COVID 350 Engine Build-Off: Freiburger vs Finnegan

Racers, start your engines! However, one essential step comes first—build them! If you’ve been following David Freiburger’s social media, you are likely aware that he has been cleaning out his garage filled with engine parts and memorabilia throughout quarantine. During this time, he decided to assemble a 350 small-block Chevy, affectionately dubbed the COVID 350, using the treasure trove of parts he has accumulated. Meanwhile, Mike Finnegan is challenging him to a build-off! Finnegan has a freshly ported head and a long tube header that he intends to install on the engine of the 1985 Toyota mini truck he acquired during an earlier episode of Roadkill. This thrilling challenge seeks to determine who can get their engine running first.

What Is the COVID 350 Engine?

Longtime viewers of Roadkill may remember back in episode 36 when Finnegan and Freiburger used the original Muscle Truck to tow a boat, revealing a fully assembled 350 small-block sitting in Finnegan’s shop. This engine hasn’t run since 2008 and faced an uncertain fate after failed attempts to sell it. Various parts were removed for different projects, leaving it as a forgotten, unloved engine waiting for revival. Now, Freiburger, having decluttered his garage, is ready to take action!

With an extensive collection of parts at his disposal, Freiburger believes he can construct a fully functional engine just from the leftover components. His options include hydraulic or solid cam, ported or non-ported heads, among others—he even has additional accessories and fasteners at his fingertips. The only purchases he needed to make were valvespring seats and a cam button to complete the build.

In discussions with his Engine Masters co-hosts, Freiburger estimates the COVID 350 will produce peak power between 6,100 and 6,200 rpm. Estimates vary: Dulcich predicts 475 hp, Brule suggests 485 hp, while Freiburger remains optimistic with a hopeful 495 hp. The public is eagerly anticipating the COVID 350’s debut on Engine Masters to uncover its true potential. Additionally, this powerhouse will likely find a home in Freiburger’s 1956 Chevy 210.

Rebuilding the Top End on a 1985 Toyota Mini Truck

Mike Finnegan has acknowledged his mini-truck obsession, alongside the realization that his mini truck has issues of its own. He acquired the 1985 Toyota simultaneously with the 1971 Ford Torino Wagon showcased in an episode of Roadkill. This Toyota came equipped with speed parts, including twin side-draft Webers and an LC Engineering distributor. While the vehicle appears to be in great shape with a clean interior and exterior, critical components are lacking. With inadequately secured carburetors and missing exhaust nuts, performance has suffered.

Finnegan is receiving help from David Newbern during the top-end rebuild. Although the truck sports some level of modification, it also arrived with potential, thanks to a newly acquired LC Engineering ported head and an accompanying header projected to boost power significantly. However, upon disassembly, they discovered concerning signs—oil and water sludge indicated a potential blown head gasket.

Following a challenging disassembly, the rebuilding process is underway, though logistics have created complications. Delayed shipments for new head bolts prompted the unexpected decision to overhaul the clutch, which ultimately remained unaddressed. Once the head bolts arrived, Finnegan and Newbern experienced further hurdles in reassembly. Given their dilemmas during the process, they certainly questioned not removing the engine beforehand.

Four days into their respective builds, Freiburger took a moment to reflect on the obstacles each team faced. Despite having fewer hands on deck, Freiburger’s filming responsibilities added to his workload. Nevertheless, he remains competitive, believing he can start the COVID 350 before Finnegan’s mini truck can burn rubber. The race is on!

The COVID 350: Freiburger’s Small-Block Engine Build Details

• Stock GM Cast 350 Block
• Stock GM 3.48-inch stroke crankshaft
• Probe +0.030 forged pistons
• H-beam connecting rods
• Comp Cams solid cam; Duration (intake, exhaust) – 242 , 248; Lift – 0.570, 0.576; Lobe separation – 110 degrees
• Comp Cams solid roller lifters
• Lunati double roller timing set
• Milodon machined aluminum timing cover
• Pioneer damper
• BluePrint Engines 210cc ported heads
• 1.65:1 roller rocker arms
• Vintage Weiand tunnel ram intake
• Twin QFT 450cfm four-barrel tunnel ram carburetors with velocity stacks
• Moroso stamped steel valve covers
• Moroso oil pan
• MSD Digital E-Curve distributor
• Mezier electric water pump (originally from Freiburger’s Bonneville racer)
• Old, rusty long tube headers (also from Freiburger’s Bonneville racer)