$2K for this engine? *time sensitive*
 

Team:

1970 C20 2WD here...

I was browsing KSL (Utah's equivalent to CL) and found a guy selling this crate engine for $2K (probably can talk him down a bit more too):

http://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet-Perf...oductId=749874

Has 0 miles and was dropped into his project car, but has to pull the plug on it.

I know he's asking for half the price of the list price, so its a good deal in that regard, but I just want to make sure I am a smart buyer, not a foolish one. Your input would help me in this department.

I am not a engine guru, so looking for experienced input.

Mahalo!

Re: $2K for this engine? *time sensitive*
 

I assume that any engine I can't hear run is a boat anchor. My .02

Re: $2K for this engine? *time sensitive*
 

I have set up a time to go check it out and hear it start up this weekend, if thats what you were referring to. But, if that all checked out, is this an engine you would consider LZ? Although unfamiliar with what parts I would need, I do know I would need to buy some additional parts for this engine to work; but seeing as I might get away with it at half the price, that would be 6s. Hope that makes sense. I see you all over our forum and I appreciate your insight.

Re: $2K for this engine? *time sensitive*
 

Can't comment on the motor you're looking at but one of my trucks has a 350 crate 330 horsepower . Plenty of fun . I'm satisfied with it.

Re: $2K for this engine? *time sensitive*
 

alot of money to spend on a motor with no wannenty from an unknown seller with no history

Re: $2K for this engine? *time sensitive*
 

if it sounds good and does not smoke, go for it , you need to ask him if he did the proper break in run on it ,and paperwork, get all the paperwork for the warranty ect ect.

Re: $2K for this engine? *time sensitive*
 

Yeah tell me about C...he just bought the engine and installed it. The car is at his sisters home, in her garage, but he has since moved out of state. So it sounds like his sister is forcing the sale, especially since were into the cold months.

What would make you comfortable to buy an engine under this circumstance?

BigMac...do you know if these warranties can transfer names?

Re: $2K for this engine? *time sensitive*
 

Well I dont know about Utah, but here in Texas id say watch your ass. Down here you have to be really careful not to get robbed. Id take at least two buddies with you and tell him your not bringing cash with you. Thats my advice. As far as the motor, if it runs and doesnt smoke no knocks or leaks, buy it.

Eric (Evaded)

Re: $2K for this engine? *time sensitive*
 

Haha! I know what you mean; this is when it pays to be the smallest in my family at 6'4" and 280 lbs. We turn heads for sure. But i agree, safety first

Re: $2K for this engine? *time sensitive*
 

Speaking of a possible robbery, you might want to remember that friend on your side and no I'm not talking about your cell phone. Then again, if one has to be reminded of that, they probably don't have such friends.

Re: $2K for this engine? *time sensitive*
 

So he's out of state and his sister is selling it. Does it even belong to her?
Keep your money in your pocket, buy one with a warranty like this one from Summit. Add your own intake, carb etc and you'll be money ahead.
You can use your stock stuff now and upgrade later too.
http://www.summitracing.com/int/part...7353/overview/

Re: $2K for this engine? *time sensitive*
 

Any engine that you cannot test while running, do a leakdown and compression test on is worth about $250, which is the scrap price for cast iron.

The motor as a product is fine, and would be good for your truck. I just think the whole deal looks a little shaky.

Don't rush. The motor's not going anywhere in a hurry.

Re: $2K for this engine? *time sensitive*
 

Can you get the original receipt? I bet the engine has a warranty that would be honored at a Chevrolet dealership.

The engine the OP linked to is way better than the other engine link. $2K doesn't sound bad if it's legit.

Re: $2K for this engine? *time sensitive*
 

I bought a 300hp crate motor (different heads than the one shown) around 1998 and it's been a great engine. I'm pretty sure I paid about $2000 for it from the local Chevrolet dealer. It was a long block only, no intake or distributor. If the engine was like new, I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one.
The other motor linked above is just a base model 350. (the old Targetmaster, made in Mexico I believe) They aren't a bad engine, and they do run on 87 octane. They aren't really a high performance engine, but fine for a daily driver. The 330 hp 350 runs on premium only. Anything less and it will ping. The 330 hp engine also has a 1 piece rear main seal, and center bolt valve covers, both of which means they are less likely to leak oil. They do require a different flexplate/flywheel, so if you buy from this guy make sure you get that too.

Re: $2K for this engine? *time sensitive*
 

IDK man. I don't think I'd give that kind of money for that little of a motor. If its truly brand new and never been fired, I'd go no more than 1500. But I'm hard pressed on spending that kind of money on a crate motor, especially one that small. For 2k you could easily rebuild your motor and know exactly what you have. Assuming your heads are good, you have an intake and carb, you could build a budget 383 for right at 2k. On the other hand, I'm a big block guy and would go with a 496 every day of the week over spending money on a 350 rebuild!

Re: $2K for this engine? *time sensitive*
 

So 2K for a complete running motor, air filter to pan with accessories? That's a decent deal if everything checks out. The only reason I would be concerned is because you are not mechanically inclined and cracking open a used motor to check it out doesn't sound like something you would be comfortable doing. Ultimately buying a used motor is a crap shoot. What motor do you have now and why aren't you rebuilding it?

Re: $2K for this engine? *time sensitive*
 

Good solid advice, something my Gramps would give me. Thats a compliment to you sir.

I had asked him that, he gets back in town this weekend and will look for receipt. If Chevy would honor the warranty, it would better the deal.

Yeah, we are on the same page with the flexplate/flywheel. He has it in a Chevy car, would these two items be the same for our trucks?

Yeah, I am sending the original motor (over 500k miles, with only one overhaul) to the machinist this week. I definitely would be inclined to build up a 383 for the added torque, although my 4.10 rearend does just fine in that department.

Yeah, I am new to engines. I can tear one down and piece it together, but not saavy enough to see something and be able to see warning signs. Thats why I am taking a good mechanic friend to check it out.

My main concern is, if the machinist says I cant rebuild on my current block, I want to have some backup plans; but that also is making things worse haha. I am studying up on crate engines, building up a 350 to 383, etc.

Re: $2K for this engine? *time sensitive*
 

usually the sellers like (summit or jegs) have nothing to do with the warranty, you have to go back to the manufacture, and register with them , so if he never did that then the warranty has not be activated. I know with blueprint you have to register on line, summit does not get involved with warranty issues, they just sale the product

Re: $2K for this engine? *time sensitive*
 

I have been burned by the GMPP warranty situation personally. As it turns out the engines are not warrantied unless they are installed by a GM Dealer and an ASE certified mechanic.

http://static.speedwaymotors.com/pdf...e-Warranty.pdf


Not saying they haven't been serviced or warrantied anywhere in the past, I am just saying the guy I had to deal with knew about the loop hole in the warranty and it wasn't honored.

350/290hp long block, bad valve seals with about 200 miles on the engine. Apparently the OC in the plant didn't notice the fact they had used 4.3L V6 seals in this engine. There was a bad batch of them years ago and I guess I happened to get one. (of course)

.. just bringing it to light, the warranty is not all it's cracked up to be.

Re: $2K for this engine? *time sensitive*
 

This has been brought up before. If YOU do the install at home, it's highly recommended you have the install inspected by a local GM dealer. They should be able to verify that the engine runs well and at what mileage it was installed. Then just keep your oil change receipts until the warranty is up.

Sorry for the bad luck. I plan on buying one of these somewhat soon. Honestly, I don't blame GM for that, there are a lot of people out that there that think they know what they're doing, but they don't. Sucks for the rest of us.

Re: $2K for this engine? *time sensitive*
 

Just the way my luck goes I guess. 9 million engines in a whse at Summit, 1 bad one. that's the one I'll get every time. I'd buy another one though. Just saying, have all your ducks in a row and maybe a buddy at the local GM dealership that will sign off for the warranty.

The 290 HP engine ($1700 or so if you shop around) is pretty stout and it hit a pretty good lick .. but it just had 4.3 valve seals in it. Bizarre error at the plant. I bet the 330HP is a nasty little crate motor.

Re: $2K for this engine? *time sensitive*
 

Yeah, I have been made aware of the GM warranty qualifications. I called GMPP and they said it cannot transfer names, once the engine is installed. So that is a deal breaker, unless I get it for sub $1K. But even then, I feel safer just buying my own, and new.

Sorry to hear your story, that sucks. But a positive sign youd still buy another GM.

Re: $2K for this engine? *time sensitive*
 

Not according to their own warranty info?

Re: $2K for this engine? *time sensitive*
 

Funny thing is... a 350 can be built for a tad under 2 grand and make 1hp per cubic inch or more.

Gary

Re: $2K for this engine? *time sensitive*
 

Yeah, but he's not buying the vehicle - just the engine.

Re: $2K for this engine? *time sensitive*
 

well if you are going to get a crate engine, get a 383 stroker, i kick my self in the ass for not spending an extra 600 bones and getting a 420HP 383, instead of the 355. but i am thinking about converting mine and adding a trick flow top end kit to it

Re: $2K for this engine? *time sensitive*
 

funny thing is the engine section here is chuck full of posts about those type of engines being dead in 500 miles or less

Re: $2K for this engine? *time sensitive*
 

I am so on the fence with the same dilemma...this is going to be a DD, but man, I read about and see 383s and think, "man I would like to feel that torque power off the line every once in awhile".

cdowns...I appreciate your insight. I have read your posts about not being pro-rebuilds. What crate engines have you had experience with or prefer?

Re: $2K for this engine? *time sensitive*
 

Thats completely the builders fault, not the engines! Good bearings, good machine work and knowing your tolerances and how to set them is critical. However a stout $2000 350 rebuild is completely doable, if YOUR capable.

Re: $2K for this engine? *time sensitive*
 

.


cdowns...I appreciate your insight. I have read your posts about not being pro-rebuilds. What crate engines have you had experience with or prefer?[/QUOTE]

i've used a few of the GMPP crate engines 260 and 290 mostly// one time iwhen i was in a real time bind i got a turnkey 300hp setup from the engine factory// that was really nice just hooked up water gas and electric and it was great for a 2000 mile test drive the next day

Re: $2K for this engine? *time sensitive*
 

I am an engine novice, if I do go crate engine, would you recommend a turn key? I can bolt things on and run belts, but never broken an new engine in.

Re: $2K for this engine? *time sensitive*
 

Engine break in is easy. This big thing is the initial fire to break in the cam. Just google cam break in and you'll see what to do. Pretty simple just make sure everything is ready and you have a way to gauge RPM's.

Re: $2K for this engine? *time sensitive*
 

Thats good to know because I called Gus Paulos to see what theyd charge to install a Chevy crate engine (that way I can keep the warranty valid), and they said theyd charge $1850. Does that seem outrageous?

I have originally thought having that warranty would be nice, but adding an additional 2gs to the overall costs is killer.

Re: $2K for this engine? *time sensitive*
 

That sounds about right for a dealer. I don't think it has to be a Chevy dealer that does the install though for the warranty. Maybe you could clarify that and find it cheaper or see if they will let you do the install yourself and bring it to a dealer for inspection?

Re: $2K for this engine? *time sensitive*
 

Great idea. I forgot that I think I read that on our forum somewhere, about being able to possibly install and take to dealer for inspection. That would put their crate engines back onto my radar.

Re: $2K for this engine? *time sensitive*
 

LMAO! :lol:

Just cuz it's a "crate engine with a warranty" makes no guarantee that it will survive any longer.

Gary

Re: $2K for this engine? *time sensitive*
 

It's not a guarantee, but buying a crate engine certainly improves the odds of getting 100k+ miles without needing a rebuild.
I've installed dozens of new and remanufactured engines from GM. (I worked at a GM dealer for over 17 years) I've never had one come back for anything more serious than an oil leak.

Re: $2K for this engine? *time sensitive*
 

Have a personal preference for any crate motors from GM?

Re: $2K for this engine? *time sensitive*
 

Bringing this one back up with an update, looks like I might be able to pick this engine up for 800-1000 bucks. It hasnt' been fired up for 2-3 years. If you were in my seat, what would you do?

Re: $2K for this engine? *time sensitive*
 

I'd buy it just to have it.

But I'm a hoarder :exit: