I was looking to put a new crate motor in my car and saw the blue print brand from summitt possibly a 383 or a 355 and was wondering what others opinions where. It's a stock L82 now that I would pull,rebuild and store and run the crate motor for now. Thanks for any comments. Vince

 

I have seen some negative comments about Blueprint crate motors on this Forum. Seem to remember they have alot of used parts.
Don't know if a search will find one.
I went with a Year One 383 last winter.
It cost more than a Blueprint , but, has been a bomb and I am happy with it.

 

I went with a ZZ383.... Very happy !!!

 

One thing you have to be somewhat careful about is that crate motors are measured in gross HP whereas from 1972 on cars in cars were measured in net HP. That makes a significant difference in terms of the HP reported. Consider that the 270 gross HP base Corvette 350 from 1971 only got 200 net HP in 1972 even though it was unchanged - other than how they measured HP between the years. In terms of the car's power they were identical.

It's very possible with an L82, depending on year, that you could end up with a brand new crate pulling the same or even less HP than what you have now. If you want more HP start with the exhaust - go to true duals (no cats if legal where you live) and maybe even headers. That's good for 20% or so over what it got stock.

The fact is that with the possible exception of the 75 ANY Corvette is capable of 220 net HP (or about 300 gross) without major modifications. All of the talk about needing new heads and a new cam - well sure that'll help too, but the base engine is pretty good with a decent exhaust under the car...

I don't know about the 75 though. It might also be capable of 220 net HP. I just don't know... The rest - increase air flow (if necessary) and improve the exhaust to reduce back pressure. You'll see a world of difference.

 

It's true , they do use a used block they call it (seasoned) but I don't know about any other parts. They do have a 30 month/30000 mile warrantee, who sells the Year One motor?

 

I just dropped in a new ZZ4 from Pace Performance (in Ohio) . It is a BRAND NEW GM crate, has a 5 year/50k mile warranty on parts AND labor. Every single item on the motor is BRAND NEW. 355 hp,410ft/lbs torque. I bought the entire "turnkey" motor for ~$5k with the freight to a dock near me. Bolted on my alternator,fan and ran like hell!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxLof...C0DC2C&index=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYwmaT9-5So

 

Year One sells them. http://www.yearone.com/serverfiles/f...ain2.asp?cat=Q

 

Heres my problem, I wanted to put on headers and sidepipes and change out intake manifold, carb to try and boost hp and at the same time clean up the engine and engine compartment. Then I read on the internet , can't remember the site that the 350 heads on the 77 were prone to cracking. So I start thinking about changing out the heads and then I'm thinking , the engine has never been apart and has 65,000 miles, sooo maybe new engine would be cheaper faster and easier. Get my drift? Thanks! Somebody help me !!!

 

Mike, nice job. Sounds great and looks like she runs strong!

 

I replaced my L-48 with a GM Performance 330hp 350 about three years ago. I have been very happy with it.

 

Year One has their motors built by a vendor, but, I don't know who it is.
They supply an engine dyno sheet with the motor, don't know if accessories are on , but, guess they are not.

 

It is going to have many "recon'd" parts and some even have reground cams.

The biggest issue is that the heads are often not the same casting numbers.

I did use one of these engines in an '86 Z/28 and had good results, but I also didn't mind the fact that it had small chambered 305 heads, and that I also installed a Comp Cams camshaft and thinner head gaskets.

The crate engines that others suggest can be pricey, but you can also get a GM crate engine for about $1500 from Jegs. Just don't concern yourself too much about the HP ratings, they all have about the same comp ratio, heads, and similar cam specs. You can always install a larger cam (272 grinds work well with "stock" engines).

 

don't know about the heads on the 77, but i can verify from experience that that condition does exist with the 78 engines. i decided to rebuild my OEM motor since i knew exactly what i had and exactly what would be going into it. had it professionally re-machined into a 383 with a 383 stroker kit complete soup to nuts, new forged pistons, and because of the cracked heads (discovered when taking the engine apart for inspection), new ported and polished heads. when it was said and done, the entire engine, ready to put back and run cost me $3000 and i knew exactly what was in it and how it was assembled.

 

I have a lot to think about. But I'm leaning towards a new gm motor.

 

I have my stock L48 engine sitting off to the side. Right now I'm leaning heavily towards purchasing either a 350 H.O. or a ZZ4 crate engine. Either way, I'll get more ponies under the hood.

The biggest problem I have is not having confidence in any of the local engine shops; guys who can properly rebuild and upgrade my original engine. If I could find a truly reputable shop, I'd get the L48 rebuilt to a 383 Stroker. But like I said, there's no confidence.

 

I have a ZZ4. From a durability and reliability standpoint it has been great. I turn the key, it starts every time so I can focus on other problems with the car. love that part.

unfortunately it's a little shy on power for me. I'd rather be running something up in the 500hp range.

but, as i mentioned above, can't beat it for what it does. it has been ultra reliable and still pretty fast with the 3.73. my TH400 is not helping me though...

 

PACE performance sells "upgrade kits" for the ZZ4. Complete kits that have been tested and will boost your ZZ4's performance.

mikejpss I sent you a PM, if you have time let me know what you think?

 

[QUOTE=Jeffery73;1578763240]I replaced my L-48 with a GM Performance 330hp 350 about three years ago. I have been very happy with it.





If you look at the money outlay for a NEW motor (like this one, or a ZZ4,etc) vs the money for a rebuild- you MUST ask yourself the deal breaking question that made the decision for me:
If I pull my old , tired 30 year old motor and have it rebuilt with mods to beef up the hp and "something" fails, what will I do then and what will it cost ?????
That was the deciding factor for me. By the time you invest in a rebuild with the xtra hp & mods, you will be at or over the cost of a new crate, plus the new crate is complete WITH A WARRANTY.
I decided I was only gonna pull the motor once. If the new crate fails, GM will be pulling it next time.
Good luck in your decision. Let us know what you decide to do, and remember this is a fun hobby for all of us. Be happy- life is too short.

 

It's also worth mentioning that with an old Vette, if you mod your engine you lower the value of your car, whereas if you pull the stock motor and store it as-is, putting a crate into the car, you won't decrease the value of the car and might even increase it since you can sell it (if you ever decide to do so) with both engines...

 

Eye candy for those that are looking:
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This is why they call it a CRATE MOTOR !
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