Ola!

So rebuilding this engine has been proving a bit more of a challenge than I originally thought. Mainly from the difficulty of finding a usable head.
Many yard trips have yielded nothing more than cracked heads, pretty upsetting but I guess not really surprising.

So now im really toying with the idea of a swap, a 350sbc swap!
From the research ive been doing it seems fairly straight forward & not too challenging considering the normal custom mounts etc that come with any swap.

My concerns are, how well do these rear ends hold up to added power? Im not looking for big power, just a normal engine rebuild with the typical headers/intake/carb/etc upgrades.
Also, for anyone that has done it or knows. How well does the suspension hold up with the added weight?
Considering its a truck & meant for carrying & hauling I cant imagine it being affected that badly?
Thoughts?
Thx in advance!

Success!
Was finally able to find a useable head, the show must go on!!!

Had it cleaned then tried a little diy porting, was really fun!


Started putting the block back together.


Block got put back in & bolted up, swapped out power steering box with non power one, & put other bits back on.


Basic valve job, resurfaced & cleaned once more
Waiting on new stem seals & lifters to put the head back together.


All emission crap was removed so about 98% of this will follow
Only plug left will be for wiper motor, top one with blue wires


Bonus!
Was chillin in the cab touching stuff & found this gold mine, about half what I paid for the truck already lol


Got
Weber carb, pacesetter header, header wrap, oem headgasket, 272 regrind

Waiting on
NGK plugs & wires, stem seals, hydraulic lifters

Still need
Alternator, MSD coil, thermostat, fuel filter, air/fuel meter, electric fans

I have an altinator sitting around that I want to get rid of. Make me an offer and we might just strike a deal!

Hell yeah man, looking really good! Welcome to the site. Good luck with the build and keep us updated!

Coming along nicely! Wouldve liked to have seen a 350 in there but it looks nice!

Overdue late update


When I was on the final stretch!




During my very first ever carb tuning attempt I messed around with it, & now I think the choke setup is off. When engine is cold it doesn't idle & dies I have to give it gas & hold it at about 1k till its fairly warm then it will idle fine at about 900.


Otherwise its been running fine for about a month or so, ive been daily driving it & no issues thus far.
At first I did notice it was kinda sluggish, I changed out the stock coil to an MSD Blaster 2 & WOW day & night difference! Highly recommend!

do you have the choke wire going to the back of the alt or to the battery? it only needs 7 volts.