So after plenty of searching, only because i wanted to be 100% sure, i found the original GM specs for my car, which would have been easier if i started with GM not Chevrolet. But beside the point, I am trying to decide if my stock engine is really worth putting money into. I mentioned the original specs because i was checking what my exact model's engine compression is, 8.5:1. Now i dont know much about what that means, but i do know a high compression is required to build up to high horses and torque. Is the stock 350 worth upgrading if i rebuild from the ground up? I only ask because i dont intend to just give this engine a nice Chrome alternator fan, I want to do the whole thing from oil pan to air cleaner, Pure Chevy Performance. Is it worth it to try and keep the classic engine or would it be worth investing in a new, custom or crate engine eventually, and stay stock for now. Thanks, opinions are welcome along with a technically based answer.

 

my question is what hp types are you looking for? the stock style hp or the modifyed type? you can build a really good really dependible 350 out of the stock one it will have a little more hp arfter the rebuild do to the newer pistons and things from the pistons and new cam. what i would do is to rebuild the one you have because it has allready have been seasoned and you know where the block came from and how it was treated. if you have the funds to do it i would rebuild it for sure the machine shop will put in the parts you also ask to be put in as well after they machine the bottom and check the heads. it will also give you a chance to port and polish the heads as well get the parts you want to put on after you get it all done as well

 

Well I want it to eventually end up as a custom modified engine, but I will need it running before that, I plan to get it running using as many stock pieces as I can, and replacing anything broken or damaged I will replace with mild performance parts

 

It's not hard to get power out of the stock 350.