Hello everyone, I have a 72' Monte Carlo that was my grandma's who passed away from cancer. my father passed it down to me but the monte carlo needs a new engine. I am not very familiar with engines but it has a 350 block 2 barrel, I want a little more power but not too expensive, would a 350 4 barrel make a difference, and what is exactly is the difference? I have about 3 grand to spend so nothing crazy for the engine I just want to be able to get it running with a little power. All suggestions and help is greatly appreciated. Also is there a great website or place in southern California to get parts as far as trimming and chrome pieces, etc.?

 

Welcome to the forum!!
350's are fairly easy to find. I, personally, would go with a rebuilt 350 with a 4 barrel carb. It really all depends on what you are going to do with the car. Are you going to show it, race it, or just cruise around? Showing..make it pretty. Racing..make it fast. Cruising...a little of both!! Just my opinion!!
I am not sure about California vendors but you may want to check the following places for replacement parts.
www.rockauto.com
www.carid.com
www.mikesmontes.com
www.dixiemontecarlo.com
Hope these help!!

 

thank you! that is what i was thinking of getting a 350 with 4 barrel carb. i am looking to cruise and eventually show it in car shows. but that is years later. for now i want to just cruise with a little power. Thank you for the websites!! I'm excited to finally get the Monte Carlo running. I don't see many in the area where I'm from.

 

A 350 and 4 barrel will give you the power you are looking for and there are a lot of parts out there to help you "dress it up" for the shows. Ebay, JEGS, and Summit racing are also some good places to look for things for your car
Post pics when you are able. It will be cool to watch as you change things on the car.
What color is your Monte?

 

Nice to see another oldie but goodie join the crowd. Welcome.

 

You can find a new GM 350ci crate engine for around $2,000 and a new 383ci crate engine can be had for just over $3,000.

 

Thank you every one for your help. I hope to get the engine started this month. the color of the Monte Carlo is orange brownish, i havent looked to see what the color code is yet but i work for an automotive paint company so it wont be hard for me to find out. However, I do intend to use house of color or PPG vibrance line to paint the car. I will post pictures soon as i bring her out. And thank you 80monte and ssilver. P343 i think i am going to stick with the 350 4 barrel engine.

 

 

Your Monte color looks like Classic Copper. Fun project for sure. You can imagine what it will look like when you're done. Mine was Orange Flame...installed a new Blueprint Engines 383ci stroker and a new TH350 trans. Engine was $3100 complete and trans was about $800. Both had warranties.