Rebuilt engine Vs New Crate engine
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 784
Likes: 0
From: Santa Barbara California
It sounds like you made your decision, but I just wanted to throw out my experience with the same debate, for what it was worth. I debated Crate V.S. rebuild, went back and forth for awhile. I don't regret the decision to buy myself a new GM ZZ383 for one minute.
I have my numbers matched engine slumbering in the garage. It's there for the value of the car, but I have the piece of mind new parts and a warranty brings. I don't have to worry about damaging my old engine and I can upgrade however I want off the platform the General provided in the future.
I am not very experienced, but am enjoying learning, and I find that researching, and tracking down the numerous parts that must accompany my motor, (and the rest of the car while-you-are-at-its) challenging enough to satisfy my desire to get my own hands dirty too.
Robert
I have my numbers matched engine slumbering in the garage. It's there for the value of the car, but I have the piece of mind new parts and a warranty brings. I don't have to worry about damaging my old engine and I can upgrade however I want off the platform the General provided in the future.
I am not very experienced, but am enjoying learning, and I find that researching, and tracking down the numerous parts that must accompany my motor, (and the rest of the car while-you-are-at-its) challenging enough to satisfy my desire to get my own hands dirty too.
Robert
Pro
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 549
Likes: 5
From: punta gorda florida
engine
i rebuilt my engine myself kept all the parts of course had a great time doing it too and when I finally fired it I was a thrill Its hard to describe she runs grat too
get wor self an assembly manual and a gm shop manual lots of info you'll need at one time or other plus all the guys on the forum ahere to help too
get wor self an assembly manual and a gm shop manual lots of info you'll need at one time or other plus all the guys on the forum ahere to help too
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 41
From: Raleigh NC
St. Jude Donor '13-'14
I'm in the process of doing it, and I would be willing to answer questions, but there are many others on here who know 100 times more about this than I do. Some people on here do this for a living, so I would take their advice well before mine.
Definitely get the AIM and a Haynes/Chilton. Definitely get the "how to rebuild your small-block chevy" by Vizard, and read it multiple times.
Goodluck!
Definitely get the AIM and a Haynes/Chilton. Definitely get the "how to rebuild your small-block chevy" by Vizard, and read it multiple times.
Goodluck!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 0
From: San Diego California
I wonder how many people acutally pull the crate motor out after a few years and drop the original back in? Stashing the original motor in the corner of the shop is a great concept, but I get the feeling people are saving them for the next owner.
I think the next guy should get his own motor, so I vote for rebuilding the original.
I think the next guy should get his own motor, so I vote for rebuilding the original.
Rebuild your original.... make it new, or make it better. Don't relegate that engine to the dusty, ignored corner of the garage. It deserves a lot better.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
Rebuild it !
Here was my logic, while debating this same question for our own original engine '68 big block...
Strictly by the numbers, crate engines are a good deal.
BUT...
Whichever way you go, if you drive yours like most of us, the (new or rebuilt) engine is going to last you 20 years.
So ask yourself... do you want to spend the next 20 years being the owner of an original engine Corvette, but driving a crate engine Corvette?
I didn't.
When my hood is open, and someone asks, "original engine?", I'd much rather be able to simply say, "yup".
And if you want a bit more power, that's easy. Store your original heads and replace them with a set of modern, high perf aluminum heads. You'll still be running the original engine, just treated to better breathing.
Also remember, your original engine will drop right in without a single tweak or modification needed. Can guarantee that hassle free installation with any crate engine.
Strictly by the numbers, crate engines are a good deal.
BUT...
Whichever way you go, if you drive yours like most of us, the (new or rebuilt) engine is going to last you 20 years.
So ask yourself... do you want to spend the next 20 years being the owner of an original engine Corvette, but driving a crate engine Corvette?
I didn't.When my hood is open, and someone asks, "original engine?", I'd much rather be able to simply say, "yup".
And if you want a bit more power, that's easy. Store your original heads and replace them with a set of modern, high perf aluminum heads. You'll still be running the original engine, just treated to better breathing.
Also remember, your original engine will drop right in without a single tweak or modification needed. Can guarantee that hassle free installation with any crate engine.
