lookiing to buy 69 chevelle, what gas to use

[kevinw]

hello, seller and I came to agreed upon price on 69 Malibu 350 original engine . given it not been rebuilt, can I still get buy just using unleaded gas? the car is basically stock except for HEI, headers, and 600 Edelbrock carb. car is an auto. thanks

i have a 79 t/a 403 with the flat tappets and i been running 87 for a couple years so far.

[chevymaher]

It will run fine on unleaded. Use lead additive if your going to seriously wail on it tho. Protect the valve seats.

[kevinw]

ok thanks. no, I don't hot rod cars anymore, too old. LOL. just cruisinig in it. thanks

[kevinw]

question. I basically have determined that my 69 has the 255 hp version of the 350 engine. it is match numbers, and previous owner said it had a 2 bbl carb originally.

question. what would be a good guess on horsepower now with the long tube headers, 600 carb, alum intake, and open air cleaner? thanks

[chevymaher]

300ish give or take a little.

[kevinw]

oh thanks Chevymaher. I was wondering. thanks

[carpoor]

Remember those are gross ratings, not SAE net. Net vs. Gross is about a 25-30 percent difference.

[kevinw]

oh ok. I was just wondering approx. what it would be with the add ons. the seller really didn't know.
I didn't realize how heavy a intake manifold was! no wonder peeps put on aluminum intakes. wow, I about pulled my back trying to lift it. the air conditioning box isn't that light either. and the air cond. compresser is heavy. now I see why peeps don't keep all these on the car for all the weight.

[carpoor]

Pick up a set of big block heads, that'll get your attention.

[kevinw]

I've already been called a block head many times , but not a big block head! lol

[kevinw]

question. my 350 threw a rod end of sept, low oil.currently machine shop is workingthe block and heads, bored 30 over.
I plan to basically use the stock parts to have it rebuilt, I had a edelbrock alum intake, 600 cfm 4 brrl, and headers. is there anything before they start putting new parts on I should consider doing? I assume the engine will retain the same h.p. as before? trying to keep total cost around $3000 which is what I was quoted for total rebuild and re install engine in car. thanks.

[flash]

Im considering a rebuild on my wife's original motor for my Vert ,was hers , only had 55,000 miles on it but it drank oil badly . Im thinking about using a roller cam ,Aluminum heads and fuel injection . Your plan sounds pretty good though .

[kevinw]

frustrating build. my mechanic got block back, the crank wouldn't turn once he installed in block, so now block is back for more machine work for the crank, another 200 bucks and balance the crank too. this seems like its taking forever, and I know, its winter now and I have all winter, but does it take months and months to get a engine rebuilt?

[chevymaher]

It don't take long to build a engine. Once the machine work is done right. Right being the key word here.