Rebuilt engine Vs New Crate engine
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 182
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From: Croton On Hudson NY
Rebuilt engine Vs New Crate engine
I'm trying to decide if I should have my matching numbers engine rebuilt (its at 86k) or just save it and drop a new crate engine in. The new crate would throw on another what? 150+ horsepower from the stock engine however I'm not quite sure what would be more cost effective? I would have the engine rebuilt by a corvette specialist or have the new crate installed by a shop, what price ranges am I looking at roughly and how do they compare?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 182
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From: Croton On Hudson NY
I deffinetly will. Just not sure whats more cost effective at this point. I don't need massive power but you know, some extra HP wont hurt if it ends up costing less then rebuilding the original
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,871
Likes: 6
From: Sault Ste. Marie Ontario
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.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 182
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From: Croton On Hudson NY
Thats true, although you never really know. I just purchased the car so I'm in it for the long haul, she wont be sold, if ever, for a loooong long time. How much does it usually cost to have your engine rebuilt? I do realize there is cost of parts and labor for that but am I looking at considerably less costly than buying a brand new crate or around the same?
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 182
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From: Croton On Hudson NY
just a list of a few ebay shops:
1. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Parts...3756.m14.l1308
2. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Parts...3756.m14.l1308
3. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Parts...3756.m14.l1308
Anyone ever deal with any of these companies? Prices are pretty good but there's something troublesome about geting possibly ripped off for 2 grand.
1. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Parts...3756.m14.l1308
2. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Parts...3756.m14.l1308
3. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Parts...3756.m14.l1308
Anyone ever deal with any of these companies? Prices are pretty good but there's something troublesome about geting possibly ripped off for 2 grand.
Senior Member since 1492
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
IMHO, stay away from ebay. Lots of people got scammed w/some of those engine builders. One guy waited 6 months for delivery and never got his engine. Builder went out of business and he lost his $$.
Buy from GM, Scoggins, Jegs, Pace etc....you know what you're getting.
You didn't say what year vette you have or even which engine, but if itit's a 68 -72 I wouldn't rebuild the original. You'll read on the forum here about guys sending their #'s matching engine in for a rebuild only to find that their original numbers were gone after the rebuild.
Buy from GM, Scoggins, Jegs, Pace etc....you know what you're getting.
You didn't say what year vette you have or even which engine, but if itit's a 68 -72 I wouldn't rebuild the original. You'll read on the forum here about guys sending their #'s matching engine in for a rebuild only to find that their original numbers were gone after the rebuild.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2007
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IMHO, stay away from ebay. Lots of people got scammed w/some of those engine builders. One guy waited 6 months for delivery and never got his engine. Builder went out of business and he lost his $$.
Buy from GM, Scoggins, Jegs, Pace etc....you know what you're getting.
You didn't say what year vette you have or even which engine, but if itit's a 68 -72 I wouldn't rebuild the original. You'll read on the forum here about guys sending their #'s matching engine in for a rebuild only to find that their original numbers were gone after the rebuild.
Buy from GM, Scoggins, Jegs, Pace etc....you know what you're getting.
You didn't say what year vette you have or even which engine, but if itit's a 68 -72 I wouldn't rebuild the original. You'll read on the forum here about guys sending their #'s matching engine in for a rebuild only to find that their original numbers were gone after the rebuild.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 182
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From: Croton On Hudson NY
its a '78 L48. 175 HP. I don't need crazy horsepower, the car will be a daily driver when I'm done. I'd like to see an increase in longevity and fuel economy, thus why I was looking at a 350/290hp. I'm looking at yearone: http://www.yearone.com/serverfiles/f...ain2.asp?cat=Q
or high-performance-engines.com: http://high-performance-engines.com/...duct_Code=HP32
thoughts?
or high-performance-engines.com: http://high-performance-engines.com/...duct_Code=HP32
thoughts?
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
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From: Dayton, Ohio
The ZZ4 will have some small issues to overcome.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 954
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2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I rebuild my original engine a 72 base 350 (~270hp crank)
I will keep the old parts to the next owner.
Made full rebuild +40 put new heads intake carburetor cam & flat pistons and get ~400HP, ~400TQ, parts cost ~$2300.
The main thing I know what I put in the engine.
Avner
I will keep the old parts to the next owner.
Made full rebuild +40 put new heads intake carburetor cam & flat pistons and get ~400HP, ~400TQ, parts cost ~$2300.
The main thing I know what I put in the engine.
Avner
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 41
From: Raleigh NC
St. Jude Donor '13-'14
I'm a big fan of rebuilding it myself. The knowledge you'll gain is rediculous. The only problem I think is you are 100% accountable. You can pick up a GM Crate motor, get a warranty and forget about any possible mistakes.
Is it an L-48 or L-82, you've said both.
I'm sure you could easily build 300HP for $2K yourself.
Is it an L-48 or L-82, you've said both.
I'm sure you could easily build 300HP for $2K yourself.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 182
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From: Croton On Hudson NY
oops. Still learning all this stuff. Its the weaker engine the 175(i believe it is) hp one. I'm not sure I could put myself up to the task of building an engine just yet as I'm still learning all about this stuff, its been a general interest to me but I'm just now geting "into" it. Although it owuld be one hell of a fun project.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 41
From: Raleigh NC
St. Jude Donor '13-'14
well my friend, that is what the forum is for. There is no better way to learn than doing it yourself. Of course you'll have to shop out some stuff, but I really think its worth building up your own.
Go grab Vizard's "How to rebuild your smallblock chevy" and follow it to a T.
I'm also sure there are plenty of guys close to you who know what they are doing and are more than willing to help.
Go grab Vizard's "How to rebuild your smallblock chevy" and follow it to a T.
I'm also sure there are plenty of guys close to you who know what they are doing and are more than willing to help.