BioRxOkc@aol.com

I just bought a 65 smallblock roller and am looking to put a crate motor in...

I would love to have recommendations from the group on what some good options may be...

Car is a 4 speed M21 with a 3.08 rear. Not looking for anything more than a fun cruiser and occasional run through the gears...

I was deciding between:

1) GM 350/260 (pretty good torque with 350 ft/lbs)

http://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet-Perf...353K1/10002/-1

or step up a little to this:

2) GM 350/290 (better HP but less torque)


http://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet-Perf...529K3/10002/-1


Third option seems like a good motor for the car:

3) GM 350/330 (needs more parts to complete)

http://www.jegs.com/p/Chevrolet-Perf...31165/10002/-1


But, if I spent that much, I could get a more complete and much stronger 350/350

4) GM Circle Track 350/350


http://www.jegs.com/p/Chevrolet-Perf...52396/10002/-1



So, what are some thoughts AND WOULD THAT LAST 350/350 MOTOR FIT UNDER A SMALL BLOCK HOOD?

Thanks in advance!

wmf62

yep, don't see why it wouldn't fit, seems to be same size as the ZZ4, will depend on what aircleaner you use; and, i doubt the oil pan will fit...

Bill

John S 1961

Whats your budget?

Scott Marzahl

Any small block should fit, just depends on the intake and aircleaner combo used. Also the oil pan may need to be replaced for one compatible for Corvette application.

BioRxOkc@aol.com

I was skeptical about that pan fitting, but I went ahead and bought the 350/350...

Couldn't find anything else that could match it with a factory warranty for $3150

Now I need to decide on some good shorty headers to stick on to mate up with the side exhaust...

wmf62

for what it's worth, and it shouldn't be a problem for you, those are sealed engines with special bolts/fasteners that are tamper-proof so that race officials can verify that it has not been modified.
Bill

FastEddy

Dont go shorties !!!!!!! Headman makes an excellent set of full length headers that point towards the factory side exhaust. They also have the modern "ball joint" type collector, so no gaskets are needed there, and they come ceramic coated. They fit great, and do not stick down any farther than the oil pan !! - unlike normal full length headers that have to clear the starter. They are worth every penny. Sadly, I bent up a set in an accident years ago. Unfortunately I cant find a pic on this computer of them out of the car.

I still have a set of stock type sidepipes with the ball joint collector end on them for just this purpose if anybody wants them. Also have a set of bent 2.5" sweet thunders with the ball joint end, if anybody wants to cut and paste those back together. one side is bent in front of the muffler, the other one has a mashed tip. Cheap.

Crunch527

Fast Eddie is right...I too have the Hedman coated side pipe headers...they are sweet. No interference, and I had a local shop fab my side pipes to fit the headers.

I dont have a pic but here is the link to summit...they aren't too spendy either

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/hed-68286

Frank

MarkC

You may want to look for a M20 trans. It has a 2.54 first gear as compared to the 2.20 in the M21. The M21 is going to be hard on the clutch getting started. Another option would be to replace the rear gear with a 3.55 or 3.70. The best option is a 5 speed. Good luck.

FastEddy

Best thing about a 3:08 rear is that if you dump the clutch in first gear with a 350/350 (I had ZZ4), you will get an instant rear wheel speed of about 60mph...which means if you are willing to hang on, the tires will be spinning until the car catches up with that wheel speed.... helluvalot of fun...

With the lower first gear in my 5spd and 3:55 rear, I have to use second gear for that....