This is my first time on here and I love the discussion section. I have a 1982 Vette stock that has just turned 165,000 miles and I am looking to possibly replace the engine. The current engine is fine, but knocks a little and is getting a little tired. Not looking to spend a boat load of money, but I love my vette and would like to keep it. Can anyone make suggestions for replacing the engine? Would like to increase horsepower a little as well. Prior mechanic had mentioned replacing with a box bolt-in replacement 330 small block. Please let me know what you guys think?

Much appreciated.

 

Welcome to the forum. If it was me I would go for one of the many crate engines gm sells. Looks like a lot of guys around here have done that. Good luck with your car.

 

Remember that you face emissions testing issues where you live. I know an 82 owner here in town who bolted in a GM Goodwrench 350 and put all the original Crossfire Injection stuff back in place. He's very happy (and his car would pass smog tests...if we had any around here). :yesnod:

 

Thanks guys for you help. How about that 350 with 330 HP. I have heard that it is a very good engine. Also, would anyone know the amount for such engines?

Unfortunately, I know some things about cars, but not enough to swap out an engine.

 

http://www.gmgoodwrench.com/gmgoodwr...on=ce&cat=9274


also....

http://www.sdpc2000.com/

330HP / 350 Deluxe GM Performance Parts Crate Engine Assembly
Price: $3,498.00
Part # 12496968

now that you have the part number you can comparison shop with other GM dealers, for example GMpartsdirect.com

here is their blurb.... (be sure to check shipping costs!!!!)
GM PART # 12496968
CATEGORY: Eng Asm-(must provide commercial shipping address)
PACK QTY: 1 CORE CHARGE: $0.00
GM LIST: $4,721.89
OUR PRICE: $3,305.33
DESCRIPTION: 350 HO DELUXE ENGINE
The 350 HO Deluxe takes the value leading 350 HO a step further by adding carburetor, distributor, water pump, torsional damper, and auto trans flexplate. This enhancement to the Vortec cylinder head 330 horsepower 350 HO makes it easier than ever to repower your street rod, street machine or sportsman racer. The 600 cfm vacuum secondary Holley carburetor is ideally suited to the 350 HO. And the proven GM HEI distributor will give years of worry-free driving. With a 9.1 to 1 compression ratio, itA?s pump gas friendly, and with its muscle car idle itA?s cruise night cool. With GMPPA?s lowest priced small-block crate engine there is no reason to rebuild that junk yard clunker and since itA?s complete from carb to pan there is no need to chase parts. Talk to your GM Performance Parts Authorized Dealer about any additional required parts to complete your re-power project. This engine is perfect for your 1975 or older vehicle or any off-road usage.



[Modified by MNJack, 8:36 PM 4/5/2004]

 

"This engine is perfect for your 1975 or older vehicle or any off-road usage."

Suggestions are good, but remember this guy's gotta be able to pass Kalifornia smog testing...perhaps indefinitely if their legislature has its way! :(

Let's be realistic in what we suggest :beatdeadhorse:

 

Perhaps a rebuild?? :confused:

 

I dunno..I rebuilt my first 350 about 14 years ago, just bought the book, How to rebuild your sb chevy :smash: just followed the "directions" very easy to read and comprehend! complete teardown yet, besides put some trick stuff on within limitations heads intake...the usual :thumbs: That truck is still running great! :hurray: After that I built a 406 full roller, and have freshend up a couple more 350's since and no problems. Very easy and gives you a sense of D@#mn I did that! If you have an ounce of mechanical in you give it a try :seeya
My 2 cents :D

 

FWIW, if for some reason you need to eliminate the computer, a good tranny shop can install a hydralic controller that will determine the shirfts for you. that's all the r4 tranny gets from the computer.

 

You need to go to the Crossfire Forum, and start reading, lots of great info there.
http://www.crossfire.homeip.net:81/
:seeya

 

Don't get rid of the Cease-Fire I mean Cross-Fire. You could get a later L98 long block with aluminum heads and roller cam and keep your Cross-Fire. It is much maligned, but with some care and tuning it is perfectly fine for cruising around.

 

:iagree: With Mr. Goodwrench!!! I love my ZZ4 385hp w/Alum Vortec heads that came with a big sticker that said. FOR OFF ROAD USE ONLY!!! Good thing I live in South Florida. No auto inspection :hurray: :hurray:

 

I agree and welcome to the forum.

 

Be a little careful hot rodding. Mine has a high lift cam which lowers engine vacuum to the point where the power brakes and headlights don't work right.

 

Triadecho: I'm trying to figure out a good drivetrain combination for my car as well. If you have a few minutes...Which cam are you running, and how are/have you resolving(ed) the low vacuum situation? Thanks.