Bad News Today
 

Well got bad news from the engine guy. Block and one of the heads are cracked. Now begins the search. Not sure if i should pick up a 350 block, short block or go for the crate motor. Really had my mind set on a 383. Maybe it is time for the 454 upgrade.

Re: Bad News Today
 

Sorry to hear that. This is kind of one of those loaded questions. How fast do you want it up and running? How much do you want to spend and what are you looking for out of your truck.

If you need her back up fast go with the GM Crate 350 at 290hp cant beat the warranty. Now if you are even thinking about lets put a beast under the hood you have to go 500 Caddy for the ultimate monster as at that point you throw gas milage out the window.

Re: Bad News Today
 

I wish you were not so far away. I have a four bolt block and
crank that is perfect. I was going to build it for a project
but bought a crate instead. I had it vatted and checked
and it did not need any machine work. I have no plans
for it and would let it go very reasonable.

Re: Bad News Today
 

This must be bad news from another thread. Just remember....going from small to big block brings a lot of additional changes and $$$. Of course I think it's worth it but I also jumped from a 250 inline!

Re: Bad News Today
 

If you want to meet me in the dells, I've got a bare 350 block, and a complete 350 i need to get rid of (2 bolt mains).

both should be rebuilt, which would work fine if you're thinkin 383.

Re: Bad News Today
 

Getting it up and running fast is the question. I will still like to drive it around before the snow hits, however know is a good time to do some of the more labor intensive bodywork. Althought is that not what winter is for. Thought about the crate engine and it is nice to have a warranty, it is nice to have it running quickly but i feel like i just gave up. But it is up and running quickly.

Brak you have any pictures? Are the blocks clean (no grease dripping from)? What are you asking?

EdB possible to ship that via truck?

ksjh1316 who you have in mind for that type of motor?

Another thought is to just drop the cash on the crate then look or aquire a good block then take some of the parts off the crate and make my 383.

Re: Bad News Today
 

Took the words right out of my mouth. I have gone from V6 to V8 and SBC to BBC and both get expensive buying all the stuff that is different.

Re: Bad News Today
 

Just a suggestion on the crate motor part. I got myself a yearone powercrate 350 for pretty cheap and it came quick and with a 1 year waranty could be a possability if you don't want to buy an engine core and have an engine built

Re: Bad News Today
 

Almost every machine shop has a 350 laying aroung that somebody left them without going ahead with some machine work. Can't be hard to source locally, too.

But I have an opinion that you didn't ask for. (I know, I know). Looking at your project progress, I'd say you're not in a hurry to get a motor in it. Plenty to do in the meantime. :)

For instance, summertime is a great time to clean and detail the frame and axles.

Re: Bad News Today
 

If you want it quick and easy I`d suggest a crate 383 and be done.Nut,it might be a good time to take a step back and start in on the whole deal and forget driving it awhile.You can slowly build the engine while doing everything else.