Okay...Total hypothetical here:

Let's say I have blown my current engine & need a new one. It MUST run on regular 87 pump gas & stay relatively usable & reliable as a semi-daily driver.

Let's say that I have $2500 for this task

(Considering I don't want to rebuild my existing 2-bolt and simply want a new engine capable of 300 or more RWHP)

What would be the best bang for the buck, and why?

 

Do you want a big block or a small block?

Do you want a crate motor or one you can drop right in?

I would suggest an LS motor, maybe an LS7 or even the LS3 that'll be in the new Vettes.

 

I don't know, this is why I ask

 

For $2,500? Good luck.

 

You want something reliable and depenable to run on 87 octane and produce 300 RWHP for $2500! When you find that, let me know!!!

Seriously, for the first part: http://paceperformance.com/index.asp...&ProdID=154046

But 300 RWHP, well.......

 

I can find LS motors all day long for around $1000. Complete top to bottom and some even come with harness and ECU.

PM me if you would like some info on this.

 

i don't know about 300 RWHP, but adding $300 more gets this crate engine from GMP.

www.summitracing.com

Big power, low cost.
GM Performance Parts brings us their entry level performance crate engine in the form of a 350 cubic inch HO with approximately 9.1:1 compression, 330 hp at 5,000 rpm and 380 ft./lbs. of torque at 3,800 rpm. These 4-bolt main engines have a recommended max rpm of 5,500. Dressed to impress with chrome valve covers and front timing cover these engines will look great between the fenders of your favorite street rod, muscle car or grass roots racer. These 350 HO are not intended for marine use and should only be used in 1979 and earlier pre-emissions street vehicles or any year off road vehicles. Parts used in these engine assemblies are 4-bolt main 1-piece rear main seal blocks, nodular cast iron crankshafts, powdered metal connecting rods, dished cast aluminum pistons. Installed camshafts are hydraulic flat tappet with .435 in. intake lift and .460 in exhaust lift with 212 degree open duration intake and 222 degree open duration exhaust lobes at .050 in. ground with a 112.5 lobe centerline. Standard Morse link timing chains are installed. Cylinder heads are Vortec cast iron style with 64cc chambers; 170cc intake runners with 1.94 in. intake valves and 1.50 in. exhaust valves. Stamped steel self-aligning rocker arms are used for reliability.

 

The GMPP 350 HO is the bang for the buck! If you look around you can find them for 2500.00

 

3k will get you a 400hp crate engine from yearone. I wonder if anyone here has had their car dynoed with their yearone engine, to see how much of it gets to the wheels.

But yeah, if you find 300rwhp new and complete for less than 2500, sign me up.

 

I'd buy a shortblock, swap over the heads/intake/carb and maybe use the leftover cash on some fun parts like a cam.

 

Building the motor yourself will get you the most bang for the buck. New aluminun sbc heads can now be had for under $1k. Paw makes a reasonably priced 383 stoker kit. Rebuildable old school complete small block engines can be found at pick a parts\ for under $200. For $2500 there's alot of ways to go. If you can score an LS1 or even a cast iron truck 3rd gen small block, you can get a stand alone ignition and intake from Edlebrock for a carburated LS1. That would be trick!

 

Didn't mean to ruffle you, but many posts I remember about these engines are talking about how expensive the conversion is, like the little stuff adds up fast. Oil pan, pulleys, mounts, trans considerations and other issues, depending on which motor you start with.
Car Craft usually tries to stay on a budget and they came in at $4,900, although that was with a cam and $1,100 heads on a 6.0 LS. This is a link to the article I am talking about. http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles...ads/index.html
In light of all that, I would like to hear about where to get good deals on these.

 

This is not 300 RWHP, but it is a good bang for the buck.

http://www.lowcostengines.com/12499529.htm

 

Problem is he stated he wants to run on 87 octane. The 350 HO has a 92 octane rating.

 

Your local Chevy dealer can sell you a crate 350/260hp motor for $1500 and that will leave you $1000 for the additional goodies. Also, this motor WILL run on 87 !
3 year/100,000 mile warranty also. Can't build one for that price.

I did it in my Vette and it is a great motor!

 

I bought my 350 HO Deluxe (everything included) for $2500 with 1,200 miles on it. I guy in New York put it in his '68 to preserve the original engine. He put the original engine back in and sold the car. He just broke it in for me.

 

got an extra 59.99?

http://www.crateenginedepot.com/stor...41-P18C53.aspx