Need engine in my Elky........... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

brownie · 07-06-2003, 10:17 PM

Guys, new to this site as well as to the whole rebuild/restore scene. Was hoping to get some advice regarding my 1980 El Camino. The car is in superb condition but needs a motor. I am kicking some ideas around but could use advice from people who know alot more than me. I don't need a racer, nor power for a daily driver. This will be my Sunday stroller and won't clock too many miles. Want something reliable but has some pop. Any advice on small vs big block given my goals? What about size? Sorry for the lack of info/knowledge. Any replies would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Russell · 07-06-2003, 10:21 PM

I think that you'd want a small block, or you'll have big power... I would guess maybe a 305 - 350? 305 is stock in some of our trucks, but usually is a bit too weak for our liking, I guess it would do pretty good in your car though. The 350 is a fairly well balanced engine, powerful and reliable, but not too powerful...

gchemist · 07-06-2003, 10:23 PM

Welcome to the board.
A stock GM crate block ($1300) with a cam change and some headers will probably fit your goals. Daily driver and a little power without an overkill.

brownie · 07-07-2003, 06:10 PM

Thanks for the info guys. Any recommendations as to a good crate engine sales joint? Online or otherwise? Thx.

SCOTI · 07-07-2003, 06:28 PM

Look @ the links on the opening page to this site for ScogginsDickey parts.

AirMale · 07-07-2003, 06:35 PM

I have a 383 stroker for sale that would make your Elcamino rock! It's 450hp and it has 2k miles on it, I'm moving up to a 550cu. BBC so this ones for sale. I want $2500 for it, perfect cond. I bought it at www.enginefactory.com 383/450hp paid $5300-my loss your gain.

MylilBowTie · 07-08-2003, 12:27 AM

SalleeChevrolet That is non preformance crate engines.

Salleechevrolet This is the performance crate engines.

07-06-2003, 10:17 PM	#1
brownie Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 2	Need engine in my Elky........... Guys, new to this site as well as to the whole rebuild/restore scene. Was hoping to get some advice regarding my 1980 El Camino. The car is in superb condition but needs a motor. I am kicking some ideas around but could use advice from people who know alot more than me. I don't need a racer, nor power for a daily driver. This will be my Sunday stroller and won't clock too many miles. Want something reliable but has some pop. Any advice on small vs big block given my goals? What about size? Sorry for the lack of info/knowledge. Any replies would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

07-06-2003, 10:21 PM	#2
Russell Professional Grade Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta Posts: 7,915	I think that you'd want a small block, or you'll have big power... I would guess maybe a 305 - 350? 305 is stock in some of our trucks, but usually is a bit too weak for our liking, I guess it would do pretty good in your car though. The 350 is a fairly well balanced engine, powerful and reliable, but not too powerful... __________________ 1995 Chevrolet 2 Door Tahoe (6.6L LBZ Duramax / ZF6 / NP241 with 1 ton solid axle swap)

07-06-2003, 10:23 PM	#3
gchemist BAD BOW-Silverado XST Join Date: May 2000 Location: Senior Member from Austin, TX Posts: 6,431	Welcome to the board. A stock GM crate block ($1300) with a cam change and some headers will probably fit your goals. Daily driver and a little power without an overkill. __________________ Gerardo a.k.a. Mad Chemist Silverado XST videos

07-07-2003, 06:10 PM	#4
brownie Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 2	Thanks for the info guys. Any recommendations as to a good crate engine sales joint? Online or otherwise? Thx. __________________ '80 El Camino

07-07-2003, 06:28 PM	#5
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,025	Look @ the links on the opening page to this site for ScogginsDickey parts. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

07-07-2003, 06:35 PM	#6
AirMale Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Atlantic City, NJ Posts: 1,073	I have a 383 stroker for sale that would make your Elcamino rock! It's 450hp and it has 2k miles on it, I'm moving up to a 550cu. BBC so this ones for sale. I want $2500 for it, perfect cond. I bought it at www.enginefactory.com 383/450hp paid $5300-my loss your gain. __________________ 86 SWB 9.0 LITER T-400-OD 4.11 eaton-4/5 drop Best 1/4 12.51 @112mph no traction

07-08-2003, 12:27 AM	#7
MylilBowTie Right turn Clyde Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 2,911	SalleeChevrolet That is non preformance crate engines. Salleechevrolet This is the performance crate engines.

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