Crate motor for a 63 C20?
 

Considering what the lowest cost option would be for a "complete" crate motor. Not looking for a huge motor or lots of HP, just a 350 or something like that. I'm ok with a carb, don't really want to mess with a computer and all that extra crap.
If I do get one, I would put a T5 behind it, or some other manual, over-drive trans.

Are there pretty good deals out there? Probably less expensive to buy a complete motor, than rebuild one, right?

Re: Crate motor for a 63 C20?
 

A new one is now 2800.00

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-OEM-GM-...AAAOSwbaxckkQP

Otherwise you can get the 350 ZZ short block and put your choice of heads on it and cam
https://www.jegs.com/p/Chevrolet-Per...49884/10002/-1

Might be cheaper to buy a "core" off craigslist and use that for a reman motor.

Rebuild yours if you have the time

When I get to do mine, I will get a new block (1pc seal) and rebuild the engine to what I want

Re: Crate motor for a 63 C20?
 

Not sure about some of these EFlay deals. Probably better to go with a reputable source like Blueprint, right? Summit Racing, Speedway Motors?

Re: Crate motor for a 63 C20?
 

Blueprint is more reliable than a General Motors product sold through a GM dealer??

Re: Crate motor for a 63 C20?
 

Is that a question?

Re: Crate motor for a 63 C20?
 

Summit can have decent prices on motors I got my gm l31 engine from them
Ebay i would not buy an engine from no real recourse for knock off parts inside engine

Re: Crate motor for a 63 C20?
 

Can you run a carb on an LS motor?

Re: Crate motor for a 63 C20?
 

Of course you can.

Re: Crate motor for a 63 C20?
 

That sounds like a good option. Should be simpler and less expensive than the wiring harness and computer. I could probably find an LS motor for about 500-600, right?

Re: Crate motor for a 63 C20?
 

Don’t know cost. It would vary depending on popularity and availability.

Re: Crate motor for a 63 C20?
 

I went with a something like this: https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/059/7353/10002/-1 purchased new from a local Chevy dealer years ago. Went with an Eddy performer intake + carb and headers. Still going good many years and 100+K miles later.

For your 63, a set of ram's horn manifolds would be a nice match and probably less trouble then headers.

Re: Crate motor for a 63 C20?
 

Go to car-part.com and you can search for LS based engines. A T5 wouldn't be my first choice because it's a pretty light duty trans unless you buy the upgraded "World Class" or buy a used T5 and have it rebuilt with heavy duty parts. If you have the cash a TKO500/600 would be a better choice.

Re: Crate motor for a 63 C20?
 

What about a V6, like from an S10? Are these worthwhile?maybe a GMC 305 V6?

Re: Crate motor for a 63 C20?
 

Why not just have a reputable machine shop build you an engine?
You can specify parts: pistons, rings, gaskets, heads, cam, bearings, etc.
You can also spec compression ratio, quench, deck height, etc.
You can have it made any way you like, and you'll know exactly what you have.
Usually cheaper than a "crate motor" and most reputable engine shops will warranty the engine if they build it. It also supports your local economy.
Just a thought
-Russ

Re: Crate motor for a 63 C20?
 

Good point. Gotta find a shop someplace around here.

Then again, I wouldn’t know what to spec, not sure what some of those things you mentioned are.

Re: Crate motor for a 63 C20?
 

Are there RV cams available for the GMC V6 305E motor? I haven’t seen any.

Re: Crate motor for a 63 C20?
 

The 305 V6's are cool as heck, but are antiquated dinosaurs. Not much in the performance upgrades for them anymore without shelling out lots of money. The late model V-6's in the S-10's are garbage. I've rebuilt and worked on more than enough over the years.

A basic 350 with 300 hp will be more than you need. EZPZ to build or have built for you. LS swaps can be done... but if you're going that route you might as well upgrade to EFI too. Lots of money to keep am LS with a carb on it, when you can just do that with a 350 that will basically fall in to your engine bay.

Gary