1999 Chevy 350 engine

[Jolly Roger bus 223]

i usually freshen everything up and give it a shot.
have had some make it to the 400,000 mark but usually older built 350's and have wasted the refresh on a few.
hit and miss because you dont know how a used motor was used?
maintained?
abusive driver?
lot of uphill?
i agree a full rebuild with upgrades and stuff but i do the work myself and of course a machine shop if things dont check out.
never done a junk yard motor?
have only done one used transmission and that one switched an all wheel drive honda crv to just a front wheel drive because it was a few thousand verses 700$ for a used one.it worked.
for the OP find the biggest motor and tranny in your year model that was offered in that platform.
you will be happier with that.

[vintageracer]

IF you have a 99 with a 350 your engine is a L31 350 Vortec engine.

You can buy a NEW CRATE ENGINE from GM with 100,000 mile 3 year warranty for $1800.00 or LESS depending upon how good a relationship you have with your GM parts guy or through Summit/Jegs.

Why would you rebuild your original engine when a complete new Long Block assembly engine can be had for that price?

You can also buy a reman transmission for that same van from GM with the same 3 year 100,000 mile warranty for about $1200.

GM warranty service at any GM dealer in North America.

Add labor cost for install and all the other stuff such as new belts, hoses, radiator etc that you were going to anyway and you will have nice running bus with a great warranty on the major drivetrain components.

No brainer IF you are going to keep the bus longterm!

[Ivanhggs]

Thank you Ronnie. I'm in no hurry so I will have that done. Starting over will give me peace of mind and more enjoyment. At least starting over, I can personally make sure it is taken care of correctly.