crate engines
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,629
Likes: 7
From: Lawrenceville PA
crate engines
I know this has been covered many times before, but I decided to bite the bullet and replace my tired old small block with a crate engine. The ZZ4 seems to be the preferred engine, but I was curious to know if anyone has the GM 350/330 HO engine that you can get for around $3200. Money is a big factor but the best engine for my 72 is my primary concern. Everything is bone stock in my car and I'm really curious as to the differences between these two engines. Any helpful advice would be appreciated.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 556
Likes: 3
From: Trafalgar IN
Re: crate engines (1979toy)
If you don't intend to race your car the 250 horsepower 350 is about half the price of a ZZ4 and will offer more power than your stock motor did when it was new.
In fact, in the July Corvette Fever, in his Resto Clinic column, Alan Calvin recommends this engine to someone with a 1967 driver that was originally a 427/390hp. I know that many on the Forum go with the ZZ4, but for a driver, it is hard to beat this set-up. See the July article for more information.
I would be glad to answer any questions, just e-mail me.
PS I think that the 350/250 hp costs about $1,300 or so.
[Modified by Rubyred, 10:20 PM 6/3/2002]
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 15,127
Likes: 476
From: NM
Re: crate engines (midget)
One thing to keep in mind when looking at the crate engine horsepower numbers is that they are rated at gross hp. They cannot rate them at net as they do not know the final configuration. So be sure to make allowances for the different hp rating systems.
tom...
tom...
Instructor
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: Parker TX
Re: crate engines (midget)
Well, someone is asking the same question I am, only about a different engine. While the ZZ4 with the HOT cam and 1.6 rockers looks very sweet, I have noticed Sallee's 350 HO super deluxe 380HP/424ft/lbs. This engine also looks very sweet for the price ($3950) and appears to be completely setup sans tach drive distributor and flywheel. Sallee's spec sheet seems quite impressive. Just curious as to why I do not see this engine mentioned by anyone on the forum as an option. I will be putting a new one (just don't know which one yet) in my '69 daily driver shortly after the Navy sees fit to release me from my recalled Active Duty. Still have about 100 days or so to decide. My skin is very thick. Any comments, suggestions, jokes or jeers are appreciated.
From Bahrain
River Rat (Desert Rat for now) :flag
From Bahrain
River Rat (Desert Rat for now) :flag
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,551
Likes: 0
From: No link, No dupe
Re: crate engines (riorata)
This is another good place to buy a engine. I am thinking of buying their "turn-key" package. With this package, the carb and timing are already set for max performance. No tuning required. Just drop it in and go. They even send a video of it running on the dyno. It is maybe a little more expensive than other vendors, but they do have a good customer service record.
http://www.enginefactory.com/390hp.htm
[Modified by shotgun_000, 7:29 AM 6/4/2002]
http://www.enginefactory.com/390hp.htm
[Modified by shotgun_000, 7:29 AM 6/4/2002]
