Engine Choices
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: Everett WA
Engine Choices
Here is the deal, I'm in the middle of a major restoration on my '78. It all started with major bird cage rust. Now I'm into the rebuilding stage. I'm going with a new engine and transmission.
For the transmission I'm going with the Bowtie overdrive 200r4. The engine I'm debating between two GM performance engines.
GM Performance Parts 350ci / 290hp Engine
Horsepower: 290 HP @ 5,100 RPM
Torque: 326 FT/LBS @ 3,750 RPM
http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/store...26025_-1_10763
GM Performance Parts 350ci / 330hp ''350 H.O. Deluxe'' Engine
330 HP @ 5000 RPM, 380 ft.lbs. Torque @ 3800 RPM (Max. Recommended RPM: 5500)
http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/store...19687_-1_10763
In my mind the difference amounts to 40 HP. I'm not building a race car, I'm building a daily driver I put 20k miles a year on. I have 197 HP now my first impression is that 290 should be more then enough. It also seems that I would get better gas milage with a little less engine. With the 1000 dollar difference I can also rebuild the entire suspension. Do you think I'll regret the decision to go cheap later?
For the transmission I'm going with the Bowtie overdrive 200r4. The engine I'm debating between two GM performance engines.
GM Performance Parts 350ci / 290hp Engine
Horsepower: 290 HP @ 5,100 RPM
Torque: 326 FT/LBS @ 3,750 RPM
http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/store...26025_-1_10763
GM Performance Parts 350ci / 330hp ''350 H.O. Deluxe'' Engine
330 HP @ 5000 RPM, 380 ft.lbs. Torque @ 3800 RPM (Max. Recommended RPM: 5500)
http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/store...19687_-1_10763
In my mind the difference amounts to 40 HP. I'm not building a race car, I'm building a daily driver I put 20k miles a year on. I have 197 HP now my first impression is that 290 should be more then enough. It also seems that I would get better gas milage with a little less engine. With the 1000 dollar difference I can also rebuild the entire suspension. Do you think I'll regret the decision to go cheap later?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,752
Likes: 4
From: Austin Texas
I have never been impressed with the 290 hp chevy crate engine. It is just a basic engine, for cruising. The 330, on the other hand is much better, with some up-grade potential. The quality difference is apparent. With the added 54 ft/lbs. of torque over the 290, it is a "seat of the pants" difference.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 57
From: Mundelein Illinois
Take at least 50 HP off each of those motors. That will give you a realistic HP at the Crank. GM rates the HP with no accessories on the motor. Perfect air/fuel ratio.
Remember your RWHP will be quite less.
Remember your RWHP will be quite less.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 4
From: New Baden Illinois
I know that there are many members that have the 330hp version and really like the powers. However, there are also several members that went with the 290hp version and say that it is a big improvement over stock. Maybe a few of them will chime in.
NCM Grand Opening Veteran
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,979
Likes: 384
From: South of giving a damn
St. Jude Donor '11, '17
The 330HP is a 1-piece seal block w/vortec heads. This is the the same block that the ZZ engines are based on. It is machined for roller lifters. IMO it is infinitely better than the 290, which is the pre-roller block.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,876
Likes: 1
From: Jersey Shore Exit 98
$1600 plus vs $3400 plus, if you buy the 290hp had an eldebrock performer intake, 750 carb (Q-Jet if you still have yours) and a set of headers & duals you could make 330hp plus some for a lot less $$
Intakes are in the parts section for $75.00 used the q-jet reuse yours and headers & duals again both 4/sale in the C3 parts section all the time. For not a lot of money. that's my .02
Intakes are in the parts section for $75.00 used the q-jet reuse yours and headers & duals again both 4/sale in the C3 parts section all the time. For not a lot of money. that's my .02
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,060
Likes: 46
From: winter haven florida
St. Jude Donor '12
its just me but i put a 383 stroker in my 75 and i used to put 25000 to 30000 miles a year on it and i was more than pleased with it. it got good milage with the 3.08 gear and the th400 trans. since you are going through all the trouble to change out everything spend a little more and shop around for as much power as you can get for your budget. you will be glad you did in the end. i have over 150000 miles on my 383 now and it is still running strong.
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