In 1995, the Vortec 350 emerged....
In 1995, the Vortec 350 emerged. However, like the LT1, early salvage costs were high. In addition, the central port injection system and composite intake manifold proved troublesome in the early years of production.
Scoggin-Dickey Parts Center (SDPC) in Lubbock, Texas, hasn't let the dwindling supply of original LO5s forfeit the benefits of the tried-and-true TBI 350. Not only does Scoggin-Dickey offer a replacement engine for the LO5, but the power output is bumped to 310 hp as opposed to the 1995 figure of 210 hp. The GM short-block (PN 12556121) is a new factory-built four-bolt main block filled with all-new engine components direct from the General. An added benefit of this SDPC engine is a warranty good for 12 months/12,000 miles.
The GM short-block was chosen by SDPC for this TBI package. This choice offers the correct lifter pads to allow an upgrade to the hydraulic roller cam and a modern one-piece rear oil seal. SDPC also selects a special-grind hydraulic roller cam from Crane Cams made specifically for the TBI application for added 4WD torque. COMP Cams 1.6 Roller Rocker Arms matched with COMP Cams pushrods are used to move the air through the Edelbrock aluminum Performer heads and intake manifold. The SDPC long-block is built with new parts and includes a new GM HEI distributor, MSD plug wires, new balancer, flexplate, Milodon oil pan, and is topped off with the Edelbrock Elite valve covers.
The Corvette and Camaro L98...
The Corvette and Camaro L98 Tuned Port Injection (TPI) 350 proved to be a hit with the street-rod market but never hit the mainstream for Jeeps and trucks. Stock horsepower for the L98 was better than the TBI but not by much.
If your Jeep project vehicle was equipped with a Buick V6, four-banger, or even the 4.0L inline-six, then a TBI 350 swap like this can be performed quite easily by almost anyone. The aftermarket-parts bin for this type of project has become so comprehensive that virtually every swap part is available for reasonable costs. Before going overboard with a new late-model Chevy Vortec 4.0 stroker kit or even a supercharger, give some serious thought to this $3,500, 100,000-mile option from Scoggin-Dickey Parts Center.