which engine should i get? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

1972BlueC20 · 11-05-2014, 11:32 PM

Out of these 2 engines, which would perform better in my 72 c20?

I thought it would be obviously the one with more HP, but someone online said the lower HP engine would actually perform better.

http://m.summitracing.com/parts/nal-10067353

Or

http://m.summitracing.com/parts/nal-19244450

Or if you guys could suggest another engine, that would be cool too. I'm looking to spend $2500 max. Maybe $3k

Thanks,

haysonj · 11-05-2014, 11:46 PM

I had the 290 HP engine in my truck before I built my 383, it is a very good engine and I think you would like it. I believe Jegs sells the 260 HP engine for a lot less money and it is a good engine also. You might also check your local Chevolet dealer as they will sometimes match Summits price.

1972BlueC20 · 11-05-2014, 11:50 PM

Sweet, was the 290 hp engine a noticable power difference over stock??

SierraMtns · 11-06-2014, 12:22 AM

Check this out. Its a good read. I hear doing a simple cam change in the 260 HP motor will get you more then 290 HP.

http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/463...-engine-build/

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=646450

1972BlueC20 · 11-06-2014, 09:25 AM

That's really good to know about the 260 HP engine, but I don't want to crack the engine open. I want a drop in solution!

flashed · 11-06-2014, 10:47 AM

I put the 260 HP crate in my 72 truck and like it ,plenty of power for me .I have a 290 HP crate in my wife's 72 Malibu convertible and the 260 would have been just fine for it too .

jimbosprint · 11-06-2014, 11:51 AM

If you aren't building a race car the 260hp is probably plenty of engine. I just put one in my truck.

1972BlueC20 · 11-06-2014, 12:38 PM

I can also go for this one too, but this is pushing my budget to the absolute max!

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/nal-19210008

SierraMtns · 11-06-2014, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1972BlueC20

I can also go for this one too, but this is pushing my budget to the absolute max!

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/nal-19210008

I am just throwing this out there. Could you find a local machine shop and have them build you a 350 with higher HP for less money?

**FirstOwner69** · 11-06-2014, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1972BlueC20

I can also go for this one too, but this is pushing my budget to the absolute max!

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/nal-19210008

That's the one I have. Really like it so far (200 miles). The Vortec heads will present a challenge if you have factory A/C. I had to fabricate 3 brackets/braces to tie the top of the compressor to intake and block.

jimbosprint · 11-06-2014, 12:58 PM

If you are patient Jegs EBay listing for the 260hp will probably go on sale again. I paid only $1260 a few months ago.

That leaves lots left over to spend on other upgrades. And it always costs more than you think for the little stuff.

Frijolito1988 · 11-06-2014, 01:03 PM

I have the 260 HP crate engine and love it about 1560 with free shipping

**68350** · 11-06-2014, 01:07 PM

The 260 or 290 would be great engines for a driver. And for the price, I don't think someone could have one built for that

JameslovesJammie · 11-06-2014, 01:31 PM

If I was going to spend 4 grand on a crate engine, I would probably put a junkyard LS and overdrive transmission. More horsepower, better mileage, and you'll get more miles OUT of it.

Hugh Mongus · 11-07-2014, 12:12 PM

I have around $4000 wrapped up in my crate motor, mods, and new transmission. Hind sight being 20/20 I would have gone to a local junk yard and bought a 5.3 with a trans for much less.

1972BlueC20 · 11-07-2014, 12:21 PM

I hear ya on swapping for a later model engine.....but that's way beyond my comfort level and would require fabrication probably plus all new wiring ect....

I like the simplicity of the old school carburetor engines!

It's not my primary vehicle always, so I don't care too much about gas mileage!

original-71 · 11-07-2014, 01:06 PM

check out www.gordonsengines.com i just bought one off of him stand up guy he has a 350/325 hp around your budget with warranty

Jahloha · 11-08-2014, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by original-71

check out www.gordonsengines.com i just bought one off of him stand up guy he has a 350/325 hp around your budget with warranty

Never heard of these guys, but their prices for their products seem very fair. Did you have yours shipped? If so, how much?

Coach · 11-08-2014, 01:45 AM

I would go with the 350/290hp. I just put that same engine in my 67' C10 stepside a week ago and it is awesome. Plenty of power, solid, sounds great with the aggressive cam, no complaints at all. I went through my local Chevy dealer and got a great price, plus it comes with a 24 month/50,000 mile warranty.

Tree-50 · 11-08-2014, 02:13 AM

Yeah, doesn't the lower hp rated 350 pull more torque?

11-05-2014, 11:32 PM	#1
1972BlueC20 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 722	which engine should i get? Out of these 2 engines, which would perform better in my 72 c20? I thought it would be obviously the one with more HP, but someone online said the lower HP engine would actually perform better. http://m.summitracing.com/parts/nal-10067353 Or http://m.summitracing.com/parts/nal-19244450 Or if you guys could suggest another engine, that would be cool too. I'm looking to spend $2500 max. Maybe $3k Thanks, __________________ 1972 Chevrolet C20 Cheyenne Custom Camper LWB - 350 / 330 HP GM Crate - TH350 / Mild Shift Kit - Dark Blue / Medium Blue - Paint Code 559

11-05-2014, 11:46 PM	#2
haysonj Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Santa Maria, Ca. Posts: 1,423	Re: which engine should i get? I had the 290 HP engine in my truck before I built my 383, it is a very good engine and I think you would like it. I believe Jegs sells the 260 HP engine for a lot less money and it is a good engine also. You might also check your local Chevolet dealer as they will sometimes match Summits price. __________________ 69 Chevy 4x4 383 Power

11-05-2014, 11:50 PM	#3
1972BlueC20 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 722	Re: which engine should i get? Sweet, was the 290 hp engine a noticable power difference over stock?? __________________ 1972 Chevrolet C20 Cheyenne Custom Camper LWB - 350 / 330 HP GM Crate - TH350 / Mild Shift Kit - Dark Blue / Medium Blue - Paint Code 559

11-06-2014, 12:22 AM	#4
SierraMtns Registered User Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Shingle Springs, CA Posts: 869	Re: which engine should i get? Check this out. Its a good read. I hear doing a simple cam change in the 260 HP motor will get you more then 290 HP. http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/463...-engine-build/ http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=646450

11-06-2014, 09:25 AM	#5
1972BlueC20 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 722	Re: which engine should i get? That's really good to know about the 260 HP engine, but I don't want to crack the engine open. I want a drop in solution! __________________ 1972 Chevrolet C20 Cheyenne Custom Camper LWB - 350 / 330 HP GM Crate - TH350 / Mild Shift Kit - Dark Blue / Medium Blue - Paint Code 559

11-06-2014, 10:47 AM	#6
flashed Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: canton ga Posts: 12,724	Re: which engine should i get? I put the 260 HP crate in my 72 truck and like it ,plenty of power for me .I have a 290 HP crate in my wife's 72 Malibu convertible and the 260 would have been just fine for it too .

11-06-2014, 11:51 AM	#7
jimbosprint Registered User Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Chico, California Posts: 951	Re: which engine should i get? If you aren't building a race car the 260hp is probably plenty of engine. I just put one in my truck. __________________ '72 Chevrolet K10 Cheyenne '72 Chevrolet C20 Deluxe (sold)

11-06-2014, 12:38 PM	#8
1972BlueC20 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 722	Re: which engine should i get? I can also go for this one too, but this is pushing my budget to the absolute max! http://www.summitracing.com/parts/nal-19210008 __________________ 1972 Chevrolet C20 Cheyenne Custom Camper LWB - 350 / 330 HP GM Crate - TH350 / Mild Shift Kit - Dark Blue / Medium Blue - Paint Code 559

11-06-2014, 12:58 PM	#11
jimbosprint Registered User Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Chico, California Posts: 951	Re: which engine should i get? If you are patient Jegs EBay listing for the 260hp will probably go on sale again. I paid only $1260 a few months ago. That leaves lots left over to spend on other upgrades. And it always costs more than you think for the little stuff. __________________ '72 Chevrolet K10 Cheyenne '72 Chevrolet C20 Deluxe (sold)

11-06-2014, 01:03 PM	#12
Frijolito1988 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: So Cal Posts: 421	Re: which engine should i get? I have the 260 HP crate engine and love it about 1560 with free shipping

11-06-2014, 01:07 PM	#13
68350 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Williston, ND Posts: 2,999	Re: which engine should i get? The 260 or 290 would be great engines for a driver. And for the price, I don't think someone could have one built for that __________________ 68 Chevy CST/10, 50th Anniversary, 327/th400, 373 posi, buckets 68 GMC Shortbox Stepside, 402/th400, Tilt, Tach, Bucket Seats, 3.08 Positraction 69 Chevy Camaro SS, 383, 4 speed, positraction 70 Chevy El Camino SS396, Triple Black, 454/th400, Tach 70 Chevy Shortbox Stepside 4x4, 350/th350, Tilt, Tach, Cab Lights, Bumper Guards, Tow Hooks 70 Chevy 3/4 Longbox, 350/auto, 70k, SURVIVOR 71 Chevy Blazer, CST, 350/auto 71 GMC Sierra K2500, 454, 4 speed, 4.10 posi, 37s 71 Custom/30, Open Road, 350/th400, tilt 72 Chevy Shortbox Fleetside, 496 Stroker/th400, Tilt, Tach, Bucket Seats, 3.42 Posi 72 GMC Sierra Grande 2500. 427/th400, tilt, a/c, tool and stowage, buckets/console, 3.54 posi

11-06-2014, 01:31 PM	#14
JameslovesJammie God Bless Mr. T Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Minot, ND Posts: 348	Re: which engine should i get? If I was going to spend 4 grand on a crate engine, I would probably put a junkyard LS and overdrive transmission. More horsepower, better mileage, and you'll get more miles OUT of it. __________________ Like a midget at a urinal...sometimes you must stay on your toes.

11-07-2014, 12:12 PM	#15
Hugh Mongus Registered User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 360	Re: which engine should i get? I have around $4000 wrapped up in my crate motor, mods, and new transmission. Hind sight being 20/20 I would have gone to a local junk yard and bought a 5.3 with a trans for much less. __________________ -Jason USN Retired

11-07-2014, 12:21 PM	#16
1972BlueC20 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 722	Re: which engine should i get? I hear ya on swapping for a later model engine.....but that's way beyond my comfort level and would require fabrication probably plus all new wiring ect.... I like the simplicity of the old school carburetor engines! It's not my primary vehicle always, so I don't care too much about gas mileage! __________________ 1972 Chevrolet C20 Cheyenne Custom Camper LWB - 350 / 330 HP GM Crate - TH350 / Mild Shift Kit - Dark Blue / Medium Blue - Paint Code 559

11-07-2014, 01:06 PM	#17
original-71 ///Relaxed Atmosphere Join Date: May 2010 Location: Houston,Tx Posts: 1,266	Re: which engine should i get? check out www.gordonsengines.com i just bought one off of him stand up guy he has a 350/325 hp around your budget with warranty __________________ 71-Cheyenne Super (E.C.E Static Drop 4.5/7". Intro Rally's 20X8.5 5" B.S 255/35/20 (F) 20X10 5.25 B.S 275/35/20 (R) 87-Silverado Static Drop 5/7" Raceline Explosion 5 22X8.5 (F) 22X10 (R) hector _________________________________ 1971 Chevrolet Cheyenne Super 1987 Chevrolet Silverado 2006 Ford Mustang GT 2012 Toyota 4-Runner 2014 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport Crew Cab



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11-08-2014, 01:45 AM	#19
Coach Registered User Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: brentwood, ca. Posts: 109	Re: which engine should i get? I would go with the 350/290hp. I just put that same engine in my 67' C10 stepside a week ago and it is awesome. Plenty of power, solid, sounds great with the aggressive cam, no complaints at all. I went through my local Chevy dealer and got a great price, plus it comes with a 24 month/50,000 mile warranty.

11-08-2014, 02:13 AM	#20
Tree-50 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 120	Re: which engine should i get? Yeah, doesn't the lower hp rated 350 pull more torque?

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