Well its a sad day indeed. This past Sunday driving home from a car show i was about 5 miles from home when all of a sudden the car started running rough. Like not on all 8 cylinders. Thought maybe something innocent like plug wire popped off distributor or something moderately innocent. Thought it was an ignition problem and started working thru that and everything fine there. Tonight did a compression test and number 8 cylinder read 0 on the compression gauge. Yep big fat 0!! Put air in the cylinder, pulled rockers and springs off to see if there was play in the valves and none. Could also hear air leaking and knew that wasnt good. So the 350 is officially dead. Off to the engine shop tomorrow to discuss with them building a new motor. Now my big decision is what do i want, 350 or 383 stroker.

Well, you're a few steps ahead of me. I'm trying to get through this summer. I keep flip-flopping on 383 vs 400+. In your case, a 383 is more than likely the same or close to a 350 rebuild so go for the cubes!

Rick,
Yeah thats exactly where i was. I knew i had some type of internal issue as i had some plug issues a couple months ago. My goal was to get thru the summer and do something this winter. That is obviously no longer an option. I am leaning towards the 383. Should know for sure after my visit to engine shop today.

Decision made- 383 420hp/400ft lbs torque. Ready in 2 weeks. Now i cant wait to get it in the car.

Excellent. What specs?

And what shop Thorpe?

Joe,
Im sure you know them..Farmer Automotive in Webster.

I had just installed an old edelbrock crossram on my 302 about 12 years ago. Running strong as death. Then after about 1000 miles cranked it up in the garage and it started running like crap. Took the v covers off and noticed what appeared to be a broke spring/dropped valve. When in reality an intake bolt had come out inside the intake!!!! It was stuck between the valve and seat. Luckily the piston was at bdc. I removed the bolt and it's been running fine since. That would have been a disaster at 7800!!! My closest call ever. Almost made me puke know what I had in the engine. WHEW!!!!!

Thanks Thorpe (what the heck is your first name anyway?!)
I might take this set of heads to them that I'm cleaning up right now.

Joe,
Yeah sorry, first name is Craig. I have heard only good things about them. They definitely know their stuff. Dan is the guy to talk to. (I think hes either the owner or manager) They rebuilt my friends 454 for his Chevelle last year. They run it on the dyno, break in the cam..and all that good stuff. Got the 350 out of the car this afternoon, now its gonna be a long 2 weeks waiting for the 383.

Nawww.... it'll fly by! :)

Thanks again Craig. I'll check them out. I've been hunting for a reputable shop other than Van's on Genesee St.
I might take a second 350 that I have in a million pieces to them while I play with this current one. Nothing extravagent, just the usual and an over-bore.

Echo Joe's statement, It'll fly by. Especially if you start in with the "tangent" projects: "Well, while the engine's out, I'll sand and paint the engine compartment... I've always wanted power steering.... now might be a good time to look at the radiator.... better look into upgrading the electrical..." and on, and on.

Soon, two weeks won't be ENOUGH time! Good luck on your project!

Actually i pulled the motor out last year to do all that. I cleaned, painted the engine compartment etc... But, i have had my power disc brake conversion kit sitting in my barn for 3 months now wondering when i would get it in. Well, since the car is laid up anyway now was the perfect time. Almost done with that, now have to think of something else i can do. Problem is pretty much everything else under the car is new as well, guess i'll just sit and stare at it for the next 10 days...dreaming of what its gonna drive like with that new 383 in it.