Another Crate Engine Thread
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Custer, WI
Another Crate Engine Thread
http://yearone.org/serverfiles/fbsho...26DJ73491&trk=
Can anybody find a crate engine with the LT4 camshaft and Vortec heads on it?
There are people making some pretty good power with Vortec heads over on TGO, I am wondering if it would be possible to find the same engine for less from a different dealer.
Can anybody find a crate engine with the LT4 camshaft and Vortec heads on it?
There are people making some pretty good power with Vortec heads over on TGO, I am wondering if it would be possible to find the same engine for less from a different dealer.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,141
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From: Pittsburgh Pa
lt4 hot cam? if i were you i would go on ebay find a used vortec motor rebuild it with a decent cam and drop it in.. done way cheaper.. hell i found a running lt1 with a transmission accesories harness computer and pcm for $1300.. dropped it in and drove it like i stole it..
Last edited by pr0zac; Oct 3, 2009 at 08:16 PM.
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Custer, WI
lt4 hot cam? if i were you i would go on ebay find a used vortec motor rebuild it with a decent cam and drop it in.. done way cheaper.. hell i found a running lt1 with a transmission accesories harness computer and pcm for $1300.. dropped it in and drove it like i stole it..
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/L31-C...=p4506.c0.m245
And slap some vortec heads on it?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Australia
Cheaper still
http://paceperformance.com/index.asp...&ProdID=184534
Which Vortec heads are you looking at?
For $1000 v $600 for Vortec's you can get a TFS head that doesn't need a special intake .The stock Vortecs require machining / or spring change to run higher lift cams
http://www.speedwaybids.com/tech/Vor..._Max_Lift.html
http://www.2quicknovas.com/vortecheads.html
http://paceperformance.com/index.asp...&ProdID=184534
Which Vortec heads are you looking at?
For $1000 v $600 for Vortec's you can get a TFS head that doesn't need a special intake .The stock Vortecs require machining / or spring change to run higher lift cams
http://www.speedwaybids.com/tech/Vor..._Max_Lift.html
http://www.2quicknovas.com/vortecheads.html
Last edited by rodj; Oct 3, 2009 at 09:51 PM.
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Custer, WI
I was thinking about building it, but I'm only 17 (soon to be 18) and I don't have much experience with the bottom ends of engines. The last thing I would want to do is spend $2,000 dollars and put it together and blow it up. I am going to tinker with the old block if i decide to go the crate engine route.
Another factor affecting my decision is that I don't have the space to do it. The garage is consumed by vehicles in winter because of our awesome climate here in Wisconsin.
I have a lot of pride for it, its not like I am stealing the parts, i still work very hard for all of my money which goes towards the car.
Another factor affecting my decision is that I don't have the space to do it. The garage is consumed by vehicles in winter because of our awesome climate here in Wisconsin.
I have a lot of pride for it, its not like I am stealing the parts, i still work very hard for all of my money which goes towards the car.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Australia
I think the shortblock mentioned is a good starting point for a newbie. He still has to learn cam / timing / heads / rocker install without worrying about ring gaps and bearing clearances which many here on this forum would not undertake anyway.
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Custer, WI
Would building short block be cheaper than buying the crate motor? I really do want to learn, i am going to school after high school for automotive mechanics/body.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Australia
Pro
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I can agree with that for sure
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Custer, WI
The shortblock route might be a good route, provided it is cheaper than the crate engine. I would love to learn, plus it gives me something to do during the winter. Maybe I can pursuade dad to park the car outside for a month.
Either way, I want to build that exact engine. With the LT4 Hotcam, Vortec Heads.
Last edited by Pwnage1337; Oct 4, 2009 at 02:57 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: WAY UPSTATE NY
The Year One motor isn't a bad deal but remember that the Vortec TPI base plate is $400 to $500. Maybe you could work out a credit for the manifold on that crate motor.
You won't make that H.P. and torque with the TPI tho. Good luck with your project.
You won't make that H.P. and torque with the TPI tho. Good luck with your project.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Australia
I was refering to the 2nd link you posted obviously
Need to crunch the numbers.
Do you have a engine to get parts off? fasteners ,oil pan, timing cover ,pushrods, possibly roller lifters if in good cond etc.
If you have to buy new then the cost difference could blow out.
Otherwise you need cam , timing set , heads , oil pump.
Could get a different cam so you don't need 1.6 rockers that the Hot cam needs
Do you have a engine to get parts off? fasteners ,oil pan, timing cover ,pushrods, possibly roller lifters if in good cond etc.
If you have to buy new then the cost difference could blow out.
Otherwise you need cam , timing set , heads , oil pump.
Could get a different cam so you don't need 1.6 rockers that the Hot cam needs
Pro
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I don't understand why you are looking at 350s when you're just gonna put a tpi back on it. Thats what you have. You could just put better heads and 1.6 rockers most likely end up with nearly the same results as the crates you are looking at.
Do you have good evidence that you need a rebuild?
I only am suggesting that you think it over because that intake won't demand much out of the shortblock or valvetrain.
If you are going to rebuild, I think you should set your sights a little higher for a hp goal
Do you have good evidence that you need a rebuild?
I only am suggesting that you think it over because that intake won't demand much out of the shortblock or valvetrain.
If you are going to rebuild, I think you should set your sights a little higher for a hp goal
Heel & Toe
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Next newbie question here - what can you do to max out the capabilities of the TPI system? I might be looking to do something like this down the road on my 85, but will be in trouble knowledge-wise if I have to R&D my way into something that works. I do want 400 HP, which doesn't seem like much these days.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,141
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From: Pittsburgh Pa
I don't understand why you are looking at 350s when you're just gonna put a tpi back on it. Thats what you have. You could just put better heads and 1.6 rockers most likely end up with nearly the same results as the crates you are looking at.
Do you have good evidence that you need a rebuild?
I only am suggesting that you think it over because that intake won't demand much out of the shortblock or valvetrain.
If you are going to rebuild, I think you should set your sights a little higher for a hp goal
Do you have good evidence that you need a rebuild?
I only am suggesting that you think it over because that intake won't demand much out of the shortblock or valvetrain.
If you are going to rebuild, I think you should set your sights a little higher for a hp goal
Pro
Joined: Mar 2008
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