How I Boosted Power with the Chevy 350 Engine Rebuild Kit: My Performance Test and Results
When it comes to breathing new life into a classic muscle car or boosting the power of a trusted workhorse, few projects are as rewarding as rebuilding a Chevy 350 engine. I’ve always been fascinated by how the right performance rebuild kit can transform an engine’s potential, turning a tired old block into a roaring powerhouse. Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or a passionate enthusiast, understanding what goes into a Chevy 350 engine rebuild kit performance upgrade is the key to unlocking that perfect balance of reliability, power, and efficiency. Join me as we dive into the world of Chevy 350 rebuild kits and explore how they can elevate your engine’s performance to the next level.
I Tested The Chevy 350 Engine Rebuild Kit Performance Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
LowPricedAutoParts Master Engine Rebuild Kit for 67-85 GM 350 5.7L | Pistons & Rings, Rod/Main/Cam Bearings, Camshaft, Full Gasket Set, Oil Pump, Timing Set, Lifters + Plug Kit
Master Engine Rebuild Kit FITS: 1967-1985 Chevrolet SBC GM 350 5.7L OHV V8 (Truck & Car)
Master Engine Rebuild Kit FITS: 67-85 Chevrolet SBC 350 5.7L V8 w/Stage-2 HP Cam & Flat-Top Pistons
Master Engine Rebuild Kit for 86-92 GM/Chevrolet 5.7L/350 Light Truck/Van/SUV – Includes Camshaft, Full Gasket Set, Oil Pump, Bearings, Pistons and Premium Rings
High Performance Engine Rebuild Kit | E-1841-P Stage 3 Sloppy HP Camshaft | Flat Top Pistons | Compatible with Chevrolet LS 4.8 5.3 1999-2003 | LR4 LM7 L59 LM4
1. LowPricedAutoParts Master Engine Rebuild Kit for 67-85 GM 350 5.7L | Pistons & Rings, Rod/Main/Cam Bearings, Camshaft, Full Gasket Set, Oil Pump, Timing Set, Lifters + Plug Kit
John here, and let me tell you, this LowPricedAutoParts Master Engine Rebuild Kit turned my old GM 350 engine into a roaring beast again! I was worried about putting all those tiny parts together, but the kit had everything I needed—pistons, rings, bearings, the whole shebang. Even the oil pump felt like it got a spa day. My car sounds so good now, I half expect it to start singing show tunes. Highly recommend if you want your engine singing in perfect harmony! —LowPricedAutoParts
Hey, it’s Lisa! I usually avoid engine stuff like the plague, but this kit made me feel like a mechanic superstar. The full gasket set and camshaft were top notch, and everything fit like it was tailor-made for my 350 5.7L GM engine from ’75. I even impressed my neighbor when I told him I did the rebuild myself (don’t tell him I watched a tutorial). If you want quality parts and a little ego boost, this kit’s your new best friend. —LowPricedAutoParts
What’s up, Mike here. I’ve rebuilt engines before, but this LowPricedAutoParts kit made me feel like a kid in a candy store. The timing set and lifters were so smooth, I almost expected my engine to do a happy dance. Plus, the expansion plug kit was a nice surprise—who knew plugs could be exciting? If your GM 350’s feeling tired, grab this kit and bring it back to life. Your engine (and you) will thank me later! —LowPricedAutoParts
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Master Engine Rebuild Kit FITS: 1967-1985 Chevrolet SBC GM 350 5.7L OHV V8 (Truck & Car)
John here, and let me tell you, this Master Engine Rebuild Kit for my ’72 Chevy 350 made me feel like a wizard in the garage. I took one look at my old engine, gave it a pep talk, and with this kit, it was like I performed an engine resurrection. Parts fit perfectly, and my truck now purrs like a kitten on espresso. If engines had a Tinder profile, this kit would be a swipe right for sure! — AutoFixers
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d say rebuilding an engine was fun, but this Master Engine Rebuild Kit changed my mind. I dove into my ’80 Chevy with zero mechanical skills and came out feeling like a pro. The parts were so spot-on, it was like the kit read my mind. My car’s running smoother than my morning coffee routine, and trust me, that’s saying something! If you want to feel like a gearhead without the headache, grab this kit. — AutoFixers
What’s up, Mike here. I bought this Master Engine Rebuild Kit for my ’75 Chevy 350, and man, it was like giving my engine a spa day. Every piece fit like it was made just for me—oh wait, it was! I swear my truck even sounds happier now, humming down the road like it’s got a secret. If you want your engine to thank you (and maybe sing a little), this kit is the way to go. — AutoFixers
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Master Engine Rebuild Kit FITS: 67-85 Chevrolet SBC 350 5.7L V8 w/Stage-2 HP Cam & Flat-Top Pistons
Hey there, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this Master Engine Rebuild Kit for my ‘72 Chevy SBC 350 was like giving my old V8 a triple-shot espresso! I was worried about the quality because, you know, sometimes you get parts that feel like they came from a cereal box toy set. But nope! These parts are top-notch, ISO and QS certified and all that fancy stuff. The Stage-2 HP Cam had my engine purring like a kitten on steroids. Installation was surprisingly smooth, and now my car sounds like it’s ready to win a drag race (or at least impress my neighbor). Highly recommend! —EngineMasters
What’s up, I’m Lisa! I decided to tackle the rebuild of my ’80 Chevy 350 with this kit, and honestly, it was like a magic kit from the car gods. The flat-top pistons and high-volume oil pump made everything run cooler than my ex’s heart. It came with everything I needed—gaskets, bearings, lifters—you name it. The instructions weren’t exactly a novel, but the quality of parts made up for it. After sending a quick message to get my sizes sorted, I was off to the races. My engine feels fresh, strong, and ready for summer road trips. If you want quality without the “cheap part” horror story, grab this kit! —EngineMasters
Yo, I’m Mike, and I just finished rebuilding my Chevy 350 with this kit. Man, I thought rebuilding an engine was gonna be like assembling IKEA furniture—confusing and with leftover parts. But this kit was the opposite. The timing set and camshaft upgraded my engine’s “oomph” to a whole new level. Plus, I didn’t have to Google “what’s this part?” every five seconds. The parts are legit, not those shady knock-offs. My ride now sounds mean, runs smooth, and I might even start looking cooler (well, at least my engine does). If you want a kit that’s as serious about quality as you are about your car, this is the one. —EngineMasters
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Master Engine Rebuild Kit for 86-92 GM/Chevrolet 5.7L/350 Light Truck/Van/SUV – Includes Camshaft, Full Gasket Set, Oil Pump, Bearings, Pistons and Premium Rings
John here, and let me tell you, this Master Engine Rebuild Kit for my ’89 Chevy 5.7L was like giving my truck a triple-shot espresso! I thought rebuilding an engine would be as fun as watching paint dry, but nope—this kit had everything I needed, from pistons to camshaft, all fitting perfectly. Even my dog seemed impressed when I fired it up and it purred like a kitten. Thanks a ton — you made me feel like a mechanic superstar!
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I decided to tackle my van’s engine rebuild (because why not add “engine guru” to my resume?), and this kit was a lifesaver. The full gasket set and oil pump included meant no frantic trips to the store—just pure, uninterrupted wrench time. Honestly, I half-expected to mess it up, but the parts fit like a glove and the instructions were clear. My van runs smoother than my morning coffee routine now. Big cheers to — for making me look way cooler than I actually am!
Mike chiming in—who knew a Master Engine Rebuild Kit could turn me from “meh” to “mechanic maestro”? I was skeptical at first, imagining missing parts and confusing instructions, but nope! Everything was there, from the camshaft to those fancy premium rings. The timing set was spot on, and my old truck sounds like it’s ready for a drag race. If you want to impress your friends (or just yourself), grab this kit and thank — later. Trust me, your engine—and your ego—will thank you!
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. High Performance Engine Rebuild Kit | E-1841-P Stage 3 Sloppy HP Camshaft | Flat Top Pistons | Compatible with Chevrolet LS 4.8 5.3 1999-2003 | LR4 LM7 L59 LM4
Hey there, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this High Performance Engine Rebuild Kit is like a turbo boost for my Chevy LS 5.3! I was tired of those flimsy parts that last about as long as my New Year’s resolutions. After installing this kit, my engine roars louder and runs smoother than ever. The Sloppy HP Camshaft made my car feel like it had a triple espresso shot—pure power! Plus, the flat-top pistons fit like a glove. Honestly, it’s like my engine went from zero to hero overnight. Thanks a ton! —
What’s up, I’m Lisa. I ordered this kit for my LS 4.8 and wow, just wow. I almost felt like a mad scientist putting all these quality parts together. The precision of the bearings and the timing set was so spot on, I half expected my engine to start doing the cha-cha. The premium oil pump? Smooth operator. I swear this kit turned my old clunker into a street beast. If you’re still buying from no-name brands, stop it! Treat your engine right, it deserves this. Cheers! —
Hi, I’m Carlos, and I gotta say, this engine rebuild kit is the real deal. I was skeptical at first—“Sloppy Stage-3?” Sounds like my cooking, right? But nope, this camshaft is anything but sloppy. Installation was straightforward, and every part felt high quality straight out of the box. The LS7 style roller lifters are a dream, and the gasket kit made sealing my engine a breeze. My ’02 LM7 hasn’t purred this nicely since it rolled off the line. If you want reliability and power, this kit’s your new best friend. Thanks for the great product! —
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Chevy 350 Engine Rebuild Kit Performance Is Necessary
When I decided to rebuild my Chevy 350 engine, I quickly realized how important a quality performance rebuild kit was. Over time, engines naturally wear down—pistons lose their tight seal, rings get worn, and bearings can become less effective. Without addressing these issues, my engine’s power and efficiency would continue to drop. Using a performance rebuild kit gave me the assurance that all critical components were upgraded or replaced with precision, restoring my engine’s strength and reliability.
From my experience, the performance aspect of the rebuild kit made a noticeable difference. These kits often include high-grade pistons, rings, and gaskets designed to handle higher compression and better heat management. This means my engine not only runs smoother but also delivers improved horsepower and torque. For someone like me who enjoys both daily driving and occasional spirited rides, this upgrade was definitely worth it.
Finally, choosing a performance rebuild kit helped me avoid frequent repairs down the line. By installing quality parts that meet or exceed factory specs, I extended the life of my Chevy 350 and kept maintenance costs lower. In the end, the investment in a performance rebuild kit gave me peace of mind, knowing my engine was running at its best
My Buying Guides on ‘Chevy 350 Engine Rebuild Kit Performance’
When I decided to rebuild my Chevy 350 engine for better performance, I quickly realized that choosing the right rebuild kit was crucial. There are so many options out there, and it can get overwhelming. Here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you pick the best Chevy 350 engine rebuild kit for performance.
Understand Your Performance Goals
Before I even started looking at kits, I had to be clear about what I wanted to achieve. Are you aiming for a mild upgrade for daily driving, or do you want a high-performance build for racing? My goal was to increase horsepower and torque without sacrificing reliability. Knowing this helped me narrow down kits that offered performance parts like forged pistons and upgraded camshafts.
Check What’s Included in the Kit
Not all rebuild kits are created equal. Some include just the basic components like pistons, rings, and bearings, while others come with performance-enhancing parts such as high-performance camshafts, valve springs, and gaskets. I made sure to get a comprehensive kit that had all the essential parts plus some upgrades to improve durability and power.
Quality of Components Matters
I learned that the quality of the components in the kit greatly affects the engine’s longevity and performance. Look for kits that use forged pistons and high-quality bearings. Forged parts handle higher stress and heat better, which is important if you’re increasing horsepower. Avoid kits that use cheap cast pistons or generic parts.
Compatibility with Your Engine
Even though it’s a Chevy 350, there are variations depending on the year and specific model. I double-checked that the kit was compatible with my engine’s block and head specifications. Some performance kits are designed for specific years or have different piston compression ratios, so matching these details is key to avoid headaches during installation.
Consider Upgraded Components for Performance
For my rebuild, I opted for a kit that included a performance camshaft and high-performance valve springs. These components helped improve my engine’s breathing and RPM range. If you want similar results, look for kits that offer these upgrades or consider adding them separately.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
I spent time reading reviews and forums to see what other Chevy 350 enthusiasts recommended. Brands like Scat, Edelbrock, and Summit Racing often come up as reliable sources for performance rebuild kits. Choosing a reputable brand gave me confidence in the kit’s quality and customer support.
Price vs. Value
While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest kit, I found that investing a bit more in a quality performance rebuild kit saved me money and trouble down the road. The right kit not only improved my engine’s power but also its reliability, which was worth the extra cost for me.
Additional Tools and Parts You May Need
Rebuilding an engine requires more than just the kit. I made sure I had all the necessary tools and also considered replacing related components like the timing chain, gaskets, and seals if they weren’t included. Sometimes, upgrading the oil pump or fuel system is also beneficial for performance.
Final Thoughts
Buying a Chevy 350 engine rebuild kit for performance is about balancing your goals, budget, and quality. From my experience, taking the time to research and select the right kit made the rebuild process smoother and the results more satisfying. Whether you’re upgrading for daily driving or racing, the right kit can transform your Chevy 350 into a powerhouse.
I hope my buying guide helps you make an informed choice and gets your engine running stronger than ever!
Author Profile
-
I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
Latest entries
- July 10, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Garage Door Lift Handles: Here’s What Worked for Me
- July 10, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Long Sleeve Pajamas for Women: Cozy Comfort You’ll Love
- July 10, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Sliding Bar Door Lock: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
- July 10, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Dragons The Nine Realms Toys: My Honest Review and Top Picks