Shopping for a new engine
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Shopping for a new engine
I'm shopping for a ZZ4 and I have seen several threads where people are purchasing crate engines from Jegs, Summit and Pace etc. All of the vendors seem to have very competitive pricing. Given that price is not a differentiating factor I would like to know how satisfied people are with the different vendors. I am planning to make the purchase in the next couple weeks and I am inclined on following the advice of the forum members.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,711
Likes: 7
From: Metro Detroit -- Farmington Hills MI
Cruise-In VII & IX Veteran
I bought the 350H.O. deluxe from Jegs this summer. Love the engine. Shipped pretty fast. I know its not the zz4, but was happy dealing with them.
Alex
Alex
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 3,631
Likes: 14
From: Fountain Hills AZ
Check your local Chev parts departments first and don't be afraid to ask them to match prices. Most will probably stick with list but some will match to get the sale. If they do, you'll save shipping and will have a relationship with someone local in case there's a problem later.
Racer
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 498
Likes: 1
From: Dracut Massachusetts
I got my turn key motor from www.golensengineservice.com
i got the complete ready to run,balanced & blueprinted, and dynoed,with the unlimited mileage lifetime warentee, This motor is great goobs of pwr,check out the web site he has everything
i got the complete ready to run,balanced & blueprinted, and dynoed,with the unlimited mileage lifetime warentee, This motor is great goobs of pwr,check out the web site he has everything
Last edited by vettepacecar; Jan 6, 2005 at 10:23 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,128
Likes: 3
From: Deltona (son of Deland and DAYTONA) FL
GrandsportC3 will probably contribute to this thread regarding AR motors. As the second owner of his 383, I can say that they build a quality motor. From recent threads though, it appears that they are back-logged on custom motors, so you might have to wait.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,725
Likes: 5
From: Minnesota
I don't know if you saw my thread on this but I just ordered this motor today from JEGS.
http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerc...27&prmenbr=361
I previously had an order at Sallee that I gave up on and cancelled today. JEGS said I should receive the motor in about 5 days.
http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerc...27&prmenbr=361
I previously had an order at Sallee that I gave up on and cancelled today. JEGS said I should receive the motor in about 5 days.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 182,997
Likes: 88
From: Lakeland, FL
Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
Originally Posted by isosceles
GrandsportC3 will probably contribute to this thread regarding AR motors. As the second owner of his 383, I can say that they build a quality motor. From recent threads though, it appears that they are back-logged on custom motors, so you might have to wait.
I got my 383 from AR Racing and drove 12k miles and 50+ drag strip passes... and the engine still ran like on the first day... 465 HP for less than a ZZ4...
Racer
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 271
Likes: 0
From: Alpharette GA
Try calling a few local GM dealers I found a local dealer (in Atlanta) that matched Jegs price (when the shipping was factored in) and they loaded it in my blazer for me. The bonus was if I had problems with the engine the local warranty is less of a hassle to take care off.
The local trucking firm gave me a hassle as to what their driver would do in and not do for a home delivery from Jegs. They wanted me to pay for a lift gate or I need a fork truck for off load. The local GM dealer made that hassle go away.
It's worth a try, but be prepared most where arrogant, full list over priced (&^^%%$@!#!#!) Sorry I hate when my hands do that.
The local trucking firm gave me a hassle as to what their driver would do in and not do for a home delivery from Jegs. They wanted me to pay for a lift gate or I need a fork truck for off load. The local GM dealer made that hassle go away.
It's worth a try, but be prepared most where arrogant, full list over priced (&^^%%$@!#!#!) Sorry I hate when my hands do that.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,362
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio TX
Actually with all of the neat things starting to happen and if I was looking for another small block I would seriously look into the new LS1 and its all aluminum variants that are available. You can make darn good HP more fuel efficient and loose a bunch of weight off of the front end all at one time. Ask around there are a few members here that have done it and can give some great advice on the subject. And with the new LS7 427ci coming our way soon with 500hp on tap it sure does make you wonder. 
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
From: Bakersfield CA.
I just purchased a crate engine from GM. the local chevy dealer quoted me a price the same as the catalogs, I then found out that not all GM dealers are authorized Performance parts dealers,(sure they can get the parts),the local chevy dealer wanted 1 price then I found that the local GMC Dealer was an authorized Performance dealer and sold me the same engine for $3oo. less and had them in stock and delerved for free the same day. when I asked why the chevy dealer was a different price he said that they had called him at GMC and were going to buy it and sell to me for a higher price.go on GMGoodwrench.com and do a dealer search and beside the dealer names will show if there an authorized Performance parts dealer or not.
I didnt pay any shiping but did pay tax which was close to shipping charges and got it at my door that afternoon.
good luck with yr purchase.
I didnt pay any shiping but did pay tax which was close to shipping charges and got it at my door that afternoon.
good luck with yr purchase.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 782
Likes: 0
From: Elizabeth New Jersey
Originally Posted by SHAKERATTLEROLL
Actually with all of the neat things starting to happen and if I was looking for another small block I would seriously look into the new LS1 and its all aluminum variants that are available. You can make darn good HP more fuel efficient and loose a bunch of weight off of the front end all at one time. Ask around there are a few members here that have done it and can give some great advice on the subject. And with the new LS7 427ci coming our way soon with 500hp on tap it sure does make you wonder.
Hey I wanna ask something. Can the authorized performace dealers put the engine in, and tune it too? I'm planning to buy the 350/260 or the 350/320 before the summer ( depends on my pockets after other repairs ).
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 1
From: New Cumberland PA
Originally Posted by Vetterodder
Check your local Chev parts departments first and don't be afraid to ask them to match prices. Most will probably stick with list but some will match to get the sale. If they do, you'll save shipping and will have a relationship with someone local in case there's a problem later.
It doesn't have to be a chevy dealer as long as they are able to get GMPP parts. If you call a dealer, they will quote you list price. They should not have any problem dropping their price to what they sell parts to the local garages for. Let them know that you are willing to fork over the full payment upon ordering. That is no different than ordering from from jegs, summit, sallee, etc. Some dealerships are wise enough to cut their price and still make a profit while other dealerships are old fashioned and will not be price competitve.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 769
Likes: 0
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
Originally Posted by Vetterodder
Check your local Chev parts departments first and don't be afraid to ask them to match prices. Most will probably stick with list but some will match to get the sale. If they do, you'll save shipping and will have a relationship with someone local in case there's a problem later.
I did all the leg work before I bought my ZZ4 385 hp fastburn from dealer ship. And it was delivered in 24 hours they payed the shipping and the price cheaper than all other vendors. Not much cheaper but, every bit helps.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
I have a custom built 406 with AFR heads etc. If I had it to do over again I might buy the GM Performance Products 383 partial engine. It comes complete less heads, cam, intake and exhaust manifold. The parts it doesn't come with are the ones that you want to customize for you own tastes and are relatively easy bolt ons. The engine is more than a short block because it includes the oil pump, pan, distributor, front engine cover etc.