What engine should I get
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: Doswell VA
What engine should I get
I need a new engine for my 1980. I have found two sold by gm that are in my price range. One is a 350 with 249hp and a 3yr 50k warranty for about $1400. Another is a 350 with 290hp and a 1 yr unl mile warranty for about $1600. Both are new from gm. Which should I get? Has anyone used these, and how have you liked them. Also, are their any other options that may be better for under or around 2,000?
Pro
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 564
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh PA
It depends.
What is the condition of the CURRENT engine? Do you have smog checks where you live???
What are your mechanical abilities (or those of a GOOD personal friend that you can bribe with copious amounts of BEER)?????
Do you have an EBay account...?
These ALL should be considered....
What is the condition of the CURRENT engine? Do you have smog checks where you live???
What are your mechanical abilities (or those of a GOOD personal friend that you can bribe with copious amounts of BEER)?????
Do you have an EBay account...?
These ALL should be considered....
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,861
Likes: 2
From: New Zealand
.....some more info would be good........
....is this a replacement motor to keep it running or do you want more HP/Torque???????
Are those rear wheel figures or flywheel??????
And how important is the warranty to you????? And what does the warranty cover?????
....is this a replacement motor to keep it running or do you want more HP/Torque???????
Are those rear wheel figures or flywheel??????
And how important is the warranty to you????? And what does the warranty cover?????
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,429
Likes: 14
From: CA
I asked myself that same question 3 years ago, problem was, I really wanted aluminum heads.
I ended up getting a ballanced 355 shortblock for $649.00 from a local machine shop in Los Angeles. Bought a pair of Dart aluminum heads for around $1200.00 from Jegs & bolted them on along with the rest of the parts I had left over.
The the end, glad I went this route. The machine shop did a great job (Vellios in Lawndale) & I'm glad I gave them my money. I have a nice motor for under $2000. Rebuillding & tuning my Q-Jet per Lars paper saved me a few hundred too.
I ended up getting a ballanced 355 shortblock for $649.00 from a local machine shop in Los Angeles. Bought a pair of Dart aluminum heads for around $1200.00 from Jegs & bolted them on along with the rest of the parts I had left over.
The the end, glad I went this route. The machine shop did a great job (Vellios in Lawndale) & I'm glad I gave them my money. I have a nice motor for under $2000. Rebuillding & tuning my Q-Jet per Lars paper saved me a few hundred too.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
From: Doswell VA
My mechanical abilities are not great, but I take an auto engines class at college, and would be able to do an engine swap there. I would not be able to do a rebuild, though, due to time constraints, so the old engine(which has three pistons not functioning) is not going to be rebuilt any time soon. I live in Virginia, and I don't think there is much emphasis on smog checks here. I think the hp #s are at flywheel.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 7,456
Likes: 2
From: Coming home from Luckenbach Texas
The engines you're talking about are the GM Goodwrench engines. The HP ratings are indeed gross and not SAE net. Good value for the money, but they are not fire-breathing monsters. A good cam does help wake 'em up to a certain degree.
Instructor
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 199
Likes: 0
From: Santa Monica CA
I second the Ebay suggestion. I bought a 355-HP GM ZZ4 with 300 miles and $1000 worth of mods off of Ebay for $1800. There are undoubtedly some great deals out there, but it's a risk.
You seem to be willing to pay for reliability (warranties), so the new or rebuilt crate engine might be a better way to go. If you're doing this to learn about cars and engines and you don't mind delays and unforeseen projects and complications and the like, then you might consider a higher-HP used engine. Repairs may be necessary, but what fun would Corvettes be without them?
You seem to be willing to pay for reliability (warranties), so the new or rebuilt crate engine might be a better way to go. If you're doing this to learn about cars and engines and you don't mind delays and unforeseen projects and complications and the like, then you might consider a higher-HP used engine. Repairs may be necessary, but what fun would Corvettes be without them?
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
From: Bangor Pa
I got a crate engine from AR racing in Summerduck Virginia, other members of this forum have bought engines from them also. I am very pleased with what I got from them for the price I paid (350, comp cam, dart heads) Engine runs great lots of power and shipped to my door for $2500. Lately some peoplke have complained about the length of time it is taking to get an engine from them but I would buy from them again and seeing that you are in virginia you would be able to see the progress first hand. Good luck in whatr ever way you go
Dave
Dave
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