Rebuild or Crate
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,213
Likes: 2
From: Cincinnati oh
Rebuild or Crate
My vet she is dead No compression on either head and it already had oil leaks so i figure its a good time to pull it and rebuild it or crate enigine so here is my debate
I want 300 + hp and 350+ torque
I have a quote for 1800-2000 for a rebuild.
Should i look for a longblock from a after market co or go forward with the rebuild.
I plan on keeping the TPI (i dont know why)
Thoughts or suggestions?
I want 300 + hp and 350+ torque
I have a quote for 1800-2000 for a rebuild.
Should i look for a longblock from a after market co or go forward with the rebuild.
I plan on keeping the TPI (i dont know why)
Thoughts or suggestions?
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Crate long block motors from large companies will come with longer warranties. GM, BluePrint, and Jasper all have good long block assemblies and once you receive them, they are ready to bolt in. But these engines will probably be somewhat limited in terms of specific parts or machining that you may want. But the power numbers you mentioned would be pretty common among them.
In many cases, you can have them in just a few days to a week or so from placing an order. Guess it's a question about how long you want to wait to get the car back on the street.
Local engine builders can offer a wider range of components based on what you want, but the machine work can take some time based on how busy they may be. The engine builder our shop uses said that it could take up to two months to get a custom spec rebuild motor for a "walk-in" customer. Most independent local builders only offer 90 days to 6 months warranty and that's if they do the assembly work.
In many cases, you can have them in just a few days to a week or so from placing an order. Guess it's a question about how long you want to wait to get the car back on the street.
Local engine builders can offer a wider range of components based on what you want, but the machine work can take some time based on how busy they may be. The engine builder our shop uses said that it could take up to two months to get a custom spec rebuild motor for a "walk-in" customer. Most independent local builders only offer 90 days to 6 months warranty and that's if they do the assembly work.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,471
Likes: 1,224
From: Fredonia WI
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C7 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
2023 C4 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2020 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2019 C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods)
2018 C4 of Year Finalist
IMHO, a crate engine is the way to go.
While the ZZ4 is the "standard" replacement for the L98, you won't get the advertised numbers using TPI (and many say it can't get the rated numbers without some bolt on mods).
You might think about a 383 crate engine for a step up as they aren't that much more expensive.
Good luck
While the ZZ4 is the "standard" replacement for the L98, you won't get the advertised numbers using TPI (and many say it can't get the rated numbers without some bolt on mods).
You might think about a 383 crate engine for a step up as they aren't that much more expensive.
Good luck
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,213
Likes: 2
From: Cincinnati oh
Thanks for the advice I have read horror stories about Jegs and Blue print. PLUS both demand you use their installer (about 1000.00 in labor) So guess i'm Leaning tword the rebuild guy he has a great reputation
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,422
Likes: 202
nothing wrong with a good reputable re-build. But wow 1k for the install. You must have some C4 co buddies to have a weekend engine removal / install
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,213
Likes: 2
From: Cincinnati oh
I have a buddy that helping me, I am really nervous. So many damn wires and Vaccum lines. Hopefully will all go smooth.
SO ANY ONE IN THE CINCINNATI AREA WANTS FREE FOOD AND BEER CONTACT ME
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,704
Likes: 8
i like the Tri Star engine here their site,they use machined rebuild block or new Dart block from the foundry for they entry or pro series.lot of displacements and you can choose different cams and forged rotating...
here a 355 with opitional (400 $) New GM block (not seasoned)
http://www.tristarengines.com/catalo...num-heads.html
here a Pro -Star 383 witha NEW from foundry SHP block
http://www.tristarengines.com/catalo...der-heads.html
here a 355 with opitional (400 $) New GM block (not seasoned)
http://www.tristarengines.com/catalo...num-heads.html
here a Pro -Star 383 witha NEW from foundry SHP block
http://www.tristarengines.com/catalo...der-heads.html
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,213
Likes: 2
From: Cincinnati oh
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,213
Likes: 2
From: Cincinnati oh
i like the Tri Star engine here their site,they use machined rebuild block or new Dart block from the foundry for they entry or pro series.lot of displacements and you can choose different cams and forged rotating...
here a 355 with opitional (400 $) New GM block (not seasoned)
http://www.tristarengines.com/catalo...num-heads.html
here a Pro -Star 383 witha NEW from foundry SHP block
http://www.tristarengines.com/catalo...der-heads.html
here a 355 with opitional (400 $) New GM block (not seasoned)
http://www.tristarengines.com/catalo...num-heads.html
here a Pro -Star 383 witha NEW from foundry SHP block
http://www.tristarengines.com/catalo...der-heads.html
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 148
Likes: 0
From: Rindge NH
$2k parts and labor for a rebuild? Will the shop do tear down and re-assembly? What parts are involved? Not trying to sound negative, but that price sounds too good to be true.
I just finished a top end rebuild for my 4 cyl Subaru. Didn't touch the block. I pulled the engine, did the tear down and re-assembly, re-install myself. Shop machined the heads, replaced 4 valves, re-assembled the heads, set the valves, provided gasket set. I sourced and installed timing belt and related, water pump, clutch. Have around $1,600 in it.
Don't overlook the small stuff - fluids, filters, plugs & wires, other misc parts that need attention. It adds up quick!
And yes, be prepared to wait if you go local. My machine shop does a lot of local circle track and mud bog trucks. Took almost 3 months, but he does excellent work.
I just finished a top end rebuild for my 4 cyl Subaru. Didn't touch the block. I pulled the engine, did the tear down and re-assembly, re-install myself. Shop machined the heads, replaced 4 valves, re-assembled the heads, set the valves, provided gasket set. I sourced and installed timing belt and related, water pump, clutch. Have around $1,600 in it.
Don't overlook the small stuff - fluids, filters, plugs & wires, other misc parts that need attention. It adds up quick!
And yes, be prepared to wait if you go local. My machine shop does a lot of local circle track and mud bog trucks. Took almost 3 months, but he does excellent work.
Max G’s
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,751
Likes: 79
From: Monroe OH
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Check out Ohio Crankshaft. They are located in Greenville OH.
http://www.ohiocrank.com/chev_sb_shortb.html
http://www.ohiocrank.com/chev_sb_shortb.html
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,672
Likes: 20
From: Lake Wylie SC
I'm in the middle of building a LT1. We stroked and bored to 383 and line bored and squared the block and heads. The rotating assembly was balanced. When buying a crate engine, be advised that most blocks are not square along with the heads. It's how they are manufactured. There is a difference between a block that is squared and one that is not when it comes to horsepower. BUT the real problem is expense. Sure the crate engine will run just fine for most and will be okay with little problems installing. Ever wonder why some engines just run better that others? It's all in the details.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,213
Likes: 2
From: Cincinnati oh
He is very highly recomended but i am approaching with caution he said he will assemble it all up to the intake out the door for 1800.00 and i dont pay him till its done and tested so dot really have a ton to loose
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,422
Likes: 202
With a TPI system that provides the best low torque. I would not build a 383 with that combo.
parts wise.. yes very close to a standard build.
the machine work to blue print & highly recommended splayed 4 bolt main conversion is the extra cost.
and trust me I have witnessed. Terrible machine work from supposed machine shops. That equaled hack shops. In the off season. I would look for a race, dirt or track builder. "The winning builder"
For the machine & short block build. & set up your heads properly. The rest your friends could handle
Ps 383 with TPI = burnout king. Not so fun. Unless you upgrade to a much better intake system.
parts wise.. yes very close to a standard build.
the machine work to blue print & highly recommended splayed 4 bolt main conversion is the extra cost.
and trust me I have witnessed. Terrible machine work from supposed machine shops. That equaled hack shops. In the off season. I would look for a race, dirt or track builder. "The winning builder"
For the machine & short block build. & set up your heads properly. The rest your friends could handle
Ps 383 with TPI = burnout king. Not so fun. Unless you upgrade to a much better intake system.
Last edited by THE 383 admiral; Nov 17, 2014 at 12:15 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,098
Likes: 378
From: Las Vegas - Just stop perpetuating myths please.
Ive only read good reports for Blue Print Engines on the C3 forum. But if u what another choice try ATK engines, Summit sells ATK and heres one that should work 325hp/375ft-lbs for $2400 (but the dip stick is on the wrong side): http://www.summitracing.com/parts/hpe-hp29. BTW ATK has some awesome higher performance engines they now support. ATK is one of the largest engine rebuilders and i would not be afraid to use their engines.
The GM 290hp 350" is even $2100 at Summit while the next step is the ZZ5 @ $6000.
IMHO if your not up to the remove and replacement then take it to a shop - they will some warranty period with it. Going rate for R&R the engine used to be $1K but that was years ago. And ya know the closer u get to the holidays the better the labor prices get for u because fewer people are spending $$$ on their cars and the shops are looking for work. And with an older car its always good to get familiar with the local shops for help. Better to spend a few more bucks and have a car to drive with warranty than to save a few bucks and have a garage potato. If your not ready to R&R let alone a full rebuild then dont and save yourself some real headaches.
Just my 2cents here. Good luck on what u choose.
The GM 290hp 350" is even $2100 at Summit while the next step is the ZZ5 @ $6000.
IMHO if your not up to the remove and replacement then take it to a shop - they will some warranty period with it. Going rate for R&R the engine used to be $1K but that was years ago. And ya know the closer u get to the holidays the better the labor prices get for u because fewer people are spending $$$ on their cars and the shops are looking for work. And with an older car its always good to get familiar with the local shops for help. Better to spend a few more bucks and have a car to drive with warranty than to save a few bucks and have a garage potato. If your not ready to R&R let alone a full rebuild then dont and save yourself some real headaches.
Just my 2cents here. Good luck on what u choose.