I am considering putting a crate motor in my '81. The motor runs fine now, but I am wanting something with about 300hp- so it looks like a crate might be the answer.
I was hoping that somebody on here could lead me in the right direction as to what all would be required. Any unforseen issues? Who have you bought yours from? Is it possible to do this swap under $2500?
Thanks!

 

A crate motor was the ans. for me. Sallee Chev. had the best price when I checked and were good to deal with...very knowlegable.
$2500? I doubt it.

 

Larry @ Sallee Chevy took great care of me.
I have a 71' Coupe, and put a ZZ4 stock with 355hp, but upgraded to the port and polished heads and roller rockers, 390hp.
Delivered to my door was 5400.00
Not cheap, but woth it to me , as I am doing a frame off.
They have a 290 hp for around 2800.. If I remember correctly.
Later,
Jw

 

Wow 5400 I have 4 grand into my motor and i make 470 hp.

 

http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/store...0763&langId=-1

I was thinking this may be the route I can take. If I were to get the package with the new carb and ignition would I have any issuses? Is the stock quadrajet hooked up to a computer in any way? I am wanting something that is basically 'install and go.' Any other advice is appreciated! THANKS!

 

Salee Chevrolet has the 290hp crate for $1,670

 

Is that just the block or does it come with an intake and carb?

 

Found this at: http://www.gmpartsdirect.com
330hp 350 HO for $2,330
Votec heads, so you would need a different intake.
Here, I'll just copy the details...
===
Our lowest priced crate engine, the 330 horsepower 350 HO doesn't sacrifice power or durability, it just pumps up the value. With its four bolt main block, nodular iron crankshaft, PM steel connecting rods and light but strong cast aluminum pistons, this engine screams durability. Add to the strong foundation a pair of 64cc Vortec cast iron cylinder heads and a dual pattern camshaft with just a bit of a "lumpy" idle, and you've got the muscle car small block that you've been looking for. Dressed to impress with chrome valve covers and timing cover, this engine will look great between the fenders of your favorite street rod, muscle car or grass roots racer. The cylinder heads on this great little performer use 1.94" intake and 1.50" exhaust valves that are sprung with 1999 Corvette L3I valve springs. The 64cc chambers yield a healthy, but streetable 9.1 to 1 compression ratio. The cam is a modern dual pattern interpretation of the old '65 to '67 Corvette 327 cam. But with more lift and duration on the exhaust side, it does a better job of clearing exhaust from the combustion chamber. We also decreased duration and lift ever so slightly on the intake side to build more cylinder pressure. The result is a cam that makes great torque and horsepower with the 350 HO's 9.1 to 1 compression ratio. Add the new dual plane intake manifold P/N 12496820, 650 cfm carburetor, HEI distributor, torsional damper, water pump and exhaust manifolds or headers and you've got an outstanding muscle motor with a broad, smooth torque curve and an honest 330 horsepower. This manifold has four bolts, not six, to attach it to the cylinder head. Older six-bolt manifolds will not fit the new Vortec heads. The 350 HO is not intended for marine use, and should only be used in 1975 and earlier pre-emissions street vehicles or any year off road vehicles.

 

cannonfl- Excuse my ignorance, but what would be the correct intake to use with that motor? And would I just reuse my stock carb?

 

Is that figure from an engine dyno or is that from desktop dyno. The first one is a real number while the latter is theoretical.

 

I'm no expert believe me!
This would work: Edelbrock Performer Vortec Intake Manifold - Runs about $170.
They also suggested that you use a 650 cfm carb. Edelbrock carries one for about $375. Maybe someone else could answer the question about using a stock carb. I really don't know.

 

Would you consider waiting for a while and saving up some more $$$? Don't get me wrong, 300hp is good; however, I think it won't take very long before you want more power. IMHO if your going to put in the effort to do an engine swap, wait until you can get an engine that you will be happy with a long time down the road. All the best in what you decide.

 

I went with the ZZ4 385hp Fast burn w/alum vortec heads. The long block. I'm happy with it. But you'll have to save at lease 2 grand more. Or for you young guys 2 K. Like the guy said you won't be happy with 300hp after a couple of weeks.

 

Just get the 260 base motor, they are charging you $270 for a $60 cam. I bought the base motor and stabbed in a Summit cam myself, you can use the lifters that come in the eng since the it has not been run.