Crate Engine Recommendations
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 188
Likes: 70
Unfortunately, GM stopped making them a few years ago but I have two vehicles that we built with a brand new GM 350 four bolt main 260 hp rated crate. Built in Mexico, great for new builds or replacements where a super high power motor is not needed. The best part of all, you could get them DELIVERED for less than $1,500
IIRC weren't those called and sold as their "Target Master" engine brand name ? I put one for $1,600 CAD into a 75 Monza back in the mid eighties.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 2,017
Likes: 2,179
From: Bellevue, WA
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
You want 'oomph'????
How about 'OOMPH'........ pick their latest Big Block..... comes with a 30 Month / 50,000 mile Warranty.....
How about 'OOMPH'........ pick their latest Big Block..... comes with a 30 Month / 50,000 mile Warranty.....
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 379
From: Freehold NJ
All kidding aside, there is no difference installing a 383 over a 350 with the exception of MAYBE the flywheel depending on how the crank is balanced.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 2,017
Likes: 2,179
From: Bellevue, WA
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Regarding the 14-71....... we ditched those a couple of decades ago..... PSI Screw Blower from now on.....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,536
Likes: 280
From: Egg Harbor Township NJ
2015 C2 of Year
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10, '14-'15
Ain't No Replacement For Displacement.....BB Baby......Not wanting to turn 7 bazillion RPM to make power.
.........Incoming. .!!
.........Incoming. .!!
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Race Director
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 10,519
Likes: 8,230
From: San Antonio, TX/Mahopac, NY
2024 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C7 of the Year Winner - Modified
You don’t want to go overboard if you have the rest of the drivetrain stock.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 2,495
Likes: 1,163
From: Northern Wisconsin
Here is something to think about if your car has a manual transmission. This could be a great time to upgrade your transmission along with your engine, especially if your clutch and Muncie 4 speed have seen better days. The Tremec TKX 5 speed will fit in the tunnel with no modifications. Even the shifter handle will go through the existing opening. It is nice to have that 5th gear overdrive on the highway. Blueprint Engines has what they call the builder series, which includes the engine, clutch, and transmission already assembled, so you don't have to worry about correct alignment.
I think Blueprint also has auto tranny builder series models as well.
I think Blueprint also has auto tranny builder series models as well.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 453
Likes: 232
Another question……I could purchase an engine fully dressed with carb and intake all sealed up and ready to go OR I could use my original intake and exhaust manifold transferred over so all the parts bolting to the intake will stay in original location but then you run the chance of something leaking or anything else bad happening. Swapping stuff may affect warranty, too. Thoughts, Experiences?
383 is the way I’m thinking so far
383 is the way I’m thinking so far
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 2,495
Likes: 1,163
From: Northern Wisconsin
One advantage of the fully dressed engine is that Blueprint Engines can run the engine on their test stand and give you a HP and Torque printout. That way Blueprint will be totally satisfied with the engine before they ship it. They can't do that without the intake manifold and carb. Both are good options. It all depends on what you are comfortable with.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 453
Likes: 232
One advantage of the fully dressed engine is that Blueprint Engines can run the engine on their test stand and give you a HP and Torque printout. That way Blueprint will be totally satisfied with the engine before they ship it. They can't do that without the intake manifold and carb. Both are good options. It all depends on what you are comfortable with.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,026
Likes: 2,584
From: Del Boca Vista FL
Some of us like a “seasoned” block for a starting point. Core shift and all that. Your average consumer doesn’t care. They just want to be up and running ASAP for as little as possible.
Can’t blame GM for addressing an issue.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 2,495
Likes: 1,163
From: Northern Wisconsin
I get it……I am trying to shoot for a stock appearance at least on the upper part of the engine but if everything fits in original location I can live with that. I’m a life long AMC/AMX Javelin guy so not a Chevy expert but all my reading over the years left me with the impression that most small block parts fit all other small blocks. I DO know that dipstick is moved to pax side and no oil fill tube. Any gotchas I should be aware of? How would I handle the flywheel balance issue on the replacement engine…..Buy one that is neutrally balanced?
Pro
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 534
Likes: 181
From: Tampa Bay Fl
One advantage of the fully dressed engine is that Blueprint Engines can run the engine on their test stand and give you a HP and Torque printout. That way Blueprint will be totally satisfied with the engine before they ship it. They can't do that without the intake manifold and carb. Both are good options. It all depends on what you are comfortable with.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 453
Likes: 232
Main concern now is ensuring adequate HOOD CLEARANCE. I have 1 report above that says ok with low profile air cleaner. This bit about raised exhaust ports .500………..What the hell is that about? Stock exh manifolds still fit?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 379
From: Freehold NJ
The exhaust ports are raised a half an inch to straighten out the port & allow for better exhaust flow. Your stock manifolds should fit and probably would not have any problems with the stock exhaust but if you’re alternator or AC compressor or anything else mounts to the exhaust manifold bolts, you may have to get a little creative and do some modifications there.