rebuild or crate?
Pro
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 699
Likes: 3
From: Millersville, MD
The cost would come to pretty much the same. The decision should depend on your use. If you are planning to drive the car a lot, I would put a crate motor in. If you are more of an original car guy, rebuild the motor.
Keep the old motor even if you are going to get a crate motor.
I have a GM crate motor in my 69. Not having any motor problems is a convenience.
Keep the old motor even if you are going to get a crate motor.
I have a GM crate motor in my 69. Not having any motor problems is a convenience.
I did a complete top-end rebuild and although the experience was nice and fun, if I had to do it all over again, I would of just bought a crate motor. You break even on cost, less time and effort. You get a warranty and all parts are new. And the original motor is intact.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 495
Likes: 1
From: Lubbock TX
What kind of hood do you have on the car? It doesn't look like that will fit under a stock hood
I thought someone here fit a holley with a drop base air cleaner under a stock hood, but im not positive on that. But its still a good excuse to buy a new hood.
You could always sell that intake and buy a new one for not much price difference and avoid all the trouble.
Sean
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,539
Likes: 63
From: new ulm mn
Thanks for all the input. I think I will probably go with a crate, not sure yet. Problem is, I am doing the calipers right now and the more I look at the car, the more work I see to do. The front suspension is looking kinda old now too. And then there is the interior. Should really change the tranny out to a 5 speed too. Where does one stop?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,136
Likes: 62
From: West Kingston RI
Thanks for all the input. I think I will probably go with a crate, not sure yet. Problem is, I am doing the calipers right now and the more I look at the car, the more work I see to do. The front suspension is looking kinda old now too. And then there is the interior. Should really change the tranny out to a 5 speed too. Where does one stop?
. Enjoy there is no cure.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 699
Likes: 3
From: Millersville, MD
Thanks for all the input. I think I will probably go with a crate, not sure yet. Problem is, I am doing the calipers right now and the more I look at the car, the more work I see to do. The front suspension is looking kinda old now too. And then there is the interior. Should really change the tranny out to a 5 speed too. Where does one stop?
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 4
From: Somers CT
Thanks for all the input. I think I will probably go with a crate, not sure yet. Problem is, I am doing the calipers right now and the more I look at the car, the more work I see to do. The front suspension is looking kinda old now too. And then there is the interior. Should really change the tranny out to a 5 speed too. Where does one stop?
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 10,673
Likes: 2,150
From: Golden Colorado
I'll just throw my 2 cents in here, as this subject has been beat to death many times in the past. First (maybe I missed it) but why does the engine need a rebuild? Without disassembly the cost / need for rebuild cannot, I repeat, cannot, be accurately assessed. If it only needs a hone and rings/bearings I say stay with what you got. If on the other hand the cylinders have a bunch of taper and need bore, pistons, etc. you may consider the crate route and wrap and bag your original engine in the corner. I have used Blue Print and highly recommend them as another poster said. They are very high quality for a reman company. The other problem with rebuilding what is in the car is finding a competent machine shop that will really provide accurate work nowdays. The cost will probably wind up about the same if you have to bore so these are the things I would consider. Good luck with what ever you decide.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 750
Likes: 180
From: Springfield Missouri
I'll just throw my 2 cents in here, as this subject has been beat to death many times in the past. First (maybe I missed it) but why does the engine need a rebuild? Without disassembly the cost / need for rebuild cannot, I repeat, cannot, be accurately assessed. If it only needs a hone and rings/bearings I say stay with what you got. If on the other hand the cylinders have a bunch of taper and need bore, pistons, etc. you may consider the crate route and wrap and bag your original engine in the corner. I have used Blue Print and highly recommend them as another poster said. They are very high quality for a reman company. The other problem with rebuilding what is in the car is finding a competent machine shop that will really provide accurate work nowdays. The cost will probably wind up about the same if you have to bore so these are the things I would consider. Good luck with what ever you decide.
You are answering an 11 year old thread, he's liable to have rebuilt it again since then.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 10,673
Likes: 2,150
From: Golden Colorado
Opps, my bad, I didn't look at the date!
I just figured out what happened, when I scrolled down I went past the end and wound up responding to "related threat"!
I just figured out what happened, when I scrolled down I went past the end and wound up responding to "related threat"!
Last edited by Vette5311; Dec 24, 2020 at 12:59 PM.
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
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From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
