crate engines

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jun 1, 2009 | 03:13 AM

convette689478

Thread Starter

Cruising

Joined: Jan 2008

Posts: 12

Likes: 0

From: McGuire AFB NJ

crate engines

Hello, I am inquiring about crate engines and have really looked int proformance unlimited's 350 with between 350 and 410 horses. Does anyone have any reviews about their engines or dealings with the company? I was looking at rebuilding my L-48 but it looks cheaper and easier just to get a crate that is already dynoed and turnkey. I am putting it in a 76 L-48 with current 350 auto and 3.08 rear, want to upgrade to 700r4 and 3.5 or 3.71 rear. any suggestions, Thanks, John

Jun 1, 2009 | 06:23 AM

mrvette

Team Owner

Joined: Jul 1999

Posts: 65,492

Likes: 230

From: Orange Park Florida

IMO, get a ZZ4 from GM, and put a old TPI on it, do your own wiring, and solder all connections....

and get a 200 4r automatic, it's a easier, better fit for a C3....

Jun 1, 2009 | 07:22 AM

Gordonm

Race Director

Joined: Dec 1999

Posts: 19,610

Likes: 778

From: Forked River NJ

No experience with the engine you are asking about. The crate motor will be the easiest to do. The 200 will fit better than the 700 trans and the rear is an easy swap out but you have to find a good one or rebuild yours with the correct gears. This can be costly. Your just down the road from me a ways. If you need a ahnd or advice let me know. I am in the middle of doing just what you are talking about for another forum member right now. A crate engine, swap to a 5 speed from an auto and I am redoing his rear from a 3.08 to 3.55 gears right now.

Jun 1, 2009 | 07:51 AM

Brown78

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 769

Likes: 0

From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl

Get the GM turn key creat. I got the ZZ4 385hp w/fast burn alum heads. W/over 30'000 mi.

As far as the tranny goes. I have a TKO 5 speed. I think it's all about the overdrive in this day and age. Four speeds and automatic w/3 speeds just don't cut it for speeds on todays highways. I have 3.08 gears in my vette. Witch I love because I run with my friends with C5 C6 the overdrive lets me run 85mph @ 2400 rpm's and if you have 3.73 w/no overdrive you'll be running around 60 mph @ 3000 rpm's Do the math.

Jun 1, 2009 | 08:16 AM

Dream Ride

Pro

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 660

Likes: 1

From: Springfield Tennessee

St. Jude Donor '09

A 350 Crate came in my 79 with 35 miles on it. No running issues but there's a lot of oil leaks. Not sure what to attribute that to, but it runs great. That will be my winter project.

Jun 1, 2009 | 09:10 AM

Corv80

Intermediate

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 29

Likes: 0

I went with the ZZ383 instead of rebuilding the 350. It really woke up my 1980. It is a great engine for the street. It is a good idea to do the trans at the same time. I too agree on the 200 4R trans.

Jun 1, 2009 | 10:29 AM

jazz81

Advanced

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 89

Likes: 0

From: Clayton North Carolina

The ZZ4 is the best bang for the dollar right now, unless your weel to do. Be careful with the turnkey motor. In the case of a ZZ4 turnkey unless you want to have clearance issues and have to change out the plumbing for the A/C and fan clearance issues, stay away from the serpentine belt setup they push with the motor. By the time you finish with adjustments and adds for the clearance issues, you can buy new the same components and you won't be left with a serpitine system that you need to sell. I am currently installing this same motor in my 81.

Good Luck

Mark

Jun 5, 2009 | 12:53 AM

convette689478

Thread Starter

Cruising

Joined: Jan 2008

Posts: 12

Likes: 0

From: McGuire AFB NJ

Hello, I was thinking about getting a 200 but was wondering about durability issues. Proformance unlimited is over around freehold, that is why I was asking if they are any good. I just got a Holley 650 double pump and am waiting for an EGR block plate to finish setting it up