i'm not sure what way to go,
a cheap crate motor(350 $1200.00) and add cam and some good heads,
or GM 330hp 350vortech,
or just rebuild the old L82 350?
what ya think...i got about $2500 to work with
give me some advice to help me makeup my mind :banghead:

 

Save another grand and buy a ZZ4 or roll the dice and get an AR Racing engine.

 

I think that's pretty unfair to say buying from AR is 'rolling the dice'. Sure, if you are on a strict time requirement and that's all you care about. But any of us that have bought from AR and have had ANY problems, Mark (AR's owner) has been more than cooperative and helpful and has backed up his work 100%. Worst case has been that one owner had to return his engine so they could build him another one. Most builders that make a mistake won't do that and even GM can make a mistake.

 

Point taken, I am only stating that I have heard both sides to AR. I dont want to hijack this thread.

 

I think if you go with the cheapo and try to upgrade to solid niceness you'll hit your 2.5k mark pretty fast and have nothing left of your warranty day 1. Not to mention have somewhat of alot of work on your hands.

The only trouble with the AR engine is that you have to run circles if something goes wrong not that they wont back up thier engine. Grandsport is running 11s with one of thier engines. Who was it (DATH?) that had the issues? Either way I would ask both of em what thier impressions are I am sure others will chime in as well... tshort has one too i think? (Now I know he does)

I went the ZZ4 route myself even though it was more than I had wanted or had. I figure for a little while it will keep me happy as is. I got mine for somewhere just below 3200. The only real problem with that is the discrepencies you'll run into (waterpump, flexplate) but thier not to big a deal.

This is one of those questions that comes up pretty frequently on here and there are many opinions. I think everyone chooses the right route its just more a personal thing. Believe me I understand the money issue but I am sure you can strike the balance your looking for between power, performance, and reliability without totally breaking the bank. My strongest suggestion would be to check out AR a little more and hopefully you'll be able to decide from there. Good Luck...

Oh just a quick look will give you this AR RACING ON EBAY... I'm pretty sure if you call you can go whatever direction you need to.


[Modified by Spook, 4:01 PM 11/25/2003]


[Modified by Spook, 4:02 PM 11/25/2003]

 

Depends on if you like to tinker. I started with a cheapy GM eng, snuck a little bigger cam in to start, drove it for most of a summer then moved to alum heads and roller cam putting out about 375 hp at 6000 rpms. I enjoyed the build up process and was proud to take my friends and scare em with something I built. :thumbs:

 

A lot will depend on how much of the work you can do yourself (or want to do) and also on what your goals are. It doesn't make a lot of sense buying an engine that isn't what you want just to replace most of it to make it into what you do want. If you're able to do the assembly work, rebuilding what you already have is likely to give you the most for your money. If not, a crate engine may be a better choice. Keep in mind that some of your options may require replacing a lot more components than another. For example, rebuilding your existing engine or using a non-Vortec head crate engine will allow you to use the stock intake. If you have a manual tranny, you'll need a new flywheel if you opt for a later style engine with the one piece rear seal. None of those things are real expensive but I mention them because you mentioned having a budget and they're not free.

 

It also depends on the condition of your L82......is there anything wrong with your existing motor????? Oil consumption, fouled plugs, etc???? Once you break it down, you may find more things wrong with it, or more things you need to do to reach your HP/torque goal, that will cost you $$$$ in the long run.......

My opinion is that rebuilds are more fun and more expensive......crate motors are a quick replacement and cheaper........

It depends on how much you want to get involved :cheers:

 

thank's for the advice guys
guess i was kind'a vage on my qus.
yes i can do all the work been there done that...
my bigest problem is were i live,been here 20+ yr's we left the door's open all the time year ago....now we have bars on the windows and gun at hand!!!
i cant leave anything out over night, it'll walk off...(open 2 car carport)
so i have to do every thing in one day or put every thing up,then drag it back out the next day if it's a long proj. i'ed move but being 1/4 mi. from work is nice!!
old L82 running good just old 110,000 mi. on it.
right after i got it had to put in a cam (old one had two lob's wore off it)
and a missing in act. pushrod (in oil pan i guss)
had 150 to 160 lb on every cilnder on compresion check so i put in a stock cam it.
was out ride'n and came up on a frend in a 97 prelude with a vtec and some mod's and at about 45mph we punched it ( i downshifed to 3rd) and he was pulling away slowly....so it's time for some more HP!
was saving for zz4, but was thinking i can get close to same hp and save a few buck's. then spend that on some side pipe's!!
think i'll just keep save'n for now thank all for your advice
:flag :steering: