneyardRevivals]

They are super nice! Too bad they cost an arm and a leg, and possibly your soul if it’s a Snap-On one. 🤣

[@glennmanchester5335]

Your gasket matching not port matching

[@BoneyardRevivals]

In the instance where we where matching the intake gaskets up yes, however the discussion changed where we where specifically talking about porting the heads. The only thing we did not show in this instance was how we would port match the intake manifold but the reason why is because I decided to not port match anything. That intake is temporarily on that engine along with the cylinder heads. So why take the time to port match them when I have different plans for the engine.

[@glennmanchester5335]

Agreed

[@insanekane3402]

About to start a rebuild on sbc 305 and iv been thinking hard about doing the ls top end on mine.

[@adfasdfasdfluy]

I’ve put some serious money into 305s in past vehicles. I’d highly recommend starting with a better platform like a 350 or best a 5.3

[@glennmanchester5335]

You dont have a bench grinder with a wire wheel for cleaning up those bolts really every bolt I reuse always gets thouroly cleaned and painted before installing let me guess you reuse head bolts too rite

[@BoneyardRevivals]

All of the bolts I reused got the threads cleaned, they just didn’t get painted. And we never too the heads off the head bolts never got touched.

[@glennmanchester5335]

I'm sorry bro I was just messing w ya mostly you did a good job on that and even tho its only a two bolt doesn't matter they will take a hell of a beating I'm just a bit older and have done all of what your doing several times over times two even had a buddy who used to do rebuilds in his garage that he kept like an operating room when he was doing the bottom ends anyway but he taught me a hell of a lot we did several 383 strokers a couple of 377 motors which screamed when they were done a 406 and numerous 355s as well as a52 panhead that was some wheels a. Frame and some milk crates filled with parts it turned into a gorgeous bike keep doing your thing kid it's fun amd it seems like u are enjoying it so. Dont let my old grumpy ass deter u lol

[@glennmanchester5335]

Oh happy new year too lol

[@BoneyardRevivals]

@@glennmanchester5335 We are just doin the best we can with the best we got and making one hell of a go at it. That seems to be what most of the common folk is doin and that’s why we are here doing what we are doing. Thanks for your comments, support and feed back! It is much appreciated.

[@glennmanchester5335]

Your good bro keep the videos coming and I'll try to keep my comments way more positive I read that and I said wow what a dick lol grumpy old bastard I guess sometimes and we dont even know it lmao it should run good hmu I've got a lot of really good tips to get the absolute most out of whatever it is your running as far as the hei goes etc and I always ran quadrajet carbs I know people hate em but that was why I used them to have them see nothing but my tail lights lol happy new year bud

[@rodneyhughes9177]

Let me get that intake ,please

[@BoneyardRevivals]

We might need it for another build that we may or may not do. If not I’ll probably give it away when the channel hits 1000 subscribers or something.

[@bcjjones0404]

Trying to sound a little bit too much like vise grip garage.

[@BoneyardRevivals]

You’re not the first person to say that. And honestly I am not trying to be anything but myself. Derek is a huge inspiration to me and I look up to him a lot and how he presents himself. I guess it shows more than I actually realized. It’s not that I am intentionally trying to copy him, I just happen to say a few things that sound like something he would say because of that inspiration. I also have a socially awkward and a not so “normal” personality. If it bothers people too much, I’d rather people say that I am too much like someone who is an outstanding individual than one who is not. Either way people are going to find something to dislike and pick me apart for, that is just life. I am just doing what I love to do and sharing it with the rest of the world.

[@redddd3456]

I need a tbi intake , can i please have it

[@VATION3RD]

Do you have a order number for those angle Center bolt adapter slot lugs? It be much appreciated if you do.

[@BoneyardRevivals]

Those came in the kit with the intake.

[@tamariusdurham2588]

Location?

[@glennmanchester5335]

Two bolt main w no windage tray what ?

[@dartahveouswoodley9216]

😎 🆒️ 😎 🆒️

[@BoneyardRevivals]

Thanks! 🤙

[@mrnobody8540]

Send it to me - I could use it

[@jamieclark6338]

you say umm as much as i do when i make a video lol

[@BoneyardRevivals]

Ummmm…You’ll get that on these bigger jobs. 🤷‍♂️🤣

[@Wanous-hv7zo]

TBI heads are junk don’t flow. Swirl port heads. Don’t waste your time on those heads

[@BoneyardRevivals]

Dont worry, we got a set of Vortec heads at the machine shop that I am working on for this unit. She’ll be getting upgraded soon!

[@historybuff9276]

It's his 1st time he didn't even pull the head to check the wear. He will get it breathing eventually

[@qballrimcitydetailllc2061]

#FOSHO!💯

[@beniamino939]

You ever consider doing a Mopar 318 or 360?

[@BoneyardRevivals]

We actually have a 1978 Dodge pick up that has a 318 in it. I do have plans to get that truck up and running eventually and when we do we will have a video out for it.

[@glennmanchester5335]

Mopar made the best motors hands down the slant 6 could not be killed the 318 same thing the hemi was badass but finicky but for the most part most of them you could run w out oil and water for days and not hurt it any .. had a couple dusters w the 6 a dodge van w a 318 a 72 Chrysler Newport w the 400 and a giant 2 barrel holley carb on it that I ran back and forth to Boston an hr ea way for work and it got 20 mpg driving it hard all the way when I left new England in 89 I was 22 I later on counted all the cars and trucks I had bought and sold traded what ever from the time I was say 14 or so it was over 30 lol all kinda different shit a 76 trans am 73 Malibu I cloned to be an ss chevelle I never lost the car bug that's for sure lol enjoy guys it's a blast

[@superduty4556]

You keep saying Elderbrock. C'mon, man.

[@BoneyardRevivals]

Haha yes I’ve been corrected a few times already… shame me now. I will get it right eventually. 😂

[@bmores0nly]

What year 350 engine did u start with as a whole?

[@BoneyardRevivals]

We believe this block is originally from 1991. It came out of 91 k1500 Silverado and was the original engine and was rebuilt for that truck.

[@rickfernald3452]

so why not add links to the products you used?

[@BoneyardRevivals]

Mostly because prices and links constantly change and I would have to constantly keep updating the parts list to keep it accurate and that is a pain. All of the parts used can be found on summit but I ordered them through a family friends machine shop.

[@drummaboiferguson2144]

Is it a stock cam in this motor

[@BoneyardRevivals]

No, this engine was rebuilt before I bought it and the previous owner put a bigger cam in it when it was rebuilt. Unfortunately the pervious owner couldn’t find the cam card so we have no idea what the specs are. But we do know that it isn’t a super big cam because the engine was throttle body injected and the ecu doesn’t allow a big cam to work properly.

[@jjmccloud]

Idk if you can call this a "build" lol more like an intake upgraded and oil pan gasket change. Should've at least upgraded the cam maybe and definitely put some new bearings in there while the bottom was opened up

[@BoneyardRevivals]

I understand what you are saying considering that was all we did to the engine in the video. The term built was used because the block was already bored .030 over, decked, line honed, had flat top pistons and the crank was balanced and we converted it from throttle body injected to carbureted. In my opinion for $1500 that is a super reasonable build. I have a set of vortec heads that I am working on along with a cam and intake that will wake this engine up even more considering the swirl port heads that are on that engine are next to useless.

[@stevenbelue5496]

The factory vortec heads are only good for around 400hp, some of the larger runner vortec style fast burn heads offer more but are pricy. If you could find some old EQ heads they flow considerably more. Another option would be the knockoff dart pro 1’s that usually go by pro header, Kmj assault, AFR enforcer, NKB and can usually be picked up bare on e3ay for a couple hundred apiece for the straight plug version, have 200cc runners, 68cc chambers 2.02/1.60 just buy good hardware and clean the casting flash and blend the bowls and you have some heads that will make big power for cheap.

[@BoneyardRevivals]

Those are definitely some other options, there actually was a plan to have a set of the AFR Enforcers on on this engine as I had plans to pull it out of the truck and put it in a 86 Oldsmobile Cutlass that we are currently building. But I traded a transfercase for a complete 4 bolt main vortec 350. So I decided to use the vortec heads for this engine and currently have them at the machine shop. Even if the engine only makes 300-350 horsepower it will be way better than the 220ish it probably makes now. And with some port matching and bowl blending like you mentioned you might find an additional 20 horsepower. Either way this engine will finally be reasonable and even after the machine shop cost for the heads, will still be super affordable!

[@glennmanchester5335]

Just get a L.S and forget about it a stock 5.3 makes 300 hp from a boneyard motor no 350 stock made that unless it was an lt1 or something

[@glennmanchester5335]

A cam and lifter set are really cheap yeah I would be hesitant w all the bad lifters and shit going on but like I said cheap when you put the vortec heads on a Howard's cam and lifters are very reasonable for something that is not a big build w just iron heads also since it's in a truck the cam that's in it if you ever take the timing cover off which may have been a good idea if the chain has the three key slots to go straight up or 4 deg one way or the other go 4 advanced makes a considerable difference on the low end loose a bit on the top but it's a truck w iron heads so

[@glennmanchester5335]

Vortec heads

[@hunterclifton4631]

Wth are you spending 1500 on lol didn’t put in a cam or nothing

[@BoneyardRevivals]

There is already an upgraded cam in it from when it was rebuilt. It is a small cam because the engine was throttle body injected and the ecu would not operate correctly with a big cam. If you watched the video we’re we painted the engine you would’ve have heard me explain that. We also explained that we just wanted to get the engine running and in the truck and we where looking to keep it on the cheap side. We do have plans for a bigger cam and a set of Vortec heads for it in the future.

[@approachingtarget.4503]

$1500? Lol...your funny.

[@BoneyardRevivals]

Paid $500 for the engine and the other $1000 was from the carb, intake, oil pan, the gasket kit, front and rear main seals and a few odds ends for vacuum lines and 2 pugs for coolant passages on the intake.