I have a project 83 short bed custom deluxe that I would like to snatch the stock straight 6 out of and put a 350 in. The reason being is that I have read and heard rumors about how valves on the 6th cylinder don’t open after a lot of use because of the poor oiling designs. I believe that it would explain my miss that I can’t seem to figure out. The 350 I have is from a 94 Z71 that had some engine problems...seized up due to overheating. I haven’t had a chance to take the engine down yet because I am kind of skeptical about using an engine with such damage, not knowing what I will find when I take the heads off.
I would like to build it up, not like racing built up but a moderate amount of power. I do plan on replacing the complete rotating assembly and valve train. Possible bore job, but who knows at this point.

Has anyone here ever swapped a 250 i6 with a 350? If I’m not mistaken the 305 and 350s have the block and that truck offered a 305…correct?
   
I know there is a lot of time, money and effort put into building engines and transplanting a non stock engine. And I’d like the opinions of avid car guys.

Is it a good idea and worth the trouble, or am wasting time?
Looking forward to hearing what you think

josh  

It could be more trouble than its worth, depending on what you find with the overheated engine. Aside from that, there is no reason a successful transplant could'nt be done. On the engine in question look for broken pistons that hurt cylinder walls, spun bearings, and cracked heads or block.