Classic Industries crate motor - thinking about a 350 or 383

[Asshat]

Wondering if it’s worth the money, almost $5K for a complete motor. Worried if it wasn’t put together right, it will be a major pain to tear down and repair. You guys think I could get a complete rebuilt motor for $5,000?

Just thinking out loud...

[4u2nv]

Is that a turn key motor or is the carb ,manifolds , starter , alternator needed to be added and what ever , if so that can add up $$$$ if you don't have a donor motor.!!!!
Just thinking out loud with you.

[Stormin08]

all the names i see on their site are reputable and offer warranties on all motors.

[special-K]

Can you post a link so we can compare to other crate motor prices and features? We know Classic isn't an engine builder, so I wonder whose engine they are selling? Personally, I would want to buy from the company that built the engine, in case there would be a problem, rather than the sticky third party/who's going to lose money on this one situation

[Palf70Step]

Most of the "complete" or turn-key motors from your GM dealer (PART NO. 19355662 for HO 350) or places like Summit/Jegs are in the $5500 range. The long blocks are in the 3500 ish range. I would check your local GM/Chevy dealer for what they price it at (and at least when I did mine, there was no shipping charges).

Scoggins Dickey does a lot of on-line engines from a dealer perspective. Other than them people I know tend to go with Summit or Jegs and lots of time wait for specials on the long blocks, although during this time it may not show up much.

[truckster]

I like building engines, and I built the Vortec 5.7 that I put in my Blazer. Having said that, it's hard to beat a crate engine on price when you figure machine shop costs, parts costs, and the time it takes to assemble. Most crate engines come with a pretty decent warranty. As mentioned, I would check your local dealer, Scoggins Dickey (I've had good experiences buying from them), Jegs, Summit, Speedway, etc. and find a motor your interested in. Post the link here and I'm sure you'll get feedback on the specific motor.

[Rickysnickers]

You didn't mention Blueprint Engines. They might be worth a look for you. I purchased one and have had no issues with it at all.

https://blueprintengines.com/collect...cement_383-c-i

[Richard2112]

I enjoy build my own as long as there's no immediate need. It takes a while but it's a rewarding process. I like to spec my own clearances, know what bearings and rings are inside, push rods, valve clearances, etc...To me, that's peace of mind.

However, It would be difficult compete with the crate engine market for price, convenience, and a then there's the warranty. So there's something to be said for purchasing a crate motor.

I chose to build my own 383. As picky as I am, that took a while and went far beyond budget. Knowing that, 55 doesn't sound like a bad price, depending upon your options.

[FirstOwner69]

I'm running one of these and really like it. Brand new engine.
https://www.gmperformancemotor.com/parts/19210008.html

May be able to find a better price.

[jweb]

It's hard to beat this GM crate motor for the price. The problem is most people think they need more power. The one in this link is 300hp in an old truck that feels like a lot to me.

https://www.gmperformancemotor.com/parts/19355659.html

Looks like they also have some rebates right now.

[Asshat]

I was looking at this one, turns out it is a Blue Print motor.
https://www.classicindustries.com/product/bp3832.html

I would consider building myself, however, the time and money would probably exceed the cost of this motor, wouldn't it? Most people go over-budget when they do a motor build.

[ctandc]

I guess it all depends on what you're looking for....

If you're looking for a quick and clean solution - GM long blocks are hard to beat. Do you not want to deal with having to getting an intake, carb, etc?

Warranties are great on crate engines / long blocks. Problem is most don't cover labor and if you install it yourself - your labor is free. Plus distance / shipping...then waiting.

Do you have any reputable engine builders? Now is the time in most areas. GOOD engine shops will have a back log before the snow flies....

I just saw your location. There used to be a TON of good engine shops in SoCal...I'm sure someone here could point you in the right direction. Maybe one of the regional sub forums?

Personally I like checking everything myself. Any engine I've never personally witnessed how it runs - I tend to check bearing clearances etc - maybe that's just me.

It's really not hard building one. Patience, engine stand, plastigauge and plenty of clean lint free towels LOL.......

Or find a local shop that will work with you - considering your goals for the vehicle its going in.....

I'd personally get a 1 piece RMS block no matter which way you decide. And a roller block makes using OEM roller valvetrain (even camshaft) affordable.

Lots of variables too...you want to run Premium or low octane without issues?

If it were me, I would put together a nice late model roller 350 (with a $5K budget I could shop around and make it a 383 without breaking that budget), I'd probably hunt for a late model 350 Vortec engine as a core and go from there...

[TwoFiftyShifter]

Originally Posted by jweb

It's hard to beat this GM crate motor for the price. The problem is most people think they need more power. The one in this link is 300hp in an old truck that feels like a lot to me.

https://www.gmperformancemotor.com/parts/19355659.html

Looks like they also have some rebates right now.

That engine isn't hard to beat at all. In fact, its the goodwrench 350 with an ancient cam swap. 8:1 compression.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by ctandc

I guess it all depends on what you're looking for....

If you're looking for a quick and clean solution - GM long blocks are hard to beat. Do you not want to deal with having to getting an intake, carb, etc?

Warranties are great on crate engines / long blocks. Problem is most don't cover labor and if you install it yourself - your labor is free. Plus distance / shipping...then waiting.

Do you have any reputable engine builders? Now is the time in most areas. GOOD engine shops will have a back log before the snow flies....

I just saw your location. There used to be a TON of good engine shops in SoCal...I'm sure someone here could point you in the right direction. Maybe one of the regional sub forums?

Personally I like checking everything myself. Any engine I've never personally witnessed how it runs - I tend to check bearing clearances etc - maybe that's just me.

It's really not hard building one. Patience, engine stand, plastigauge and plenty of clean lint free towels LOL.......

Or find a local shop that will work with you - considering your goals for the vehicle its going in.....

I'd personally get a 1 piece RMS block no matter which way you decide. And a roller block makes using OEM roller valvetrain (even camshaft) affordable.

Lots of variables too...you want to run Premium or low octane without issues?

If it were me, I would put together a nice late model roller 350 (with a $5K budget I could shop around and make it a 383 without breaking that budget), I'd probably hunt for a late model 350 Vortec engine as a core and go from there...

The motor he linked is a 1pc RMS, roller cam block, & comes w/aluminum heads, intake, distributor, & carb.

If you don't have a relationship w/someone in the machine-shop/engine building field, these crate motors aren't a bad way to go.

[truckster]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

If you don't have a relationship w/someone in the machine-shop/engine building field, these crate motors aren't a bad way to go.

That was one of the factors that helped me decide to rebuild mine. I have a good friend who owns a machine shop and is an excellent machinist. As a bonus, he let me come in and do some of the work myself (under his supervision).

[davischevy]

Originally Posted by FirstOwner69

I'm running one of these and really like it. Brand new engine.
https://www.gmperformancemotor.com/parts/19210008.html

May be able to find a better price.

I have one of these. It's a great little engine.

[davischevy]

Originally Posted by jweb

It's hard to beat this GM crate motor for the price. The problem is most people think they need more power. The one in this link is 300hp in an old truck that feels like a lot to me.

https://www.gmperformancemotor.com/parts/19355659.html

Looks like they also have some rebates right now.

My son in law has one of these in his 70 K10. He loves it.

[biketopia]

I have a blueprint 427 small block in my Camaro, my brother has installed numerous other blue print engines in customer cars. Great for the price and warranty, and any time I had a questions they were super easy to get a hold of and answer questions. They'll tell you what bearings are in the engine, ring gaps, fasteners, everything. Plus you get a dyno sheet from your specific engine.

[The Rocknrod]

Originally Posted by Asshat

I was looking at this one, turns out it is a Blue Print motor.
https://www.classicindustries.com/product/bp3832.html

I would consider building myself, however, the time and money would probably exceed the cost of this motor, wouldn't it? Most people go over-budget when they do a motor build.

Your not going to beat that with all that it includes. I'd try Summit before the Industries place. They sell Blueprint engines also.

[Steeveedee]

Doesn't someone make a crate 6 cylinder? It would be a pile easier to replace without all the changes involved going to a V-8.

[The Rocknrod]

Originally Posted by Steeveedee

Doesn't someone make a crate 6 cylinder? It would be a pile easier to replace without all the changes involved going to a V-8.

https://www.summitracing.com/search/...yle/long-block
https://www.jegs.com/i/ATK+Engines/0...BoCnOQQAvD_BwE
Pretty sure Jasper does also.
http://remanufactured.com/Chevrolet_...er_Engines.htm

[Stormin08]

https://blueprintengines.com/product...-cam-bp3503ct1

Just an fyi, i purchased this (2 yrs ago i think), for 2599 on sale...the dyno sheet showed 399HP 411Tq.

power for dollar, it was a bargain ! i have the fitech 600hp setup and a SS shorty header into 3" single exhaust...and it runs very well.

[Tom]

If you can't rebuild a small block 350/383 for $2k or less then you are doing something wrong. $5k is absurd race engine money.

[Steeveedee]

Originally Posted by The Rocknrod

https://www.summitracing.com/search/...yle/long-block
https://www.jegs.com/i/ATK+Engines/0...BoCnOQQAvD_BwE
Pretty sure Jasper does also.
http://remanufactured.com/Chevrolet_...er_Engines.htm

That's a lot of money, but if a guy can't do all the work from not knowing the ins and outs, it would be worth it.

Originally Posted by Tom

If you can't rebuild a small block 350/383 for $2k or less then you are doing something wrong. $5k is absurd race engine money.

I rebuilt the 305 SBC that I put in my '68 Skylark, and I'm pretty sure I was into it less than $1k, but that was 20 years ago. Of course, the only sublet work was the machine shop. They supplied the parts, too, but I assembled it. $75 would have got the pistons and the crank installed, though.