At first I was only going to replace minor gaskets but I keep thinking about going a bit further, cracking open the heads and replacing the head gaskets along with the valve guide seals.

Am I in for a world of trouble when doing so? anything else I should buy or do while im that far in?

97 K1500 5.7L

 

If the truck is running well you are just going to cause yourself more grief for nothing.

If the truck was missing then I would pull it apart, but all you need is a good tune up some new plugs a set of wires and filters.

Don't look for trouble you just might find more than you bargained for.

 

why are ya gonna do it? do they leak?

 

this is an engine sitting in the bed of my pickup. its nothing but the block and its torn doen to the heads now. so goin further wont be hard. This will be replacing the existing engine. im always wanting to take preventative mesures on this engine

 

If you are going to pull the heads why not go all the way and freshen up the engine.

Pull the pan do a set of rings and rod bearings, a new oil pump, check the mains most of the time you can get away without doing them.

With all the parts sellers on the net you can come up with parts way cheaper, I'm doing a freshen on my miata so far it cost me around 100 for parts.

 

if its in the truck bed and doesnt need to be installed quickly id go for it thats prolly gonna be the best time to learn it it will be nice if the head gasket goes and you know how to replace it. and look into some of the things beeguz suggested if you put that motor in all fresh it will last forever

 

Hmmm. I'll look for more parts and see how far I want to go, though I do need the truck in about 3 weeks....I still may be able to get everything set. (current installed engine not reliable)

One big question I have....I priced out crank shaft bearings and connecting rod bearings at a local parts store (Advance Auto Parts) and they were really cheap for everything, I forget how much though...I called the local chevy dealer and just for the parts the same bearings would have been almost $1700!!! I know the price was under $200 from advance auto. Is there a quality different issue I should be worried about?

 

fffffuuuuuccccc that... you need to call up a race shop or SUMMIT and shop around with them for a complete rebuild kit to make your 350 have 400+ hp. If you cant find a race shop, hit these guys for some info Salter Racing Engines (336) 771-2407 ‎