Top End vs. Crate
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Brook Park Ohio
Top End vs. Crate
I'm a new Vette owner who's inner child has awakened. I'm looking to do some engine mods to my 78 L48 and so I've been reading a variety of threads concerning such. So after some initial thread reading and then some research, if I'm going to spend just under 2K for a top end mod with headers, why not install a 260hp GM crate motor for $1400 and headers, intake, etc.? I can still stay around the 2K and be assured I don't cause any bottom end problems. I'm not looking for a street/strip setup, just something with a little attitude that looks and sounds good.
Let's hear it guys....
Let's hear it guys....
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
make that the 290hp engine and you have yourself a good plan.....we all wrestle with exactly what you are contemplating....so do like we do and throw money at the problem and enjoy....
Racer
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 432
Likes: 0
From: Granbury TX
Originally Posted by GWell78
I'm a new Vette owner who's inner child has awakened. I'm looking to do some engine mods to my 78 L48 and so I've been reading a variety of threads concerning such. So after some initial thread reading and then some research, if I'm going to spend just under 2K for a top end mod with headers, why not install a 260hp GM crate motor for $1400 and headers, intake, etc.? I can still stay around the 2K and be assured I don't cause any bottom end problems. I'm not looking for a street/strip setup, just something with a little attitude that looks and sounds good.
Let's hear it guys....
Let's hear it guys....
What camshaft is in the 350 Crate Engine 290 HP HO 12499529 engine? With the lift of .450 and .460 it looks like the 3896962 camshaft.
Hello,
You are correct. The camshaft used in the 290 HP engine is part# 3896962. Shipping to you would be $270. Hope this helps.
Thanks
www.CrateEngineDepot.com
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 761
Likes: 0
From: san jose California
thats what i did.. my 78 used to be my dads... after he stoped driving it he stored it and the engine went to sheezzz.. we bought the 260hp crate in it and its been good to me so far.. ive got a TKO-600, dual flows (with cats 
.. cali smog), and a K&N.. she runs 14.8s on pump gas.. getting some AFR 195 cc heads soon.. those are good for another 80 horses.. plus a new cam and intake... hopefully im in the 350 hp zone.. but the engine sounds great with the dual exhaust.. headers will definetly turn some heads.. loose the cats if you can.. 
.. cali smog), and a K&N.. she runs 14.8s on pump gas.. getting some AFR 195 cc heads soon.. those are good for another 80 horses.. plus a new cam and intake... hopefully im in the 350 hp zone.. but the engine sounds great with the dual exhaust.. headers will definetly turn some heads.. loose the cats if you can..
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 20,703
Likes: 25
From: Sorrento Italy
hi, i had an L48 into my '77..i've tried to modify it, just adding some uprated parts to create some attitude but i never, say never 
, could arrive where i wanted. maybe i wanted too much out of it? maybe is 'yes', that's why i've bought a fully assembled, tuned and dinoed crate motor and sold the L48 for 600 euros (included a procharger ati plus its ancillaries which never did the job properly) 
my opinion now is, if i had to restart, and having quite a substancial experience on the L48: get rid of it and buy a new motor, infact my veeeery personal opinion is that old engines, even if restored, won't be able to achieve anything BUT if you spent double the money to uprate it then you'd spend to buy a new one...
did i say anything outlaw??
, could arrive where i wanted. maybe i wanted too much out of it? maybe is 'yes', that's why i've bought a fully assembled, tuned and dinoed crate motor and sold the L48 for 600 euros (included a procharger ati plus its ancillaries which never did the job properly) my opinion now is, if i had to restart, and having quite a substancial experience on the L48: get rid of it and buy a new motor, infact my veeeery personal opinion is that old engines, even if restored, won't be able to achieve anything BUT if you spent double the money to uprate it then you'd spend to buy a new one...
did i say anything outlaw??
Last edited by panic; Jan 25, 2006 at 08:37 AM.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 3
From: Wildwood IL
Putting a new top on an old tired bottom will eventually cause problems and you'll be ripping it apart again down the road. Buy the crate now...drive & enjoy...then when money becomes available and the warrenty is up, put that new top on the fresh bottom. NOW your smokin!!!
Eddie
Eddie