Ok Im getting an 86 350 off a buddy of mine that came out of a truck, still works, says the rings needs replaced.
Hes asking 200 for it.
1. When i go look at it is there any thing I should look for to make sure its in good working order, I't was runing before he took it out, but it wouldent idle when the engine was cold, but neither does my 305.
2. If i do buy it, I am going to be riping it down and replacing pistons and rings, Is there any thing else I should replace while im in there that wont cost to much, Im on a veary small budget and im forced to do this becosue my 305 is having all kinds of funky issues. and i figure ill fix up a 350 insted of a 305.
3. Should i keep the quadra junk?. My 305 has one and this 350 does too.
4. I have a set of heads from a 78 305, Would they go on a 86 350, and if so, should I?, I hear i will get much beter compression with 305 heads on a 350.

and besides the engine size, the 86 350 looks identical to my 84 305. will they be the same or was any thing changed?

Thanks.
Mike.

Mike when you go check the engine, the only thing you can check is the external condition. Look for cracks or obvious things that are going to make the block unserviceable. If he is a good buddy have him guarantee that at least if you can't use it you can get your money back. Take it to a machine shop that you trust and have them check everything for cracks i.e. block, heads, crank, and rods if you are going to use them again.

Once everything is good you should be able to find 350 engine kits for very cheap. From everything you need to rebuild the engine to just a re-ring kit, but I would go ahead and replace the pistons since the engine is an 86 and is nearly 20 years old probably with a lot of wear and tear.

Keeping the quadrajunk depends on your budget. I would personally get a holley 600 p/n 1850 and a nice dual plane intake to kinda wake up the beast.

As for putting the 305 heads on a 350 I personally wouldn't do it 305 heads have a very small chamber 58cc as compared to 350 heads which most are from 64-76cc. If that motor has a 76 cc chamber and a compression ratio of about 8.5 to 1 with a 76cc going to a 58cc chamber might get the compression at least to 9.5 to 1 if not higher and you could run into problems with detonation on even 92 octane fuel and with the way gas prices are now it wouldn't be worth it. Also motors make their power through airflow 305 heads don't flow that much air!!! their are a lot of companies that sell reasonably priced new heads that are as close to the price of getting yours rebuilt. All in all you got to pay to play and you get what you pay for! Also consider a reman motor from a local parts store check there warranty and check around. GM sells 350s rated at 250 hp that has a 3yr 50,000 mile warranty on certain vehicles up to years 85 I think. these motors can be found at local chevy dealerships for about $1300 and these motors are brand new! check out Sallee chevy or Scoggin-Dickey on the net or your local chevy dealer good luck!!!