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rich weyand · 06-06-2014, 06:05 PM

Here's a few options that I know about. I tend to buy new, do it once, and not have to worry about it any more. Others like shopping salvage for deals and working things up from there. They can tell you about those.

1) GM "350/290hp" crate engine 19244450. Don't bother. It's a 350/260hp with the cam out of a 1967 Corvette. That's an old grind, and designed for high-compression heads. You will have very low dynamic compression at low rpms, resulting in anemic torque numbers. In the top half of the rpm range, or on a much lighter vehicle, it can be fun, but it's not the best choice for our trucks. BTDT.

2) Stock GM "350/260hp" crate engine 10067353. Solid engine that responds well to some induction improvements. It has the low-compression heads, which is OK for a torquer, which is what you need in a truck anyway. For $1500 delivered, it's hard to beat for a new engine. Add an Edelbrock Performer dual-plane manifold #2101 and Hooker headers (2452 for a C; 2453 for a K) and rebuild your Qjet for best performance. Under $2000.

3) First step up. Same as (2) above, but void the warranty -- those engines are bulletproof in street use anyway -- and install a Comp Cams 12-235-2 camshaft. On a never-run engine, you can use the same springs and lifters, just pop the valve covers to release the pushrods, pull the lifters, install the new cam. Reassemble. Runs regular gas. 290 hp at 4000 and 415 lbft of torque at 2500. Still under $2000.

4) Second step up. Same as (2) above, but pull the heads. Install Comp Cams 12-238-2 cam (a longer-duration version of the 12-235-2) and Dart 127121 performance heads (with 9.5:1 compression and oversize valves). Might respond better to premium gas. 360 hp at 5000 and 425 lbft of torque at 2500. Will wind to 6000 rpm. Under $3200.

Oh, and for (3) and (4), make sure you use a transmission that can handle 425 lbft of torque. A late-model built 700R4 would be nice, with a 3.78:1 rear end you will still get pretty good gas mileage. Maybe something from these guys: http://transmissioncenter.net/

So there's my best options in new engines without breaking the bank. I'm sure others will have recommendations for salvage pulls that might work for you as well.

06-06-2014, 06:05 PM	#3
rich weyand Registered User Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Bloomington Indiana Posts: 1,041	Re: Engine selection Here's a few options that I know about. I tend to buy new, do it once, and not have to worry about it any more. Others like shopping salvage for deals and working things up from there. They can tell you about those. 1) GM "350/290hp" crate engine 19244450. Don't bother. It's a 350/260hp with the cam out of a 1967 Corvette. That's an old grind, and designed for high-compression heads. You will have very low dynamic compression at low rpms, resulting in anemic torque numbers. In the top half of the rpm range, or on a much lighter vehicle, it can be fun, but it's not the best choice for our trucks. BTDT. 2) Stock GM "350/260hp" crate engine 10067353. Solid engine that responds well to some induction improvements. It has the low-compression heads, which is OK for a torquer, which is what you need in a truck anyway. For $1500 delivered, it's hard to beat for a new engine. Add an Edelbrock Performer dual-plane manifold #2101 and Hooker headers (2452 for a C; 2453 for a K) and rebuild your Qjet for best performance. Under $2000. 3) First step up. Same as (2) above, but void the warranty -- those engines are bulletproof in street use anyway -- and install a Comp Cams 12-235-2 camshaft. On a never-run engine, you can use the same springs and lifters, just pop the valve covers to release the pushrods, pull the lifters, install the new cam. Reassemble. Runs regular gas. 290 hp at 4000 and 415 lbft of torque at 2500. Still under $2000. 4) Second step up. Same as (2) above, but pull the heads. Install Comp Cams 12-238-2 cam (a longer-duration version of the 12-235-2) and Dart 127121 performance heads (with 9.5:1 compression and oversize valves). Might respond better to premium gas. 360 hp at 5000 and 425 lbft of torque at 2500. Will wind to 6000 rpm. Under $3200. Oh, and for (3) and (4), make sure you use a transmission that can handle 425 lbft of torque. A late-model built 700R4 would be nice, with a 3.78:1 rear end you will still get pretty good gas mileage. Maybe something from these guys: http://transmissioncenter.net/ So there's my best options in new engines without breaking the bank. I'm sure others will have recommendations for salvage pulls that might work for you as well. __________________ Rich Weyand 1978 K10 RCSB DD. Last edited by rich weyand; 06-06-2014 at 06:15 PM.