'98 Vortech 350, 4 bolt main.

[dallas]

I am buying this motor from a friend but needs a crank, pistons, rods and bearings. heads are complete. I dont want to buy the wrong stuff for this motor, so I am seeking a little help on finding what I need. I am looking to keep cost down of course, but not wanting used crap. I would be nice to find all that I need in one package. I am just worried that I might buy the wrong crap, cause I need stuff for a 4 bolt main.

[dallas]

I have found some information... I need to verify the block #'s.. I will post again so any one in the future and search this...

[dallas]

Nodular cast iron is p/n14088527 330hp HO crate
Cast crank p/n 10243068 Ramjet 350 crate
Forged steel cranks p/n 12556307 ZZ4 crate and circle track crate engines


I have literature that states that the nodular iron crank is used in the 87-95 tbi™ trucks OVER 8600lbs gvwr(3/4 ton and 1 ton), the 1's with the lower compression ratio. They also use hypereutectic pistons and PM rods.



12530282 $2,185.60
L31 Vortec 350 LD 1/2 ton trucks 3/4 ton trucks under 8600lbs GVRW
5.7L 350 96 (L31) (Vortec) light duty, 2-bolt main.
12530282 350 CID New 5.7L
1999-2000 Chevrolet, GMC CK1 (L31) M30 (exc. NM8)
1996-98 Chevrolet, GMC CK1,2 (L31)(5.7R) M50, M30 (exc. NM8)
1996-2002 Chevrolet, GMC G1,2 (L31)(5.7R) M30
Engine-Specific Content: Crankshaft Hub, Front Cover, Oil Pan, and Valve Rocker Cover
Notes: For 2001 G-van application, service engine block contains English threads. May require Valve Covers to be transferred from original engine for some applications.

12530283 $2,236.08
L31 Vortec 350 HD 3/4 ton and 1 ton trucks over 8600gvrw
5.7L 350 96 (L31) (Vortec) (HD), 3/8” stem exhaust valves and hardened inserts installed, 4-bolt main.
12530283 350 CID New 5.7L
1996-2000 Chevrolet, GMC CK2,3 (L31) MT1 (exc. NM8, KL5)
1996-2000 Chevrolet, GMC CK2,3 (L31)(5.7R) MW3 (exc. NM8)
1996-2002 Chevrolet, GMC G2,3 (L31)(5.7R) MT1
1996-99 Chevrolet, GMC P3 (L31)(5.7R) MW3, MT1 (exc. NM8, KL5)
Engine-Specific Content: Crankshaft Hub, Front Cover, Oil Pan, and Valve Rocker Covers
Notes: For 2001 G-van applications, service engine block contains English threads. When used for 2001 and 2002 vehicles, must also use 2000 MY Starter/Trans/Eng mounting bolts.

Then there is the grand-daddy of the Vortec 350 engines,
12569010 $4,874.91
350 CID New 5.7L
1996-2003 Chevrolet, GMC W4 (L31)
Engine-Specific Content: Oil Pan
Notes: For 2001 application, must use 2000 transmission/engine and starter mounting bolts. Service engine block has
English mounting threads.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
No special installation instructions are necessary. Please refer to the general installation procedure section of this book.

This is the shortblock that is used in the 1987-95 LD tbi™ and 1996-2002 LD Vortec 350's.
http://paceperformance.com/index.asp...&ProdID=184534

Seeing that the above shortblock is used on the LD tbi™ and Vortec 350, I would have to say that the LD Vortec 350 uses a cast iron crank. Simply because the HD 350 tbi™ engine uses the nodular iron crank.

So now that the HD tbi™ 350 uses the nodular iron crank and PM rods, does the HD Vortec 350 (283 p/n) with 4 bolt mains use the nodular iron crank as well?

Now, there is the 12569010 that sells for more than twice the price of the other Vortec 350's.
My only guesses are the possibility of forged pistons, good rods, and a forged steel crank.

I have personally had 1 of these engines apart. It was out of a school bus, had 4 bolt mains and had a factory windage tray. It had rods that had a different cast number than the other L31 rods.


Borrowed from another site, not published by myself.

[remauto1187]

Unless you absolutely have to go with the "old school" Vortec 350, i assume its a Vin R, I would dump that plan and go with a 5.3L or bigger. If funds permit for the exhaust manifolds, accessory brackets, PCM, wiring harness, etc... then i would dump the vortec 350 idea. Im not knocking the Vin R 350 ...since i own one in my 99 Sierra but i can tell you that factory they are good for around 250hp or so..... "boring" 5.3L's start out at aroud 285-295hp with a oem setup. Put a cam and head work and you already passing 315hp with ease. After i get done making my "iron block 5.3L conversion to a 5.7l" for my vette my vin r truck is getting one to. You get a substantial amount of hp increase for basically the same money as a vin r 350 rebuild and you get to ditch the ignition distributor too!