Personally,

I would not do either the salvage or Ebay engine! A two month warranty is just that "two months". You don't know how the last person handled maintaince too and after your two months are over if this one busts then you’re out $1,600. I feel a salvage yard is only good to single parts like starters, alternators, ect.
...

Personally,

I would not do either the salvage or Ebay engine! A two month warranty is just that "two months". You don't know how the last person handled maintaince too and after your two months are over if this one busts then you’re out $1,600. I feel a salvage yard is only good to single parts like starters, alternators, ect.
With Ebay, you have not seen the condition of this engine and who knows what you will get.

I would go with the rebuild. This means that a mechanic has taken the time to look at the heads, rods, ect and has performed necessary tasks to make it as new as possible.

AHHH...the ol' Small Block Chevy transplant. Being such a common engine family, those "Small Block" Chevy V-8 engines are extremely plentiful and cheap. They've been used in many GM vehicles for over 50 years now...that should tell you about reliability. You have MANY options. For one, I would advise to NOT buy something of that nature off of eBay. If/When something goes wrong, what's it going to cost you in labor, downtime, shipping, etc to handle warranty issues? It's things like this that you have to factor...

AHHH...the ol' Small Block Chevy transplant. Being such a common engine family, those "Small Block" Chevy V-8 engines are extremely plentiful and cheap. They've been used in many GM vehicles for over 50 years now...that should tell you about reliability. You have MANY options. For one, I would advise to NOT buy something of that nature off of eBay. If/When something goes wrong, what's it going to cost you in labor, downtime, shipping, etc to handle warranty issues? It's things like this that you have to factor into your decision. If you value that vehicle that much that you're willing to sink that kind of investment into reviving it, you should do a little more local research. Being in a town the size of Fargo, you should have a number of options.

If you're looking for a REBUILT engine, you should consult one of your local engine rebuilders who would normally have that 305 in stock and would likely also offer installation for a package price, as well as a more reliable warranty. You can also check automotive stores such as Auto Zone, etc who sell them and can refer you to a local business for installation. If you're looking to cut costs a bit and go with a "USED" engine, you may want to inquire with one of your local auto salvage yards. Many of them offer installation of the parts they sell for a nominal fee. Whichever method you decide is most cost-effective to you, make sure you get parts/labor warranty information in writing at the time of installation.

Much of this information can be achieved by a few simple phone calls to your local businesses. Also, keep in mind that your mechanic's suggestion of going from a 305 to a 350 will result in a decrease in mileage, but give you more power in the process. At today's $3+/gal, that should be highly considered.
:) -EB

If it was myself I would go with "Thunderbolt" for a rebuilt engine, they have been around for years. Give them a call and see how far the nearest store/shop is from you. The shipping charges are going to be very high because of the size and weight of the engine. Get prices down to the penny in writting including things like core charge (if any), shipping, taxes and any thing else. If they have a store near you ask them out the door price and all details. If it has to be shipped get price which could include b...

If it was myself I would go with "Thunderbolt" for a rebuilt engine, they have been around for years. Give them a call and see how far the nearest store/shop is from you. The shipping charges are going to be very high because of the size and weight of the engine. Get prices down to the penny in writting including things like core charge (if any), shipping, taxes and any thing else. If they have a store near you ask them out the door price and all details. If it has to be shipped get price which could include besides shipping, crating, lift gate charges, noncommerical charges.

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