Getting back into the engine bay of my 89 K5. I'm trying to decide which would be more effective, and which would be cheaper. My options are either a rebuild on the original engine, or should I go for a crate motor and install. BTW, stock they are 350 small blocks right???

 

The only available gasser was the 350 in 89.

How bad off is your original engine? Have you run a compression and leak down check? If not, that is where I would start. If your heads hold good and you have good compression, then you may be able to get away with a rebuild throwing in some more performance minded parts for the same money as a stock replacement crate motor.

 

The original engine isn't in too bad of shape... But now for some reason after I'm not getting her to start anymore. She's leaking oil hella bad, it sounds like she really really wants to start but no start. I'm thinking of just rebuilding but honestly have no idea where to start when it comes to old chevy motors. Most I've ever built were KLZE motors and those are racing motors. Tunersn was my passion, now I'm attempting a new lease.