I have a 350 with the 4 barrel manifold. Looking for opinions on boring it out. Was rebuilt about 12 yrs ago, nothing fancy used, basically a stock rebuild. Have not talked to any engine people in my area was looking your opinions first. Am just looking for some raw american horsepower. John
I would say bore it if cylinders are worn straiten them out put some new slugs in it. But before you order pistons make sure that it hasnt been bored before so you can order even bigger ones just my opinion. Thanks Josh
Josh- Working at a machine shop, my coworkers and I , get this type of question all the time. Before you can get answers to your question, you need to breakdown the motor, and spec the wear out, and then make decisions based on what you find. As a general rule of thumb, if your commited to a sound rebuild, you'll give the block what it needs. you cannot merely guess or speculate if th block needs to be bored or not. I'd bet it does. If the original rebuild was a simple re-ring and hone job, chances are you will not be able to hone again since the Piston to wall clearance will be to large. If it was bored, it might clean up with a quickie hone. supppose its already .030 over, and it needs .060 to clean. If you are unsure about the cylinder thickness, any reputable shop can perfom a sonic check. Although I am unsure on how that procedure works, it measures the thickness of the cylinders. This I'd only recomend when going .060 or higher. Bottomline, the first step in making these decisions is accurately measuring the wear. from their, do what needs to be done. Joe
Yes i agree if you tore engine down and didnt see anything like a big ridge at top of cylinder or deep marks on sides or piston loose and wobley, then yes take it to shop. Have it checked out with proper tools. Had been punched out 30 over before and cylinders were not fit to rering, couldn't you only go another 10 or 20 just to straiten them back out and start with new engine again.
