Crate engine advice?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 199
Likes: 41
From: Columbus Ohio
Crate engine advice?
I have a '68 vert that needs a complete drivetrain. The car was originally a BB (427/390 I think). I'm leaning toward using a TKO 600 5spd kit for the trans with a crate BB and 3.70 rear. Hoping to get some advice, comments, thoughts, etc on what engine to use. I'm not really looking to go to the track (at least not very often 
) , mostly want a fun, street cruiser.
Also, found this on ebay and would appreciate any knowledge there as well? Anyone use this machine shop or have one of their engines?
?http://www.ebay.com/itm/BB-CHEVY-454...JWF8NT&vxp=mtr
Thanks,
Tod
) , mostly want a fun, street cruiser.Also, found this on ebay and would appreciate any knowledge there as well? Anyone use this machine shop or have one of their engines?
?http://www.ebay.com/itm/BB-CHEVY-454...JWF8NT&vxp=mtr
Thanks,
Tod
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 13,011
Likes: 2,250
From: Corsicana, Tx
2020 C2 of the Year - Modified Winner
2020 Corvette of the Year (performance mods)
C2 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
2017 C2 of Year Finalist
I'd call Mark Jones at VortecPro for something like this.
Do a search here and you'll find a lot of info on his builds. Also ck Chevelle Forum...lots of happy people there.
You'll get better parts, meticulous assembly and machine work and a LOT more power for the $$$.
JIM
Do a search here and you'll find a lot of info on his builds. Also ck Chevelle Forum...lots of happy people there.
You'll get better parts, meticulous assembly and machine work and a LOT more power for the $$$.
JIM
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,346
Likes: 160
From: new iberia la
Nice motor, Looks a liitle low on HP for the price ..but, that may be what you want. I would check them out thoroughly, for reputation and look at a few other options before pulling the trigger
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,883
Likes: 124
From: Lubbock TX
"I'd call Mark Jones at VortecPro for something like this.
Do a search here and you'll find a lot of info on his builds. Also ck Chevelle Forum...lots of happy people there.
You'll get better parts, meticulous assembly and machine work and a LOT more power for the $$$.
JIM"
This. Great advice coming from someone who knows a thing or two about engines. And Corvettes. And mating the two. And what "way over the top" means.
Do a search here and you'll find a lot of info on his builds. Also ck Chevelle Forum...lots of happy people there.
You'll get better parts, meticulous assembly and machine work and a LOT more power for the $$$.
JIM"
This. Great advice coming from someone who knows a thing or two about engines. And Corvettes. And mating the two. And what "way over the top" means.
Last edited by L88Plus; Jul 3, 2016 at 07:30 AM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 199
Likes: 41
From: Columbus Ohio
"I'd call Mark Jones at VortecPro for something like this.
Do a search here and you'll find a lot of info on his builds. Also ck Chevelle Forum...lots of happy people there.
You'll get better parts, meticulous assembly and machine work and a LOT more power for the $$$.
JIM"
This. Great advice coming from someone who knows a thing or two about engines. And Corvettes. And mating the two. And what "way over the top" means.
Do a search here and you'll find a lot of info on his builds. Also ck Chevelle Forum...lots of happy people there.
You'll get better parts, meticulous assembly and machine work and a LOT more power for the $$$.
JIM"
This. Great advice coming from someone who knows a thing or two about engines. And Corvettes. And mating the two. And what "way over the top" means.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,736
Likes: 56
From: anchorage ak
I tried to find his Web site as well to post a hyper link and was unable, maybe some one will have a number.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,578
Likes: 61
From: Austin TX
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 199
Likes: 41
From: Columbus Ohio
I was originally thinking about a ZZ427 or ZZ454. HP and torque on those two motors I think would be enough for me. Was doing searches (here and google) to see what others used etc and found some cases where the GM Perf motors have issues due to supposed bad machining practices etc. I don't know much about engine building so I can't be certain but I do know that if I spend that kind of $ I don't want to deal with something like that.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 664
Likes: 89
From: Marysville Ohio
Have you talked to Jegs? Sounds like you are looking for a turnkey crate motor. I would be tempted to go in there since they are local. I am local too, and a few of those guys are pretty knowledgeable - you just have to get to the right guy.
I agree with the TKO - out one behind my somewhat mildly cammed 427 (small block) stroker with 3.73:1 rear end - I like it.
Also - for comparison, a friend of mine is doing a frame-off restomod to 67 corvette - he is also going with a ZZ427, TKO 600, 3:73 gears.
I agree with the TKO - out one behind my somewhat mildly cammed 427 (small block) stroker with 3.73:1 rear end - I like it.
Also - for comparison, a friend of mine is doing a frame-off restomod to 67 corvette - he is also going with a ZZ427, TKO 600, 3:73 gears.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 199
Likes: 41
From: Columbus Ohio
Have you talked to Jegs? Sounds like you are looking for a turnkey crate motor. I would be tempted to go in there since they are local. I am local too, and a few of those guys are pretty knowledgeable - you just have to get to the right guy.
I agree with the TKO - out one behind my somewhat mildly cammed 427 (small block) stroker with 3.73:1 rear end - I like it.
Also - for comparison, a friend of mine is doing a frame-off restomod to 67 corvette - he is also going with a ZZ427, TKO 600, 3:73 gears.
I agree with the TKO - out one behind my somewhat mildly cammed 427 (small block) stroker with 3.73:1 rear end - I like it.
Also - for comparison, a friend of mine is doing a frame-off restomod to 67 corvette - he is also going with a ZZ427, TKO 600, 3:73 gears.
Last edited by TM1400; Jul 4, 2016 at 07:42 AM. Reason: misfire on enter key
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,883
Likes: 124
From: Lubbock TX
There's not a "crate motor" production facility out there that pays attention to the details like Mark Jones. He builds 'em all like they are destined for his own ride.
He's had some website problems, you should be able to PM him directly over at the Chevelles.com site.
He's had some website problems, you should be able to PM him directly over at the Chevelles.com site.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,088
Likes: 1,647
From: Long Island
I was originally thinking about a ZZ427 or ZZ454. HP and torque on those two motors I think would be enough for me. Was doing searches (here and google) to see what others used etc and found some cases where the GM Perf motors have issues due to supposed bad machining practices etc. I don't know much about engine building so I can't be certain but I do know that if I spend that kind of $ I don't want to deal with something like that.
The 5 speed or 6 speed is the way to go, I used the Tremic 5 speed in the 71 and love it..
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,062
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
any guy that will dyno it and even stick it in his own car to track test if you like is confident of his product. Id use him in a hot second and Im a DIY guy
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,654
Likes: 190
From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
Anyone that would give you that warranty on 600+HP engine is nuts.
The first thing that will happen when you ship it back to them on your dime is they will blame everything on you, and you would be lucky to get a replacement engine without sending them thousands of dollars, then they pay shipping back to you.
The first thing that will happen when you ship it back to them on your dime is they will blame everything on you, and you would be lucky to get a replacement engine without sending them thousands of dollars, then they pay shipping back to you.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Anyone that would give you that warranty on 600+HP engine is nuts.
The first thing that will happen when you ship it back to them on your dime is they will blame everything on you, and you would be lucky to get a replacement engine without sending them thousands of dollars, then they pay shipping back to you.
The first thing that will happen when you ship it back to them on your dime is they will blame everything on you, and you would be lucky to get a replacement engine without sending them thousands of dollars, then they pay shipping back to you.
And I think if you read the fine print on GM's (or anyone else) warranty, you'll find out the installation must be done by a "certified" shop. If you install it in your driveway, even if you're a certified mechanic, no warranty.
Last edited by TimAT; Jul 5, 2016 at 07:57 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 199
Likes: 41
From: Columbus Ohio
Hopefully I was clear with the original post. I definitely appreciate everyone's comments and advice. My goal for the car is to be more of a driver than racer. That's not to say I have no interest in a strip run or two but not looking for the highest HP, lowest time etc.
I think above all I have learned so far that I need to learn more
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 104
Likes: 15
From: Bennington VT
If you want to maintain an original appearance under your hood check out Carolina Machine Engines. I have a '70 454 that was blown and they found an original '70 block, bored it .30 over and sent me a complete crate engine for under $5,000. 3 year or 36,000 warranty. Puts out 425 HP with 515 lbs of torque. They dyno the engine before it is shipped and include the dyno print out for your records. i have run the motor for 7 years now and am very pleased.