Perf

[Pontyhacks4eva]

Performance mods for pontiac 350 motors and interchangeability of parts with other pontiac motors

 

[Frosty]

Is that a statement or a request for information?

[Pontyhacks4eva]

Sorry it was a request 

[Frosty]

I will invite others to share their knowledge as well. Some good / some bad info about the Pontiac 350.

As far as desirability in Pontiac V8s go, it has sort of become the redheaded step child of the Pontiac V8s. Only the 301/265 are considered far worse. This is because the 400 and larger displacements are so plentiful. Also the 326 and 389 were common in the 60s, so anyone doing a concurs restoration will restore those displacements. While Pontiac built a ton of 350s, they were often removed for large displacement engines. Because of the lack of demand for the 350-specific parts, certain key parts (like pistons, rods, or cranks) are either hard to find or very expensive compared to the other displacements. Don't get me wrong, the 350 is a great engine. It just lacks a certain amount of aftermarket support due to the lack of demand.

Now the upside is a 350 block is externally the same dimensions as a 326, 389, 421, 400, or 455. Pontiac never had a small block or a big block program. Pontiac only varied the bore and stroke to produce the different displacements. These means you can bore and stroke this engine to a higher displacement. It also means all the performance parts like camshafts, OEM and aftermarket heads, intake manifolds, headers, etc. will bolt up and work on the 350 engine block. So when you read in a catalog that this part fits a 326-455 Pontiac, it means it!

You should avoid any parts from the 301/265. This is a different block, it has a 1-inch lower deck height. This was Pontiac's attempt to produce an economical V8. So they did things to save weight but it also cannot tolerate many performance mods and has been shunned by the aftermarket as a result.

That is the general gist of things. Do you have any specific questions?

Edited November 29, 2022 by Frosty