Opinion needed on possible engine upgrade
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,139
Likes: 109
From: B'ham Alabama
Opinion needed on possible engine upgrade
What do you guys think about this engine; power, driveability, durability, and price?
http://www.lowcostengines.com/12496968.htm
http://www.lowcostengines.com/12496968.htm
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 0
From: San Diego California
This GM crate engine looks like a complete package that would be a good street performer for a very fair price. Probably very hard to beat that price. But its not a top of the line engine since its built on pretty basic Chevy pieces- no aluminum heads, small valves, low lift cam, cast pistons and 9.1 compression. But its pump gas friendly, probably durable and a good value. I also heard that GM is increasing their warrenty on crate motors- I think to 50K mles, starting next month. You might want to check that out to time your purchase if you're really interested in this engine. I think you'll also need a different water pump for the vette- and confirm that you'll have no problems with hood clearance- probably not. Jim
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 1
From: Port Clinton Ohio
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
I just installed this same engine except I bought the long block and put a performer intake and my stock q-jet carb on it. I thought it was the best engine for the money. 330hp will be plenty for me. It's much better than my stock 190hp L-48. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,623
Likes: 22
From: Boise Idaho
St. Jude Donor '09-'10, '15, '17
Sounds like a pretty good engine. Would be nice if it was a roller cam, but then you have to step up in price. I assume it pulls pretty hard from 2,000 to 5,500?
Race Director
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 17,140
Likes: 3
From: Houston (NW of) Texas
Another Possibility????
Here is another engine to consider, but I don't have enough mechanical experience to recommend it. Can someone tell me the advantages/disadvantages when comparing the motor Vet76te is considering and this one? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CHEVY...mZ200220982539
8th Gear
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Prophetstown Illinois
Engine swap
I just went through an engine swap in my '80. Bought a (long block)crate engine at 1/2 price ( a guy won it in a raffel and just wanted to get rid of it). After all was running fine, with serveral problems, I wish I had just rebuilt the original engine. My plan was to replace the original with another to get me through this year then rebuild the original next winter. If your current engine is the original with matching numbers, I would rebuild it with an end horse power in mind and using pump gas. There are a lot of good engine builders out there. For the money you are looking at spending for the engine you have linked to, you can rebuild the original. Here is an engine builder in my area, check out his web site: www.gustafengines.com
Just my 2 cents.
Just my 2 cents.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,117
From: Crossville TN
The only thing that really bothers me with that engine is the "Powdered metal" connecting rods. That is a pretty "iffy" process for making something like a connecting rod. It just looks like that engine is built out of all low-cost parts....which usually means low-reliability parts.
If you are only going to drive the car casually...very little WOT use...then it might be worth the risk to take advantage of the cost savings. If you plan on 'using' the full power of the engine on regular occasion, I'd consider a better product.
If you are only going to drive the car casually...very little WOT use...then it might be worth the risk to take advantage of the cost savings. If you plan on 'using' the full power of the engine on regular occasion, I'd consider a better product.
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,139
Likes: 109
From: B'ham Alabama
[QUOTE=7T1vette;1565306357]The only thing that really bothers me with that engine is the "Powdered metal" connecting rods. That is a pretty "iffy" process for making something like a connecting rod. It just looks like that engine is built out of all low-cost parts....which usually means low-reliability parts.
I have been looking at many of the GM Crate Engines, and they ALL seem to have the Powdered Metal connecting rods. Even the higher HP engines.
Is GM putting junk rods in their performance engines?
I have been looking at many of the GM Crate Engines, and they ALL seem to have the Powdered Metal connecting rods. Even the higher HP engines.
Is GM putting junk rods in their performance engines?
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,117
From: Crossville TN
No, powdered metal parts are not 'necessarily' junk. In fact, ones that are processed well can be stronger than cast parts. If the PM parts are forged from pressed billets into 98%+ dense material, they can be pretty good quality [for PM connecting rods]. But...do you know that they are made well? Poor quality PM parts can become trash without too much stress put on them. As I said, for normal/casual use, I'd be comfortable with that engine; if I wanted to 'use' it hard, there are many better choices.