Hey, don't beat yourself up over it, happens quite often. Get yourself a set of steel number punches... easier to use than trying to punch roman numerals with a chisel. The machine shop work on a complete 350 SBC shortblock is about $600...that'* usually including an overbore and new pistons. I'd guess the rebalance alone would set you back about $100 (don't forget to hand them the balancer and the flywheel..they can do the entire assembly instead of using spec weights for the parts.)

You attack these things in order of priority. Like, I don't make any decisions about the rotating assembly until the block checks out. No sense balancing the rotating assembly if you find out later that the block needs an overbore..which means new pistons and a rebalance. Start with the block, then have them check over the crank & rods, then move on to whether the pistons are reusable.

yes, you guys are right. i will have the block checked first, and then move on to the decision of the pistons, rods, and balance.

thanks guys

We do balancing at my work for $200. We've got some pretty good stuff at reasonable prices too. Check it out: www.competitionproducts.com I also have an Edelbrock intake and carb I'm looking to get rid of, so if you are interested, drop me a line.

thank you. but i am going to see how well i can have this run on the TBI before i go carb. if i can't get it tuned to perfection, then i will keep you in mind. but i am confident that it will work well for my application.

Seriously though, I talked to my boss today and I get a really good discount. So if you are looking to get some new parts, let me know and I should be able to give you the hook up. After all, the internals on a TBI and carb application are the same.

sweet, thank you.

once i make sure the block is re-build worthy, i will let you know.

after much research and CL digging, i came across this http://detroit.craigslist.org/pts/627802272.html

and decided to go with a newer block. this is from a 93 2500 p/u. it is a 4 bolt main, instead of the 2 bolt i had. needs some tlc, but it will be a good donor. good compression. really dirty, but it will clean up. i got the engine and trans for $200.

Are you planning on tearing that one down? The oil areas look awfully dry. It looks like it has been setting awhile. If it was me I would atleast remove the pan and check the lower end.

yes, most definitely. it will receive a full rebuild. i wouldnt even think of just slappin that in there in its current condition.