Hello, CF. :D

I've got a pretty much stock L-48 in my '76 right now. I've decided that I'd like to squeeze a little more juice out of it by either buying a crate engine, doing a "hi-performance" rebuild, or rebuilding it with a supercharger. Here's what I understand about each option:

Crate engines: 425hp AR Racing crates on eBay for ~$3,000 USD. That's a great deal no matter how you look at it. Unfortunately I am in Canada, so it's going to end up being ~$4,500 plus shipping (although a buddy and I might go pick it up in a rented truck for fun). Are there any other comparable crate options?

Hi-performance rebuild: Pretty straightforward. Some aluminum 2.02 heads with 64cc combustion chambers, a wilder camshaft, tougher pistons, etc. This has been discussed at great length on the forum. Fairly cheap also.

Supercharging: Obviously my engine will need to be rebuilt with some tougher parts. I know that this would require at least: a good flowing set of heads; a low compression ratio (apparently 8.5:1 is optimal?); a forged crank; and some heavy-duty pistons. Is there anything else? As far as I know, my block is still in good condition, but it might need to be bored out. Is a 2-bolt strong enough for supercharged applications? (I'm not shooting for some crazy 1200hp figure -- I would be very happy with 500-600.) Also, a big chrome supercharger is going to cost some serious bank, and my hood would have to be cut up.

Which option would you go with?

Thanks in advance
:cheers:


[Modified by VetticusSupersonicus, 12:44 AM 2/10/2003]

 

AR Racing has 383 with 470hp/465tq for $3,500 and that's what I 'm buying. So you know what my vote is. TShort just bought one of these also. If you want to rebuild, definately rebuild it with a supercharger :yesnod: , Summit carries an underhood supercharger that would probably fit under a stock hood, it mounts where the A/C compressor would be, so there shouldn't be a need to chop up the hood As for a 2 bolt main being strog enough, just have your machine shop turn the block into a splayed 4 bolt main, it'll be strong than a regular 4 bolt from the factory :cheers:

 

I'd have to vote for taking a road trip.

 

can you post a link...i couldn't find it at summit (the supercharger)

 

personally im going to rebuild my block up with some better parts like was mentioned head pistons ect...

then im going to go with http://www.procharger.com for superchargers

-dave

 

i'd go with the crate engine. it's simple straight forward and reliable. you can't beat a warrenty. plus you can store the original incase ya sell it down the line.

:thumbs:

 

I think that it really depends on what you want for the car.

Crate motor. Nothing beats factory, even if its faster. Factory appearance has its own appeal. It came from GM. I think that 350hp + would be enough power for most. Of course your not going to be the fastest thing on the street, but it will work and they stand behind it. And also when you have the car you can say it has a "zz4" crate or "Ramjet 350". They are widely used and it does represent a brand and quality. You will be fast.

AR racing. I am thinking about this myself. I want more to try it before I buy it. It does have alot of power for not much $$$$. I think this is a good route to take. There are problems with this however. I haven't read their warrenty on the engine yet. So I don't know how much they will assist you with problems. They are in-expesive ...very tempting. Its the whole "who are these guys?" that bothers me.

rebuild w/supercharger. The best power. The worst warrenty. Pry the most cost too. Forced Induction is the supreme way to go. How do you think they get 4 cyl into the 11's? With a big butt turbo. just think of what it can do for your 8 cyl's !!!! :eek: :eek:

I am leaning twords the AR racing myself. Once they have established a good relationship with other forum members I will pry jump on board. Lotsa power and if the build is done right, there shouldn't be any problems. Less than a GM crate, more power.
:cheers:

 

VetticusSupersonicus:
Personally, a crate engine would seem rather boring to me. I'm not saying they aren't good engines, but I just enjoy assembling a motor myself. My vote would be for rebuilding a small block with a supercharger. I am going that route myself (468 w/ an 8-71 Blower). It's probably going to cost you more than a crate motor. But at the end of the day you can say that you built your motor and that is something that money can't buy. The supercharged small block (depending on what parts you go with) will also most likely out-perform the crate motor.

That's just my opinion.

 

Ry--- I believe this is the one, but not 100% sure because they don't have the pic on the site:
http://store.summitracing.com/defaul...rchType%3DBoth

Flood--- Grandsport C3 had very good luck with his motor from AR Racing, he running low 12's and he said the tech support is great, and wouldn't go anywhere else if he needed a motor :cheers: