Crate engine for 82?
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,809
Likes: 236
From: Utah
Crate engine for 82?
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I am toying with the idea of replacing my engine. I'm told that going with a carburated crate engine is cheaper and easier than staying with fuel injection. I'm new to this thing and need some advice. My goals are around 300 hp. Any ideas with cost? I guess I could always just stay with the stock engine until it needs work( runs fine now, with no problems).
I am toying with the idea of replacing my engine. I'm told that going with a carburated crate engine is cheaper and easier than staying with fuel injection. I'm new to this thing and need some advice. My goals are around 300 hp. Any ideas with cost? I guess I could always just stay with the stock engine until it needs work( runs fine now, with no problems).
Pro
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 576
Likes: 1
From: Baytown Texas
I've been doing a lot of research on this for my 81. The problem I have is with my local emission laws. I have to retain all equipment that was on the car when new. The early 80's emissions suck! Most of the crate motors are restricted if you have to keep them. I've decided to go with a salvaged 93-96 LT1. They go for $1500 to $2500 with all accesories, ecm and harness.This is cheap for a base 300hp, aluminum heads and modern fuel injection. Although I dont think this is a simple swap, it should'nt be extremely hard either. Just make sure you get one out of a Vette. Good luck with whatever you decide.
ZZ4 is the way to go! 355HP and 400lbs. of Torque. This is what I swapped into my 1982 Vette straight out of the box! Solid motor at an incredibly low price.
oh no!...another cross-fire bites the dust...keep the '82 as is and get a crate motor called an LS-6 wrapped in an '01 - '04 C5 Z06 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
My friend in Atlanta just put an 1990 L98 (TPI) long block in his 84. It runs great with the Cross-Fire injection. Why not just re-build what you have? If you want a crate for just a driver, get a crate Targetmaster 350 and put the right cam in it. Brand new everything. If you want to step it up a bit, get a ZZ4. Everything should bolt right on, except the EGR might not work anymore.
