Best 350 crate engine for 1972?
 

Need a new engine for my 1972 Sierra. Has the stock 350 in it now, locked up the bottom end and don't have time for a rebuild. What crate engine will basically be a drop in that everything will bolt to?

I already have a newer HEI, Edelbrock carb, newer exhaust manifolds.

Looking at the 195hp-260hp GM 350 offered by Jegs. Just not sure it will bolt right into place and everything on my engine will swap over.

Thanks

Re: Best 350 crate engine for 1972?
 

I would suggest the 350/260 crate over the 350/290. The 290 is not a good combination of compression and cam, causing temperamental issues with vacuum and timing. The 260 is just a 290 with a smaller cam. The plus side is the short block is good to 450 hp so, if you ever want to change the heads and cam you'd be good.

There are lots of crate engines though. Blueprint has some of the most impressive hp/tq numbers for the price that I've seen lately.

Re: Best 350 crate engine for 1972?
 

If you can assemble it yourself, you can save some money and get serious horsepower. Lots of builders won't do the little things like deck the exhaust ports and intake manifold, build you own plug wires to keep them clean, metal (NO RUBBER) fuel line from tank to pump, then to carb. Those little things are expensive, but make a motor stand out.

Re: Best 350 crate engine for 1972?
 

I'd suggest that you decide on the crate you want and shop around for the best price and dont forget to walk in to your local gm dealership as many times they will match the price

i prefer to buy local in case of warrenty problems

Re: Best 350 crate engine for 1972?
 

On sale now $1,299.99
http://www.ebay.com/itm/400764245043...AIT&rmvSB=true

Re: Best 350 crate engine for 1972?
 

The thing about the GM crate is if you do the right paperwork the warranty is good at the GM dealer. I would think t he $1299 one that is offered through JEG's right now would be a god choice.