Which Crate Engine??
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,930
Likes: 15
From: Calgary Alberta
Which Crate Engine??
Here is what I have decided on so far - there is like a $3000 price difference between the two...which one would you go with and why?
http://www.gmperformanceparts.com/En...8772&engCat=sb
or
http://www.yearone.com/serverfiles/f...ain2.asp?cat=Q
the crate engine number is CT350PC1
The year-one engine seems to be a mucher better buy, but you know what they say about price - you get what you pay for.
http://www.gmperformanceparts.com/En...8772&engCat=sb
or
http://www.yearone.com/serverfiles/f...ain2.asp?cat=Q
the crate engine number is CT350PC1
The year-one engine seems to be a mucher better buy, but you know what they say about price - you get what you pay for.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,004
Likes: 7
From: Adelaide South Australia
for a start, you're comparing a 383 ci engine from GM, to 350 cube engine from Year one.
Forget about the power and torque ratings you read on the respective spec sheets.....
There IS no replacement for displacement in a naturally aspirated engine. The torque from a 383 is significantly greater and more enjoyable in a street car.
The choice is so dependant on what you want to do with the car you are putting the engine into.
The GM-383 has a brand new block with good strong internals.
It is built with better spec components for handling a bit more power.
If you plan to add power boosters..... eg N20 or a blower or Turbo, or intend to run even more radical cam in future... the 4340 forged crank is preferable to the cast iron crank in the 350 you specified.
If you want a reliable cruiser with some reasonable power at minimal cost, then the year one engine is certainly OK.
Have you considered the Year one 383 package....
http://www.yearone.com/serverfiles/f...ain2.asp?cat=Q
Quite a few members have used both of these engines with good results.
Forget about the power and torque ratings you read on the respective spec sheets.....
There IS no replacement for displacement in a naturally aspirated engine. The torque from a 383 is significantly greater and more enjoyable in a street car.
The choice is so dependant on what you want to do with the car you are putting the engine into.
The GM-383 has a brand new block with good strong internals.
It is built with better spec components for handling a bit more power.
If you plan to add power boosters..... eg N20 or a blower or Turbo, or intend to run even more radical cam in future... the 4340 forged crank is preferable to the cast iron crank in the 350 you specified.
If you want a reliable cruiser with some reasonable power at minimal cost, then the year one engine is certainly OK.
Have you considered the Year one 383 package....
http://www.yearone.com/serverfiles/f...ain2.asp?cat=Q
Quite a few members have used both of these engines with good results.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,930
Likes: 15
From: Calgary Alberta
Okay, screw the 350 yearone motor. I think I've narrowed my choice to the zz383 motor. My car is a street rod, and I want it to have a lot of power...I won't be running nitrous or any of those boosters. I want a reliable engine that I can hammer on and have a lot of power, and I think the zz383 will be right for me. Time to save up some cash
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,930
Likes: 15
From: Calgary Alberta
The CT383PC1 from yearone looks nice as well, but its $7000. The GM one is a little less on the power scale, but I think its going to meet my needs. Plus, its $5400, which will save me some cash.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 291
Likes: 0
From: Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (home in Colorado Springs)
I chose for my 1980 rebuild project;
Empty bank account
1969 350 block, bored to .040 over (385 stroker)
SRP forged, dished pistons
4340 H rods in 5.7 inch
ProComp alum heads with 195 intake runners, 2.02/1.6 valves
Lunati Voodo cam (not a roller)
Eagle forged 4340 crank
Local machine shop clearenced & balanced the parts
Still not sure what intake I'll use, but won't need anything bigger than a 650 Holley
Stock volume/pressure oil pump
roller rockers
I looked at crate engines, but went with a mix & match of parts from Craigs List, Jegs, Summit and e-Bay. It's cheaper my way, but not as convienent/turn-key. Takes longer too. I can't wait to get it all together & running!
Empty bank account
1969 350 block, bored to .040 over (385 stroker)
SRP forged, dished pistons
4340 H rods in 5.7 inch
ProComp alum heads with 195 intake runners, 2.02/1.6 valves
Lunati Voodo cam (not a roller)
Eagle forged 4340 crank
Local machine shop clearenced & balanced the parts
Still not sure what intake I'll use, but won't need anything bigger than a 650 Holley
Stock volume/pressure oil pump
roller rockers
I looked at crate engines, but went with a mix & match of parts from Craigs List, Jegs, Summit and e-Bay. It's cheaper my way, but not as convienent/turn-key. Takes longer too. I can't wait to get it all together & running!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,004
Likes: 7
From: Adelaide South Australia
I too considered the ZZ383, but wanted a bit more power.....
I bought a 475hp crate 383 from enginefactory.com for my 68 vert.
Also converted from an auto to a 5sp manual box, and it now goes like a scalded cat....
Big change in the character of the car....
It now commands respect.
The right foot can easily transform a wide grin
to a shocked expression 
if planted without due consideration of the consequences.
I've got to learn how to drive without staining my jocks now.
I bought a 475hp crate 383 from enginefactory.com for my 68 vert.
Also converted from an auto to a 5sp manual box, and it now goes like a scalded cat....
Big change in the character of the car....
It now commands respect.
The right foot can easily transform a wide grin
to a shocked expression if planted without due consideration of the consequences.I've got to learn how to drive without staining my jocks now.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 316
Likes: 0
From: Warwick Rhode Island
OzzyTom,
Reading your post I think it's safe to assume that you like your Engine Factory engine
Did you buy a turn-key engine from them? I've heard a few good things about that company and was curious what your overall opinion on them was. I know that they're in the same ballpark as everyone else ($1K more or less). Did you get the March system with yours? Sorry to highjack this post, but I am seriously considering buying an engine from these folks...
Reading your post I think it's safe to assume that you like your Engine Factory engine
Did you buy a turn-key engine from them? I've heard a few good things about that company and was curious what your overall opinion on them was. I know that they're in the same ballpark as everyone else ($1K more or less). Did you get the March system with yours? Sorry to highjack this post, but I am seriously considering buying an engine from these folks...
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,338
Likes: 786
From: Redondo Beach, California
I bought a GMPP ZZ4 Hot Cam five years ago. I really wish I had bought the ZZ383 with the fast burn heads. I think the ZZ383 is an excellent choice.
I'm really happy with the ZZ4, of course I now wish I had the 383's extra HP. GMPP has improved their selection of engines over the past several years. Several now are turn key.
With the ZZ4 I had to add spark plugs wires (why didn't they include them), a carb, and a starter. That being said, when I first cranked the ZZ4 over, I don't think the starter motor ran more than two seconds before the engine fired up. Ran smooth and strong. Really satisfyingly easy.
I'm really happy with the ZZ4, of course I now wish I had the 383's extra HP. GMPP has improved their selection of engines over the past several years. Several now are turn key.
With the ZZ4 I had to add spark plugs wires (why didn't they include them), a carb, and a starter. That being said, when I first cranked the ZZ4 over, I don't think the starter motor ran more than two seconds before the engine fired up. Ran smooth and strong. Really satisfyingly easy.
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Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,930
Likes: 15
From: Calgary Alberta
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
From: Northwest Louisiana
Well.....just my opinion....I get a GM employee discount and couldn't beat Pace Performance's price...with free shipping....yes I know that nothing is free...but it might be worth a try. They were great to deal with.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 564
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh PA
~540HP, 625 lbs-ft of torque... That might get you into the 11's...
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,930
Likes: 15
From: Calgary Alberta
I don't have the money for it now - I just started saving for it. I wanted to decide what engine to go with before I started saving. Oh, and one more thing - there is never free shipping to Canada, you guys are lucky!
