$2K for this engine? *time sensitive*

[bigmac73]

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

[cdowns]

Originally Posted by GASoline71

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

Gary

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

[Jahloha]

Originally Posted by bigmac73

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

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".

Originally Posted by cdowns

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

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?

[bbcmudtruck]

Originally Posted by cdowns

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

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.

[cdowns]

.


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

[Jahloha]

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.

[sublime1996525]

Originally Posted by Jahloha

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.

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.

[Jahloha]

Originally Posted by sublime1996525

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.

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.

[sublime1996525]

Originally Posted by Jahloha

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.

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?

[Jahloha]

Originally Posted by sublime1996525

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?

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.

[GASoline71]

Originally Posted by cdowns

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

LMAO!

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

Gary

[CastIron]

Originally Posted by GASoline71

LMAO!

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

Gary

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.

[Jahloha]

Originally Posted by CastIron

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.

Have a personal preference for any crate motors from GM?

[Jahloha]

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?

[Bigdav160]

I'd buy it just to have it.

But I'm a hoarder

[Jahloha]

But I figure, for 800-1000, thats the minimum I am at, to machine my current block and crappy 462624 heads, which we all know are crack prone.

I have never started an engine that has been sitting for a couple years, there has got to be some protocols prior to ignition...

[litew8]

Get the owner to fire it up on site. Yeah, the gas is probably bad in the tank.

[Jahloha]

Originally Posted by litew8

Get the owner to fire it up on site. Yeah, the gas is probably bad in the tank.

Anything to be nervous about, if the engine hasnt been fired for a couple years (i.e. oil, gas, etc)?

[litew8]

IDK, I'd take the valve covers off and take a peak. If they say it ran before, should fire (starter fluid). Not sure what the condition the gasoline would be in tank though. Don't want to run it if there's junk build up from sitting. Besides that, you personally have nothing to lose by having the owner fire it up before you buy - if it isn't what they say, you'll notice. You've got to wonder why someone would be willing to let it go for so cheap. Either there's something the matter (not obvious), or they are just selling it for the quick cash. Either way I'd be cautious. If it isn't all setup ready to run - why not? You could probably substitute the gas tank by running the fuel pump to a gas can temporarily. If it's all connected ready to fire, but the owner refuses to do it... reconsider.

[67ChevyRedneck]

If he's gone from 2K to 800 that means no one else is interested and he's trying to unload it. I would still pass on it. Imagine all the time and effort to install it (and cost if you're paying someone) only to have it blow up on you after 50 or 500 miles and have to do it all over again.