Crate Engines
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 108
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by wesmigletz
If the car won't be driven for a few years, I would wait until the end of the project to buy the engine. There will likely be new and/or improved crate engine options from GM within the next couple of years, or there may be cheaper F.I swap options available. Also, if the warranty has expired before you begin to drive the car, you will be left hanging. Also, between the time you purchase your engine and actually finish the car, your drivetrain goals may change. Good luck, Wes
Always best to build a solid foundation first.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 14,632
Likes: 4,683
From: Mustang OK
2026 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2025 c1 of the Year - Modified Winner
2024 C1 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C1 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2015 C1 of the Year Finalist
I can't comment about crate engines, because I have always built my own either from scratch or a rebuildable core.
I have a very healthy SB400 in my 56. The chassis is upgraded to that of the 60-62. I have radials with 32-33lbs of air, stock 56 steering plus the fast steering adapter (sitting still or very slow moving maked it just a little stiffer to turn, I can live with it). The brakes are still 11in drums with the stock master cylinder/wheel cylinders. But, I have upgraded to home made HD brakes with 2 1/2in shoes up front, 2in rear and finned drums all the way around. Not discs, but, better than the original drums/shoes. The rear is from a 60 with a 63 (pass car) 3.08 posi.
No question about it, IT DOES NOT HANDLE like an '05 Vette (or even like a 63-7 for that matter), no power anything, original AM radio, hot in the summer, leaks when it rains, but between 20-120mph it flies straight like an Apachie arrow (zero aerodynamics above 130!!!). Parked side by side with a C5, it always gets more attention!
These old cars can be, and some people are, modernizing them with late model, hi-tech suspensions, brakes, steering, etc, but that's not for me. With the SB400 in my 2900lb 56, I've caused some frustration for a couple of C5 owners.
I have a very healthy SB400 in my 56. The chassis is upgraded to that of the 60-62. I have radials with 32-33lbs of air, stock 56 steering plus the fast steering adapter (sitting still or very slow moving maked it just a little stiffer to turn, I can live with it). The brakes are still 11in drums with the stock master cylinder/wheel cylinders. But, I have upgraded to home made HD brakes with 2 1/2in shoes up front, 2in rear and finned drums all the way around. Not discs, but, better than the original drums/shoes. The rear is from a 60 with a 63 (pass car) 3.08 posi.
No question about it, IT DOES NOT HANDLE like an '05 Vette (or even like a 63-7 for that matter), no power anything, original AM radio, hot in the summer, leaks when it rains, but between 20-120mph it flies straight like an Apachie arrow (zero aerodynamics above 130!!!). Parked side by side with a C5, it always gets more attention!
These old cars can be, and some people are, modernizing them with late model, hi-tech suspensions, brakes, steering, etc, but that's not for me. With the SB400 in my 2900lb 56, I've caused some frustration for a couple of C5 owners.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,817
Likes: 21
From: Somerset, NJ
I bought one of the first of the ZZ series SB GM crate motors and put it in my Street Rod. It was manufactured in 89' if I remember correctly and I purchased it in 92' still sitting in the factory crate. I got it from a friend of mine in the bodyshop business who was given this engine in lew of payment for bodywork done on an early SS Nova. This one has code number ZZZ listed on the block and is rated at 345 HP. I went back to work on my 34' Coupe after 8 years of just looking at it sitting in the corner of my barn and finally fired this motor up in October of 2003 for the first time. I have less then a thousand miles on it and it is one strong motor with plenty of power. I was worried about it sitting so long but that didn't seem to have any affect on it. It sat dry in the car without any coolant but still had the 5/30 factory break in oil in it. I don't know exactly what they are going for now but I remember paying about $2100 to the bodyshop for it. I thought that was a pretty good deal at the time.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 363
Likes: 0
From: Lincoln NE
Got my Crate engine
Thanks for all the comments.
The '61 is getting the ZZ4 crate motor and Keisler 5 speed now. I can't wait for it to be completed. Couldn't justify the Ramjet's additional expenses and work. Fuel returns, fuel tank, etc. This is much simpler.
Maybe next year i can afford the chassis improvements to make it really sweet.
Dave
The '61 is getting the ZZ4 crate motor and Keisler 5 speed now. I can't wait for it to be completed. Couldn't justify the Ramjet's additional expenses and work. Fuel returns, fuel tank, etc. This is much simpler.
Maybe next year i can afford the chassis improvements to make it really sweet.
Dave
