Hello all, I'm brand new to the forum and I have some questions. I have a 1997 silverado single cab short box with the 350. I just realized 3 days ago that one of my rod bearings is shot and I'm developing a horrible rod nock. I'm in the process of taking out the engine and I want to get an understanding of what motor/motors I can put in this thing. What type of 350 do I have to put in my truck, or do I have to put a 350 in my truck? Can I save some money buy throwing a 305 in thier? Like I said I don't know if this can be done...any help is greatly appreciated!!

 

for a direct bolt in, a 305 or 350 vortec. 96-99. is your truck stick or auto? auto trans it should be the 4l60e, maybe the 4l80e, tho i doubt the bigger trans was put in your truck.
you can use other year 305 or 350, but not without mods. the vortec heads are different. the intake is exclusive to the newer generation.

unless you want to remove the computer and harness and such. going this route opens the doors to endless possibilities. but not without alot of work.

 

The easiest thing would be to put the exact same engine in using the engine code to order it.

 

my truck is automatic, and thank you guys for your help. any idea's on were i could buy a refurbished engine? and let me see if i understand you correctly...if i wanted to save money i could drop a 305 in thier without messing with the computer or anything?

 

a 305 will drop in, as long as it's a 96-99. the existing computer will work fine. as for motors, search local craigslist, wrecking yards, or yellow pages. ordering out of area is an option, but the shipping charges are gonna be really high because of the weight.

 

put in a 305, it will fit fine as long as it is for the correct year as said.
then with the money you save get a turbocharger for it.
you will get better gas mileage (when the turbine is not engaged)
but also get ALOT more power (when the turbine is engaged)

 

I was also wondering, how big of job would it be to put a 6.5 turbo diesel in my truck?

 

more than necessary. entire wire harness, gas tank, fuel lines, unles you found a complete donor truck for the parts

 

The savings between a 305 and a 350 should not be enough for it to be worth while. I would put the same engine in.