Ebay Crate Engines
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,128
Likes: 3
From: Deltona (son of Deland and DAYTONA) FL
Originally Posted by 74Thrasher
Wow, thanks for all the replies guys. 
I am most definitely a novice, but I have been tinkering with the idea of doing the swap myself, with help of course.
~ Colin
I am most definitely a novice, but I have been tinkering with the idea of doing the swap myself, with help of course. ~ Colin
These things are not a big deal, but something to keep in mind.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 492
Likes: 0
From: Burlington Ky
If you decide to go the E-bay route, be oh so careful. There are scammers and all you can do is bite the bullet and file charges. E-bay will do nothing. Whatever you do, do not go anywhere near nealglobalauto.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
Originally Posted by 79ls1
If you decide to go the E-bay route, be oh so careful. There are scammers and all you can do is bite the bullet and file charges. E-bay will do nothing. Whatever you do, do not go anywhere near nealglobalauto.
I'll go one step beyond this statement for a first time engine purchase....if you decide to go the e-bay route....... don't do it.......GM crate engines is the way to go....or any local business you can reach out and actually have a face to face conversation....i went to one local race engine buidler and there was crap all over the place onthe floor etc....one look at the shop and i realized it was not for me....
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: St Paul MN
Once again thanks for all the replies. I guess the ZZ4 does sound pretty good. It's in my price range and hp range, and while I would like to pay less for a motor, if that's the best way to go then that's all good.
Do you guys have any other recommendations for engine in the 3000-4500 price range. I'm open to pretty much anything at this point, as long as it's fairly streetable, has some kick, and of course can be made to be very LOUD.
~ Colin
Do you guys have any other recommendations for engine in the 3000-4500 price range. I'm open to pretty much anything at this point, as long as it's fairly streetable, has some kick, and of course can be made to be very LOUD.
~ Colin
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,165
Likes: 950
From: Keizer Oregon
I was originally thinking about getting he zz4 from sallee chevrolet, but after 5 different phone calls I was unable to get any reasonable answers or"customer service" to my questions. One day they put me on hold for over 20 minutes 
It's really too bad since they are within driving distance from my house!! So I decided to go the ebay route and bought an AR Racing motor for $3900. 440 hp 383 w/rpm alum heads, new 4 bolt block, new steel crnk, forged rods and lots of good parts. I also was able to talk to Mark Lim about the motor on the very first call 
It was my first engine swap on my own........I have had the motor in for about 5 months now and it runs perfectly. It also produces +/- 100hp more than the zz4 for about the same price.
Just one other thought....Just because you buy a GM crate motor doesn't mean you are going to get free work done on your car if something goes wrong...You would still have to pull the motor yourself and ship it somewhere....just my 2 cents from my experiences.
good luck
It's really too bad since they are within driving distance from my house!! So I decided to go the ebay route and bought an AR Racing motor for $3900. 440 hp 383 w/rpm alum heads, new 4 bolt block, new steel crnk, forged rods and lots of good parts. I also was able to talk to Mark Lim about the motor on the very first call It was my first engine swap on my own........I have had the motor in for about 5 months now and it runs perfectly. It also produces +/- 100hp more than the zz4 for about the same price.Just one other thought....Just because you buy a GM crate motor doesn't mean you are going to get free work done on your car if something goes wrong...You would still have to pull the motor yourself and ship it somewhere....just my 2 cents from my experiences.
good luck
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 1
From: New Cumberland PA
I looked at several of their Ebay engines, they use used blocks. They list what the item cost and over inflate the price of items such as the block. This does not mean the engines are no good, but they have a tendacy to over sell their engines. I looked at one they say is worth $9885 but they are selling for $5855. For $6k you can buy a nice GM crate engine with all new parts. Personally I dislike businesses that advertise as they do. I would feel better if they said they had $4500 in parts and are selling the engine for $5855 including machine work and profit.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 492
Likes: 0
From: Burlington Ky
Totally.I am looking for a 6.0 Escalade engine. I found some on E-bay "advertised" as under 10,000 miles (yeah right, whatever
) for $3500. You can buy a brand new long block from GM for 3299 + 250 shipping or a complete crate for 3724 + 175 shipping. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
Originally Posted by 74Thrasher
Do you guys have any other recommendations for engine in the 3000-4500 price range. I'm open to pretty much anything at this point, as long as it's fairly streetable, has some kick, and of course can be made to be very LOUD.
~ Colin
Summit offers a Recon 383 stroker with 430 HP for $4299 - it's RCN708502SM, they also have a Recon 350 with 350 HP for $2899 - this one is RCM708502RSM
Who has experience with Recon ? Never heard that name before... the 350 for $2899 seems to be a good deal....
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Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
recon is made out of Philadephia....and does not sell direct you have to go through a vendor.....for what its worth one of the magazines had a favorable write up on them....and Pep boys even sells them....
