I really would like to give my 85 some new life. It has 126k on it and it still runs strong, but If you were going to purcase a crate motor which would you consider or which have you purchased and from where.

Thanks

 

considering you are in cali, you want to stay emissions legal, right? how much do you want to spend?

 

I have seen some 383 for about 6k. I would like to try and stay below this number, but will go higher if I need too. I am not looking to create a track car, but I would like to get a little bit more out of her, especially when I get a few a--holes that like to ride my tail.

I should also say that when it comes to a motor I am not too handy, so I will have to have to trust a good shop to do the work.

 

Bear in mind, when looking at these power numbers for crates, that they will NOT make the advertised power once you put the TPI intake from your 85 on them. It wont even be close usually.

Theyre usually rated with full headers and big carbs, and you have neither.

That said, I'd probably go with a ZZ4 crate if I wanted it to pass a sniffer and stay close to stock. Otherwise i'd look into something better from Scoggin-Dickey, go ahead and look at what they have.

 

www.victoryracingengines.com .....is a good option

 

383's and 406's around 400 flywheel HP can pass the bi annual tailpipe smog test. I think the main issue is getting all EO# parts that show, such as Super Ram or large tube runners/manifold and EO #cylinder heads for the "visual". AFR and Trickflow both have EO#'s with 195CC runners.

An obstacle is the exhaust system. There are no long tube headers with an EO# because the pre-cats are eliminated. So you have to live with a system that will pass the visual check. This means stock system. No shorty's have EO#s. This is still not a bad deal because a big inch engine which is designed as a low to mid-rpm torquey engine will still make your Vette very quick and a pleasure to drive.

I'd call the leading crate companies of your choice and give them your parameters and see what they come up with. They should be within your price range for the long block, but induction will probably be another $1500-$1800 for parts alone. A chip is also pricey, around $600 on the high end. I'd get a custom chip for your specific engine. The stock induction system can still be used, but it is a major restriction about 4500rpms.

You might also consider a GM ZZ4 including the upgraded induction/chip and still come in close to your price range. The engine does not have an EO#, but I have heard it passes the tailpipe test and with stock GM-aluminum heads, it should pass the visual. All your peripherals should bolt right up.

 

GM ZZ4,Or possibly the GM Fast burn engine ,although I`m not sure if the fast burn heads are compatible with your manifold.

 

A couple of machine shops that I have talked to recently tell me the the GM crate engines you see advertised are build in Mexico and the blocks are also cast in Mexico. The quality of the cast iron is not as good as the blocks cast in the 80 and early 90's. They mentioned several cases that the engines just didn't hold up more than 3 years.

You might get a better, longer lasting engine if you built it yourself.

 

There was a LT4 crate motor for sale still in the crate in the parts section.

 

Thanks for the recommendation.

 

Iwent with the ZZ4 in my 84', Lot's of torque and pulls strong to 6,000 RPM and descent mileage.

 

And that will allow you to upgrade to an LT1 style exhaust system.

Remember one thing: EPA and CARB follow the ENGINE, not the car. So if you have a 1985 Corvette, and put a 1995 Corvette engine in it, the engine must meet the emissions of the newer engine.

This is not all bad... cause the newer engines have better cats available and just breath much better.

 

and seriously not CARB legal... sad to say.

 

Smog man can't fail you on parts that he can't see.

 

true dat.

but if they start digging and checking numbers... which they can at times... all you need is for them to find the ZZ4 on the block and all hell breaks loose.