[Bobby78]

I got mine here..
http://sdparts.com/category/gm-performance-parts-350ci-290hp-economy-engine
Isn't the $1500 engine 260 HP?

 

[Bobby78]

My 78 had a goodwrench 350 in it when I bought it in 2006. No idea how many miles on it or if had been a used engine transplanted in this car.
I think it was probably the 260 HP version. Blew a head gasket on the highway while my wife was driving and filled a few cylinders with coolant. We all know you can't compress water so BOOM! Sent a few rods through the oil pan.
So I replaced it with the 290 HP version. Has about 10,000 miles on it now. Gets oil changes every 3,000 miles or less.
I wasn't too happy about the "Hecho en Mexico" either but whatever. The last of these cars were built there anyway. GM is still building cars/trucks there. What's the difference really? GM is going to build a plant and train workers. Does it really matter what nationality they are if they adhere to quality control? Yeah it kinda sucks that we don't have those jobs here but maybe if the EPA and OSHA, etc stopped running everyone out of town we'd have a decent economy!

 

[Bobby78]

Pretty sure the warranty starts when you buy it.

 

[Bobby78]

Anyway I think both these engines are 2 piece rear seal. The only difference seems to be the cam. They are both 69-85 engines. So you may have to change the flexplate? That's not a big deal really, is it?

 

[Bobby78]

If no one wants it, take it to a recycle yard. That's got to be worth a few $$$ in scrap!
I think you're really going to like that motor! It really wakes these cars/trucks up. I bought the 290 because I wasn't 100% sure that the old one was the 260. So I figured better to pay a few dollars more and at least have what it was than to be cheap and disappointed. But going from a 305 you'll at least double your HP and then some!
What do you think about waiting for the re-paint until after the install? You'll have to R&I the hood and there's always a chance of scratching it. Hopefully you don't chip the header panel swinging the engine in & out. Not trying to scare you. It's not too bad of a job with the right equipment.
Figure you'll have it in a week. Then a week to install. So two weeks it's done and then off to paint.