Chevrolet Performance Parts

This is Chevy Performance ’s GMPP’s 350ci/290hp P/N 12499529 Crate Engine installation guide. Included is the engine break-in procedure and many other helpful bits of information.

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Updated 05-11-2006.
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GMPP 350/290 HP CRATE ENGINE INSTALLATION GUIDE

Chevy Performance ’s
GMPP 350/290 HP P/N 12499529
Performance Crate Engine Installation Guide

April 05, 2005

     We would like to thank-you for the purchase of this brand new GM Performance 350/290 HP engine for your vehicle. This instruction sheet will help answer a few questions on the installation of this engine.
     This engine is a universal engine made to fit most applications from 1979 and earlier, pre-emissions street vehicles and all off-road vehicles.
     This engine carries the GMPP engine warranty.

Warranty Information

General Information

1) When installing this engine in non-GM applications like street rods, boats, medium duty trucks, the GM warranty may be voided.
2) Street Rods warranty at Chevy Performance is 12 months parts only, no labor.
3) Jeeps and Toyota Land Cruisers warranty at Chevy Performance is 12 months parts only, no labor.
4) All warranty claims must be approved by the dealer. See GM warranty card. General Motors warranties this engine, not the dealer.
5) GM Dealers can refuse warranty in non-GM applications.

Warranty Claim Procedure

1) You must retain your warranty card, invoice.
2) You must keep a detailed oil change record to be submitted.
3) You must provide proof that you had the radiator replaced or cleaned and flow tested.
4) You must provide proof that you had the water pump and thermostat replaced.
Keep good records on everything you do including the break-in of the new engine. You can use the break-in procedure shown later in this document.

How to proceed when replacing an engine that had a major engine failure.

If you had a major engine failure, do you know you have a good idea of what might have caused it?
1) Plugged or leaking radiator?
2) Leaking oil cooler lines?
3) Timing problem, pinging, or detonation?
Major engine failures require the change of oil cooler lines, oil cooler, and radiator. All debris must not enter the new engine. It is imperative that all parts to be installed on a new engine that could introduce debris internally to the new engine be cleaned and checked for proper functionality. This would be a good time to replace any aging radiator hoses, fan belts, etc. with new ones also.

Installation Tips

Oil Indicator

This engine comes with left hand (LH) and right hand (RH) dipstick (oil level indicator) holes in the block. You will need to plug the hole in the side of the block you do not intend to use for the dipstick. This engine comes with a bag of parts which contain plugs to plug the side of the block you do not plan to use. The plugs look like small dowels.

Harmonic Damper

     This engine comes with timing tabs for the harmonic damper (balancer). One of these tabs is for a 6.75 inch damper and the other tab is for an 8 inch damper. Measure the diameter of your damper to determine which tab you will need to use. If your damper is designed to be timed in the 12 o’clock position, you will need to replace it. One way to tell if your engine has a damper timed in the 12 o’clock position is to look to see if it has a welded on timing pointer located at the top center of your timing cover. If it does, you most likely have the damper that is designed to be timed at 12 o’clock. The following are the replacement dampers to be used with the timing pointers that come with the engine:
P/N 06272222 - 8 inch damper
P/N 12551537 - 6.75 inch damper
Most applications from 78 and up will require a new damper.
Alternatively, Chevy Performance can supply you with a Proform damper cover that has the marks in the correct location if you would rather not change your damper. Call us toll free at for more information on timing covers or visit our web page at http://www.sallee-chevrolet.com/Proform/damper_covers.html that shows these Proform covers.
     If you are going to install a new damper, you will need to use a damper installation tool which Chevy Performance can also supply if you do not have one.
     This engine requires a bolt and washer to fasten the damper on with.

Flywheel/Flexplate

1) If you have an automatic transmission flexplate, you will need to check the starter gear teeth for wear and cracks.
2) If you have a 400 small-block now, your flywheel will have weights on it for balancing. You can not reuse this flywheel with this engine. You will have to replace it. Call us so we can get you the correct flywheel or flexplate for your application.

Oil Filter

This engine requires an oil filter adapter P/N 03952301 for screw-on oil filters and 2 oil filter adapter mounting bolts P/N 03951644. The heads have a 1/2” pipe hole. If your sender is 3/8”, this adapter will fix your problem.

Oil Fill Location

In most cases, you will not have a problem with where the oil fill location is on the valve covers but in some cases the air conditioning compressor may end up covering the oil filler cap. If this situation comes up with your application you can try switching the LH and RH valve covers and as a last resort, go back to using your old valve covers. If you have to re-use your old valve covers and they are in bad shape, Chevy Performance can help you to try to get new replacements for them and/or see if there is an aftermarket valve cover that will work for your application.
Some Vans have a special valve cover for an oil filler tube. You must re-use your stock valve cover in this case. If this old valve cover is in bad condition, Chevy Performance can see if there is still a new one available from GM or an alternative aftermarket valve cover. Chevy Performance can also check for a new replacement oil filler tube if you need one.

Oil Breather and PCV Valve

     This engine is required to have both an oil breather and a PCV valve for proper crankcase ventilation. You should not try to run this engine without both of these installed.
     The oil breather can either be the oil breather cap style which is mounted on one of the valve covers or the return tube to the air cleaner housing style (breather is mounted on the inside of the housing). If you are reusing your old breather, you should check to see if they are clogged and clean or replace them with new ones if they are in bad shape.
     Your old PCV valve should not be re-used unless you are sure that it is in good working condition. If your old engine did not have one, you will have to get one. Chevy Performance can help you get the proper PCV valve for your application. The PCV valve is usually mounted on the valve cover that is on the opposite side of the engine from the valve cover that was used for the oil breather.

Temperature Sender

Vehicles from 1979 and up will require a temperature sending adapter P/N 00444034 which Chevy Performance can supply you with if needed. The sender is located on the driver side of the engine and has a green wire going to it.

Engine Oil

GM recommends 10w30 weight engine oil for normal driving conditions. If you are towing or hauling heavy loads during the summer months, you can use 15w40 or 30w engine oil. Do not use synthetic engine oil with this engine until after you have not only completed the initial engine break-in procedure (this will be discussed later) but also the 2,000 mile break-in period. Using synthetic engine oils prematurely will prevent or hinder your engine's break-in leaving the piston rings not seated properly and a number of other problems.

Initial Engine Break-In Procedure

The following form is the GM recommended crate engine start-up procedure with some minor changes made to it by Chevy Performance . You can use this form for keeping track of your engine’s break-in.

GM’S RECOMMENDED CRATE ENGINE START-UP PROCEDURE
Print this page out and check off boxes below (in the printed copy) when each step is completed.

Step	Box
1) Safety first! If the car is on the ground, be sure the emergency brake is set, the wheels are chocked, and the transmission cannot fall into gear. Next verify that all hoses are tight and that both the radiator and radiator over flow jar/tank are full and have been filled with the proper anti-freeze and water mix.
2) Before starting your engine for the first time, add one pint of engine oil supplement ( EOS¹) to the crankcase oil and then check the oil level. Once this has been done, prime the oil system with an oil pump primer tool. Make sure number 1 cylinder is on TDC compression stroke, and install the distributor.
3) Adjust the distributor timing roughly by hand for a quick start up and smoothest idle possible.
4) When the engine first starts, verify that the engine rpm is at a safe level and that the timing is set near or at 30° before top dead center (BTDC). Run the engine speed between 1,500 and 2,500 RPM’s, varying the engine speed up and down with-in this range, to prevent overheating of the exhaust valves and the exhaust system. This should be done with no-load on the engine and for the first 30 minutes of operation.
5) After the first 30 minutes of the engine running, set the ignition timing according to the timing specifications. Now would be a good time to check thoroughly for leaks.
6) Adjust the carburetor settings, if necessary.
7) Drive the vehicle with varying speeds and loads on the engine for the first 30 miles. Be sure not to use a lot of throttle or high RPM.
8) Run five or six medium-throttle accelerations to about 3,800 RPM (55 to 60 MPH), then letting off in gear and coasting back down to 20 MPH.
9) Run a couple hard-throttle accelerations up to about 3,800 RPM (55 to 60 MPH), then letting off in gear and coasting back down to 20 MPH.
10) Change the oil and filter with recommended oil (10w30SG in most cases) and filter.
11) Drive the next 500 miles normally, without high RPM’s (below 3,800 RPM), hard use, or extended periods of high loading.
12) Change oil and filter again.
13) Your engine is now ready for many happy cruising miles!

Note¹: EOS P/N 1052367 can be used any time during the life of the engine.
Technical Note: This procedure has been corrected and improved from the original GMPP procedure by Chevy Performance .

Warning: Your engine will not be fully broke in until after at least 2,000 miles of driving have been put on it with normal organic oil.

Installation Parts You May Need

10147994 - Intake Gasket
12346192 - Silicon Sealant for Intake Gasket

Both of the following gaskets are needed for the fuel pump mounting plate:
10114141 - Fuel Pump Gasket
12560223 - Fuel Pump Mounting Plate Gasket
This would also be a good time to go to a chromed fuel pump block off plate or mounting plate if you are planning on adding chrome to your engine or you can just reuse your existing mounting or block off plate. Chevy Performance can supply you with a chromed block off plate that has the Chevy Bow Tie on it as well as a chromed mechanical fuel pump and chromed fuel pump mounting plate if you plan on running a mechanical fuel pump.

You can use either a 1 quart or 3/4 quart oil filter with this engine.
25160561 - 1 Quart Oil Filter (ACDelco PF1218)
25324052 - 3/4 Quart Oil Filter (ACDelco PF454)

05613957 - Spark Plug (ACDelco R45TS) [Gap @ .035” for points distributor, .045” for HEI distributor]

Flexplates and Flywheels that can be used depending on your application:
00471598 - 14 inch diameter flexplate (automatic transmissions)
00471529 - 12.75 inch diameter flexplate (automatic transmissions)
03991469 - 14 inch diameter flywheel (manual transmissions)

Harmonic dampers that can be used:
12551537 - 6.75 inch harmonic damper
06272222 - 8 inch harmonic damper

Thermostats that can be used:
10207381 - 180°F Thermostat
12514334 - 195°F Thermostat
10105135 - Thermostat Gasket

Water pumps that can be used:
12522016 - Cast iron, long-leg style, water pump for 1969 through 1976 applications.
88894341 - Cast iron, Long-leg style, water pump for 1977 through 1987 applications.
12458926 - Cast iron, short-leg style, water pump for 1967 through 1972 pickups and cars up to 1968.
12458924 - Cast iron, short-leg style, water pump for 1971 through 1981 Corvettes.

Valve Covers:
This engine comes with plain black stamped steel valve covers. Now would be the time to think about chrome valve covers, and air cleaners like those in our Proform section. It’s always harder to work on and engine and make changes to it after it is in then before.

Air Cleaners:
You can use almost any or the Proform air cleaners for this engine. Call us for more information on this.

Intake Manifolds:
10185063 - GM low-profile, aluminum, four-barrel, dual-plane
2101 - Edelbrock Performer, 50 state legal, 1986 and earlier, aluminum, non-EGR
21011 - Edelbrock Performer, 50 state legal, 1986 and mealier, aluminum, non-EGR, polished
3701 - Edelbrock Performer, 50 state legal, 1986 and mealier, aluminum, EGR

Starter:
12361146 - GM High-Torque mini-starter, gear-reduction, for 153 or 168 tooth flywheels

Distributor:
93440806 - GM HEI with ignition advance curve

Spark Plug Wires:
12361056 - GM 8-mm red, double-wall, silicone, 135° boots

Wire Looms:
Any small-block Chevy valve cover rim-mounted looms will work like the ones in our Proform section of our web site.

Oil Level Dipstick (Indicator) and Tube:
03981019 - LH side, Indicator
12337946 - LH side, Indicator Tube
141-550 - LH side, Chrome, Indicator and Indicator Tube
12551144 - RH side, Indicator
12551147 - RH side, Indicator Tube
141-551 - RH side, Chrome, Indicator and Indicator Tube

What to do after installation and initial break-in is completed.

1) Check oil level.
2) Check engine coolant for level and proper temperature protection for your location. Also check that the coolant is cycling properly and that the thermostat is opening when the engine warms up.
3) Check for leaks and retighten fan belts.
4) If you have installed an aluminum intake manifold, you must re-torque the intake bolts. Torque to 35 ft.-lbs. or tighten snuggly with a wrench, if no torque wrench is available or practical for your application.
5) If your engine has tubular exhaust headers, retighten the header bolts after the initial engine break-in to prevent leaks.

Periodic Maintenance

1) Change engine oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles or every 3 months whichever comes first. At the time you are changing the oil, you should also inspect the air filter and the PCV filter. Replace these if dirty.
2) Do a monthly check of fluid levels and check for fluid leaks.
3) Do a monthly check of fan belt tension and condition.

350ci/5.7L Engine Torque Specifications

Camshaft Sprocket Bolt/Screw	18 ft.-lbs.
Connecting Rod Nut	.006” bolt stretch preferred 20 ft.-lbs + additional 55° (45 ft.-lbs. if no angle gauge available)
Crankshaft Balancer Bolt/Screw	63 ft.-lbs.
Crankshaft Balancer Pulley	35 ft.-lbs.
Crankshaft Bearing Cap Bolt/Screw and Stud	Inner: 70 ft.-lbs, Outer: 65 ft.-lbs.
Cylinder Head Bolt/Screw	65 ft.-lbs.
Distributor Bolt/Screw	25 ft.-lbs.
Drain Plug	15 in.-lbs.
Engine Oil Gallery Plug	15 ft.-lbs.
Engine front Cover Bolt/Screw	75 in.-lbs.
Exhaust Manifold Stud and Bolt/Screw	26 ft.-lbs.
Flywheel Bolt/Screw	65-70 ft.-lbs.
Intake Manifold Bolt/Screw First Pass Final Pass	15 ft.-lbs. 35 ft.-lbs.
Oil Filter Adapter Bolt/Screw	17 ft.-lbs.
Oil Level Indicator Tube Bolt/Screw	106 in.-lbs.
Oil Pan Assembly Corner Nut/Bolt/Screw Side Rail Bolt/Screw	15 ft.-lbs. 165 in.-lbs.
Oil Pan Drain Plug	15 ft.-lbs.
Oil Pump Bolt/Screw To Rear Crankshaft Bearing Cap	66 ft.-lbs.
Oil Pump Cover Bolt/Screw	80 in.-lbs.
Spark Plug (Tapered Seat)	15 ft.-lbs.
Starter Motor Bolt/Screw	35 ft.-lbs.
Valve Rocker Arm Cover Bolt/Screw	25 in.-lbs.
Water Pump Bolt/Screw and Stud	30 ft.-lbs.

Universal Engine Timing Procedure

1) Be sure your vehicle’s parking brake is set and that its automatic transmission is in park or in neutral if it has a manual transmission.
2) The engine must be fully warmed up, the choke fully opened, and curb idle speed.
3) Consult the emissions decal or service manual for timing specifications. 1981 and later vehicles may have an ESC system which requires a special procedure for timing. Consult your vehicle’s service manual or emissions decal for this procedure.
4) Loosen the distributor hold down clamp slightly to allow turning of the distributor with a slight drag. Disconnect and plug the vacuum advance unit.
5) Connect a timing light to cylinder 1. Check the timing mark on the damper to see where the timing is set. Adjust the timing by turning the distributor until the timing mark on the damper lines up with the correct number on the pointer for your vehicle.
6) Tighten the distributor hold down clamp and recheck to make sure that it didn’t change while tightening the clamp. Using your timing light, increase the engine RPM's while watching the timing mark. When the RPM's increase, the timing should advance, causing the mark to move. If it doesn’t advance, check the distributor centrifugal advance mechanism.
7) When timing has been set, distributor hold down tightened, and the timing rechecked, reconnect the vacuum advance to a ported vacuum source.
8) Set the curb idle to the specified RPM from either the emissions decal or the service manual.
9) Initial timing setting for most applications will be 10° to 12° BTDC. Total timing, which includes base setting plus centrifugal advance should not exceed 36°.