Dodosmike

Well, it's not "professionally" diagnosed yet but it looks like my '78 heap spun a bearing. Sounds like fingernails down a chalkboard when you rev it above 2500rpm.

So assuming the worst, I'm looking for a engine builder. Perhaps mines worth rebuilding (again) or using my new top end on a fresh rebuild or to top off a crate motor from somewhere.

Can anybody point me to a reputable builder or engine supplier? Maybe somebody has a good rebuild sitting in the corner of thier shop they'd part with? Prefer a Canadian supplier as the U.S. Dollar exchange is in the crapper. It's what, $.81 now?

Car has a rebuild SBC now with unknown internals. Original accessories were used in the last build. I'd like the new engine (350/355/383) to use my existing 2101 intake and headers. I'd like @350ish hp at the wheels.

If I'm pulling the motor I may as well drop in a 700r4 or 200r4 at the same time. Might as well blow the budget out of the water and do it all at the same time

Suggestions?

Dodosmike

Black 03 Z06

That sucks Mike. Hopefully you can find a replacement that works for you. Wish I had a suggestion in terms of a builder but I do not.

Good luck with the project.

1FAST07SS

I would call Champion Motors I'm sure they can hook you up.

Sam Kalmuk

There is "The Balancing Act" in St. Catharines ON
They can build what you want, anyway you want....
They have done a lot of Engines over the last Decade or so....
Check their Website and/or call Gerry at 905 685-5182
Sam

Pompitup

Instead of getting your motor rebuilt, why not get a GM crate motor and you get a 3 year warranty with it too boot.

gdh

that's what I did last summer and couldn't be happier. I went back and forth on whether to go the LsX route or ZZ383. In the end I chose the ZZ383 (450/450) as I wanted to keep the engine bay looking more or less stock and with the new LT1 crate engines coming out the Ls swaps will look dated like the 90's LT-1 swaps do in vintage restomods.

Dodosmike

Thanks for the ideas gang

Issue is if I get a shortblock rebuild and use my existing new components I MAY be able to have something similar to a crate motor but at less cost. I have no idea, but sounds plausible, in my head anyway.

GDH, pm sent.

Dodosmike

88BlackZ-51

I would look at a crate motor...

Pompitup

It would not be like a crate motor as it would be a rebuild and the crate would be all new parts with warranty. Spend your cash wisely and only once for the best product you can get. You will not get any warranty with a rebuild and with the crate you get 3 years.


Where do you think the money would be better spent???

Dodosmike

If a "builder" says my block is good, and at this point I don't have anything that says its not, new crank/bearings/rods/Pistons/cam/water pump/heads etc and use my carb/intake/headers/pan etc would I be "up" money?, no idea.

Any CFCE dealer contacts for a crate motor?

gdh, pm was blank. Press the keyboard a little harder,lol.

Dodosmike

gdh

Sorry about that hit reply on the ipad by mistake. Just sent a couple pm's.

Pompitup

Contact your local GM dealer for the GM Performance catalogue and I think it's available online also. Where abouts do you live?

Dodosmike

In the sticks. Near North Bay

GTA dealers will be a better bet I'm sure.

Dodosmike

QIK59

It boils down to : if you are capable or want to do the assembly work yourself OR will have someone do the engine build / swap for you.

Crate motors aren't cheap but you get a known commodity for your money : you will have a properly machined and assembled motor BUT from what I have seen the cheaper / lower horse power versions are not made with the best components in terms of performance.

I know an engine builder speed shop that sells crate motor based race engines.
He buys crate motors on which he replaces the heads with high performance (possibly aftermarket) type heads.
These motors make excellent race motors.

The vortec heads he is pulling off he sells - they are terrible castings with distorted and deformed ports - they are pure dung compared to the original OEM production line installed vortec heads.

If you just want a decent performing reliable motor a crate motor may be the way to go.

As far as machine shops go : they ALL can do / build anything you want (that's what they tell you).
Deal with someone that is recommended to you buy someone who has actually had a motor built there.
Everybody "knows" good shops - but have they actually had work done there ?
At some big name shops you are just paying big money for big "talk".

Your heads and intake are not a big deal in terms of carrying over.

In the past GM used to sell short blocks (brand new crate motor type assemblies) that you could use your heads, intake, oil pan etc with and save some money versus buying a "complete" crate motor.

They weren't cheap but they were brand new factory assembled block and crank assemblies.

If you are having someone do the work for you a crate motor is probably the most cost effective.

Good luck !

tfi racing

I'm putting in another vote for GMPP crate engine.Wheel over to a friendly GM dealer plunk down your credit card,walk out with a ready to run engine,install and enjoy.Or even better yet order one from Jeg's or Summit,cross the border and save thousands bringing back it yourself.Save yourself the hassle of dealing with an engine builder who is likely going to take months(some are fast and efficient,but not many) and may or may not do a good job for the money.

QIK59

I am checking with one of the guys in my club - he pulled a perfectly good low mileage engine out of his '79 to put in a crate motor last summer.

If I was younger I probably would have bought it myself for a spare.

Anyway I will see if he or other crate motor swappers in my club may still have their good old motors.

I love low mileage original motors - nicely loosened up and properly built.

Dodosmike

Thanks!!

Dodosmike

My accountant wife would LOOOOOve that. lol
But that be the end result.

Going to sell off my aluminum car hauler to free up some cash I think.

Checking on a few leads as well.

dodosmike

HiVoltge

that's the route I intend to take on my next project

Dodosmike

Well, may have dodged a bullit here.
My mechanic buddy dropped by and he thinks the starter gear isn't releasing from the flywheel. In addition I popped off the alt belt, bearings sound like there is gravel in them. So off to autozone for a replacement, P.O "has" a lifetime warranty on both items. I wonder if I can pass for the p.o.? Lol