Need help picking a GM crate engine
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 103
Likes: 1
Need help picking a GM crate engine
Hey Guys
I want to put a GM crate engine in my 1980 corvette.
Which is the best pick and still use my stock hood and brackets [altenator etc.]
Like to pick one as complete as possible or at least a long block.
Looking for 300+ HP
Also on a $3000.00 bubget.
I want to put a GM crate engine in my 1980 corvette.
Which is the best pick and still use my stock hood and brackets [altenator etc.]
Like to pick one as complete as possible or at least a long block.
Looking for 300+ HP
Also on a $3000.00 bubget.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,986
Likes: 21
From: Columbus MN
I have a GM Performance 350 HO Deluxe (330 hp) but a new one is going to cost you more than $3000 new. Check out www.gilbertchevy.com for good prices on GMPP crate engines.
The best deal for I've seen is a used ZZ4 on that big online site. Search for item #220201577549.
The best deal for I've seen is a used ZZ4 on that big online site. Search for item #220201577549.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
Likes: 630
From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
$3K budget nixes new zz4
brand new not rebuilt Genuine GM from GMPP ... good warranty at any GM dealer
350 HO makes 330 HP & uses iron vortec heads & vortec intake (OE C3 intake will not fit)
350 HO BASE is p/n 12486041 ... what most folks consider a long block ... includes heads, pan & all covers.
around $2500 depending where you buy
http://www.sdparts.com/product/12486...eAssembly.aspx
again, brand new genuine GM with genuine GM warranty
brand new not rebuilt Genuine GM from GMPP ... good warranty at any GM dealer
350 HO makes 330 HP & uses iron vortec heads & vortec intake (OE C3 intake will not fit)
350 HO BASE is p/n 12486041 ... what most folks consider a long block ... includes heads, pan & all covers.
around $2500 depending where you buy
http://www.sdparts.com/product/12486...eAssembly.aspx
again, brand new genuine GM with genuine GM warranty
Last edited by jackson; Feb 17, 2008 at 10:31 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,625
Likes: 4
From: Miami FL
here are the guys that supply the YearOne engines....you can't beat $3,500 for a 400+ HP engine....
http://www.dpmpower.us/smallblock.php
http://www.dpmpower.us/smallblock.php
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
You could do the basic 350 4-bolt crate motor for ~$1500 (or maybe just a shortblock), add Vortec heads for ~$750, and an intake for ~$300. Can't remember what they did about the cam. Sell the heads from the crate for ~$150 and have over 300hp for under $3000. Chevy High Performance Magazine did a buildup just like this about 3-4 years ago.
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Racer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 291
Likes: 0
From: Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (home in Colorado Springs)
$3000 won't buy you a motor that you'd want to put in a Vette.
You have to read the fine print on those crate motors. They have really low-end parts, like cast crank, cast rods and cheap hyperutetic pistons.
Here's what I'm working with on my rebuild;
Heads; $1000 e-Bay
Cam; $200 Summit
Block: $1100 (includes machine shop work)
Crank; $700 Forged 4340 Summit
Rods: $450 Forged 4340 H style e-Bay
Pistons; $700 Forged dish Jegs
Intake; $120 Found on Craigslist
Carb; $150 used
Rings; $160 Jegs
Bearings; $145 Summit
Water pump; $100 e-Bay
Oil pump; $45 e-Bay
Oil pan; $65 e-Bay
Fuel Pump;$50 e-bay
Headers; $100 Summit
Flexplate & harmonic balancer: $150 Summit
Gaskets; $65 Checker Auto
Timing chane & cover; $75 e-bay
Little things; $100 Home Depot
Total; $5000 and climbing! And it would be much more if "turn-key".
You have to read the fine print on those crate motors. They have really low-end parts, like cast crank, cast rods and cheap hyperutetic pistons.
Here's what I'm working with on my rebuild;
Heads; $1000 e-Bay
Cam; $200 Summit
Block: $1100 (includes machine shop work)
Crank; $700 Forged 4340 Summit
Rods: $450 Forged 4340 H style e-Bay
Pistons; $700 Forged dish Jegs
Intake; $120 Found on Craigslist
Carb; $150 used
Rings; $160 Jegs
Bearings; $145 Summit
Water pump; $100 e-Bay
Oil pump; $45 e-Bay
Oil pan; $65 e-Bay
Fuel Pump;$50 e-bay
Headers; $100 Summit
Flexplate & harmonic balancer: $150 Summit
Gaskets; $65 Checker Auto
Timing chane & cover; $75 e-bay
Little things; $100 Home Depot
Total; $5000 and climbing! And it would be much more if "turn-key".
