Need advice on engine replacement.... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

UATahoe · 07-21-2012, 03:05 PM

Currently in the middle of restoring my 87 R10. Nowhere near a frame off restoration, just fixing the worn components and redoing the interior. Currently i pretty much have all of the accessories off of the truck and the radiator is out to be replaced. I am torn on whether i should replace the motor now while i have everything else out of the way.

The current motor was running fine when i started all of the other work. It would smoke on initial startup ever so slightly if it sat a while but other than that no problems. It is the original motor and the odometer reads 85k miles. I know it has rolled over at least once so it either has 185K or 285K on the motor. Should i just leave it alone and drive it until something happens down the road then take everything apart again, or should i just go ahead and replace?

The crate motors seem to be rather reasonable but i would like a little more power too. I am guessing i could buy a new intake for the crate motor and that would help a little. Just curious on others opinions. Any feedback would be great. Thanks!!

WarBeard · 07-21-2012, 05:22 PM

This to me seems like a Money question. Or a question of "How fast do you wanna go?"

I'm broke so if that old engine still runs I'm putting it back in. When this engine stops I will be getting the Basic G.M Crate engine for about $1500.

If you wanna go fast The sky is the limit as far as crate engines go. (or your wallet)

Or possibly while your old engine is out you could re-build the top end and try to stop the smoking issue.

UATahoe · 07-21-2012, 05:31 PM

Thought of that too. I dont want to spend a ton here. I want to stay in the 1800-200 range. Seems like after i put in the money for the top end rebuild i could have purchased and put in a brand new crate motor. Just seems like the crate replacement may be the way to go i guess. Would hate to build up the top end and then have a block issue down the road. Tough call here for me really.

One other note. Not looking to burn up the streets at all. This will be more of a daily dependable driver.

WarBeard · 07-21-2012, 05:43 PM

Basic G.M Crate engine is the one I have my eyes set on. My 74 will never be a show truck but I love getting in it and driving the wheels off of it. Now it has a lifter tick(I think) and If and when this engine dies it's getting replaced.

The G.M engine has a great warranty as well. And going from a tired old engine to a new one will be a real increase of power as well.

UATahoe · 07-21-2012, 05:45 PM

I think you are right. Just need to find out which engine will be the biggest bang for my buck with my TBI setup. The direct replacement is a 200HP crate motor. I was hoping there may be others out there that would fit with very minor work and have more power out of the box.

RandyP · 07-21-2012, 07:50 PM

Stick with the direct replacement for the year and TBI. I'm dead sorry for the crate motor I picked for my 87. That computer is picky about what you do.

UATahoe · 07-21-2012, 08:31 PM

Thanks for the advice randy. Is it beneficial at all to go with a Performance intake without changing the camshaft? Thought about going stock replacement with hey he edelbrock performer intake. Would I see any gains or should I save the money for the intake?
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RandyP · 07-21-2012, 09:44 PM

Get rfmaster in here, he's forgotten more about TBI ins and outs than most of us will ever know.

GM-power · 07-21-2012, 10:19 PM

I would run it till it dies. Save up for good motor in that time.
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primrrd · 07-21-2012, 11:46 PM

you might be surprised at how a top end refresh and new timing chain would wake up what you've got... i had the same smoke at startup and some leakiness that is common to the sbc, too.
check the compression first- make sure it is still strong and that you have no low cylinders... if not issues, then a top and front gasket set, new steel gear timing chain, send the heads for a 200.00 refresh at the machine shop. (pan and rear seal if they have sprung a leak (300-400 dollars including a good tune up)
a couple of days work and you might be able to keep the old engine a lot longer.
- of course a swap is fine too- but if budget is a concern you might not need to toss the baby with the bath water just yet.
good luck whichever way you decide to go!

UATahoe · 07-21-2012, 11:52 PM

Thanks for all of the input guys. This is definitely a tough decision. All of the input has been great. Anybody have experience with the edelbrock performer top end kits?
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hatt · 07-22-2012, 11:32 AM

Unless I had the money sitting in my pocket to buy the engine I wanted, I'd run that one until it quits.

UATahoe · 07-22-2012, 11:41 AM

Actually I dont have future plans for a huge engine. I like the idea of the stock replacement. Run it till the warranty is gone and then go back and build it up with better heads and better cam. My main question is, is it worth to upgrade the intake when the new one goes in? This is going to be a daily driven truck. I don't want anything crazy. Just dependable and better power than stock.
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Desert1957 · 07-22-2012, 06:42 PM

I just went through this decision on my 83 , Just replace it. I don't have $1500.00 in a brand new crate engine with new hoses,belts,fuel pump,water pump, balancer.

Installed it, primed it, started right up, set the timing, break in the camshaft per GM recommendations. Even has a warranty. I personally could not see dropping $400-500 in a top end not knowing how many miles were on the bottom.

Do you research, wait for a deal and pull the trigger. I got free shipping and a sale all in one. you won't regret it!

Desert

UATahoe · 07-22-2012, 06:50 PM

Were you able to go with an aftermarket cam and keep the warranty or did you stay with a completely stock motor?

Also, where did you get yours from? Jegs seems to have a good deal on the crate replacement with free shipping. Think I may go ahead and pull the trigger. Still curious on the intake too.
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Desert1957 · 07-22-2012, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UATahoe

Were you able to go with an aftermarket cam and keep the warranty or did you stay with a completely stock motor?

Also, where did you get yours from? Jegs seems to have a good deal on the crate replacement with free shipping. Think I may go ahead and pull the trigger. Still curious on the intake too.
Posted via Mobile Device

Yes it was Jeg's , had it delivered to work , loaded it in my other truck with a fork lift. Didn't change the camshaft for now. I probably should have , but this is my tow vehicle. I needed it back up and running right away.

Just cleaned up an old edelbrock performer I had laying around, Carb was rebuilt about 1 year before the engine went bad per the previous owner.

Purchased a new ignition module, cap,rotor wires and plugs, that was it.

My truck has a stick shift transmission, engine even came with a new pilot bushing in the crankshaft for my transmission.

Installed a "Dynomax" dual exhaust kit with mufflers.

Engine runs smooth, great power and 14 MPG with 4.10 gears. I didn't think that was too bad with the gearing.

Desert

jayman68 · 07-22-2012, 07:04 PM

If you go with the crate don't get rid of the original, have it rebuilt and built up. The crate engines have not as good steel, if you try to bore them (when it comes time to rebuild) there are pits that open. I would say rebuild what you have, it's fun and rewarding. Good luck.

UATahoe · 07-22-2012, 07:09 PM

Is the edelbrock 3704 performer intake a direct bolt on for our engines? I thought the tbi intake was a direct swap over with no modification needed?
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Desert1957 · 07-22-2012, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UATahoe

Is the edelbrock 3704 performer intake a direct bolt on for our engines? I thought the tbi intake was a direct swap over with no modification needed?
Posted via Mobile Device

It is a direct bolt on , but only for 87 and newer "TBI" engines. You can make it work on my crate engine with a little dremmel tool work on the center 4 bolts. But its easier just to get the GM engine for your 1987 year.

My other truck (see avatar) is an 87 with TBI and it has a 72 350 , the intake was modified to fit and it runs fine, no problems.

Desert

Desert1957 · 07-22-2012, 07:38 PM

Here was my part number GM 10067353, Your part number is GM 12568758
Its more money but, the heads are drilled for your TBI intake , it makes more power and had better flowing heads, camshaft is designed for a TBI engine (do not get radical on TBI cams) Still a good deal IMO.

Desert

UATahoe · 07-22-2012, 07:16 PM

Desert, thanks for all the info!! I will be running stock gears and with the fuel injection, hopefully the mileage will be even better. This definitely seems like the right route. I would love to change the cam but I am sure that would void the warranty on the motor. Sounds like the intake would help some.
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UATahoe · 07-22-2012, 07:33 PM

So with mine being an 87, that intake should bolt up fine on this engine right?

http://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet-Perf...68758/10002/-1
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Desert1957 · 07-22-2012, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UATahoe

So with mine being an 87, that intake should bolt up fine on this engine right?

http://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet-Perf...68758/10002/-1
Posted via Mobile Device

Yea, LOL you text faster then I type.

Desert

UATahoe · 07-22-2012, 07:49 PM

Lol too much practice. Thanks again for the help!
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UATahoe · 07-22-2012, 07:54 PM

I think that will be the plan. The engine linked and I will order the edelbrock intake wheat well.
Posted via Mobile Device

07-21-2012, 03:05 PM	#1
UATahoe Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 1,000	Need advice on engine replacement.... Currently in the middle of restoring my 87 R10. Nowhere near a frame off restoration, just fixing the worn components and redoing the interior. Currently i pretty much have all of the accessories off of the truck and the radiator is out to be replaced. I am torn on whether i should replace the motor now while i have everything else out of the way. The current motor was running fine when i started all of the other work. It would smoke on initial startup ever so slightly if it sat a while but other than that no problems. It is the original motor and the odometer reads 85k miles. I know it has rolled over at least once so it either has 185K or 285K on the motor. Should i just leave it alone and drive it until something happens down the road then take everything apart again, or should i just go ahead and replace? The crate motors seem to be rather reasonable but i would like a little more power too. I am guessing i could buy a new intake for the crate motor and that would help a little. Just curious on others opinions. Any feedback would be great. Thanks!!

07-21-2012, 05:22 PM	#2
WarBeard Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Show low,az Posts: 808	Re: Need advice on engine replacement.... This to me seems like a Money question. Or a question of "How fast do you wanna go?" I'm broke so if that old engine still runs I'm putting it back in. When this engine stops I will be getting the Basic G.M Crate engine for about $1500. If you wanna go fast The sky is the limit as far as crate engines go. (or your wallet) Or possibly while your old engine is out you could re-build the top end and try to stop the smoking issue. __________________ 1978 C10 Silverado Big 10 350/350.. play toy 1990 V1500 Suburban 350/700r4..Daily driver 1987 K10 Silverado 383/400.. Wife's rig WRECKED! 1989 V2500 Suburban 350/400.. SOLD! 1974 C10 Custom10 LWB 350/350.. SOLD! 1974 C10 Custom10 SWB 350/400.. SOLD! 1999 Silverado Z71 LS1.. Wife's rig WRECKED! On the hunt for a new project....... I'm a Chevy guy.....I'm just not a "NEW" Chevy guy.

07-21-2012, 05:31 PM	#3
UATahoe Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 1,000	Re: Need advice on engine replacement.... Thought of that too. I dont want to spend a ton here. I want to stay in the 1800-200 range. Seems like after i put in the money for the top end rebuild i could have purchased and put in a brand new crate motor. Just seems like the crate replacement may be the way to go i guess. Would hate to build up the top end and then have a block issue down the road. Tough call here for me really. One other note. Not looking to burn up the streets at all. This will be more of a daily dependable driver.

07-21-2012, 05:43 PM	#4
WarBeard Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Show low,az Posts: 808	Re: Need advice on engine replacement.... Basic G.M Crate engine is the one I have my eyes set on. My 74 will never be a show truck but I love getting in it and driving the wheels off of it. Now it has a lifter tick(I think) and If and when this engine dies it's getting replaced. The G.M engine has a great warranty as well. And going from a tired old engine to a new one will be a real increase of power as well. __________________ 1978 C10 Silverado Big 10 350/350.. play toy 1990 V1500 Suburban 350/700r4..Daily driver 1987 K10 Silverado 383/400.. Wife's rig WRECKED! 1989 V2500 Suburban 350/400.. SOLD! 1974 C10 Custom10 LWB 350/350.. SOLD! 1974 C10 Custom10 SWB 350/400.. SOLD! 1999 Silverado Z71 LS1.. Wife's rig WRECKED! On the hunt for a new project....... I'm a Chevy guy.....I'm just not a "NEW" Chevy guy.

07-21-2012, 05:45 PM	#5
UATahoe Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 1,000	Re: Need advice on engine replacement.... I think you are right. Just need to find out which engine will be the biggest bang for my buck with my TBI setup. The direct replacement is a 200HP crate motor. I was hoping there may be others out there that would fit with very minor work and have more power out of the box.

07-21-2012, 07:50 PM	#6
RandyP Getting Old; Going Broke Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Owasso OK Posts: 2,764	Re: Need advice on engine replacement.... Stick with the direct replacement for the year and TBI. I'm dead sorry for the crate motor I picked for my 87. That computer is picky about what you do. __________________ *Why is every used 350 sbc out of a corvette?* There's only two things that excite a man, expensive toys and real expensive toys. *VEGETARIAN: That's an old Indian word meaning "I don't hunt so good."* When the going gets tough, switch to power tools.

07-21-2012, 08:31 PM	#7
UATahoe Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 1,000	Re: Need advice on engine replacement.... Thanks for the advice randy. Is it beneficial at all to go with a Performance intake without changing the camshaft? Thought about going stock replacement with hey he edelbrock performer intake. Would I see any gains or should I save the money for the intake? Posted via Mobile Device

07-21-2012, 09:44 PM	#8
RandyP Getting Old; Going Broke Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Owasso OK Posts: 2,764	Re: Need advice on engine replacement.... Get rfmaster in here, he's forgotten more about TBI ins and outs than most of us will ever know. __________________ *Why is every used 350 sbc out of a corvette?* There's only two things that excite a man, expensive toys and real expensive toys. *VEGETARIAN: That's an old Indian word meaning "I don't hunt so good."* When the going gets tough, switch to power tools.

07-21-2012, 10:19 PM	#9
GM-power Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Little Rock, Arkansas Posts: 770	Re: Need advice on engine replacement.... I would run it till it dies. Save up for good motor in that time. Posted via Mobile Device

07-21-2012, 11:46 PM	#10
primrrd Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: houston, tx Posts: 323	Re: Need advice on engine replacement.... you might be surprised at how a top end refresh and new timing chain would wake up what you've got... i had the same smoke at startup and some leakiness that is common to the sbc, too. check the compression first- make sure it is still strong and that you have no low cylinders... if not issues, then a top and front gasket set, new steel gear timing chain, send the heads for a 200.00 refresh at the machine shop. (pan and rear seal if they have sprung a leak (300-400 dollars including a good tune up) a couple of days work and you might be able to keep the old engine a lot longer. - of course a swap is fine too- but if budget is a concern you might not need to toss the baby with the bath water just yet. good luck whichever way you decide to go!

07-21-2012, 11:52 PM	#11
UATahoe Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 1,000	Re: Need advice on engine replacement.... Thanks for all of the input guys. This is definitely a tough decision. All of the input has been great. Anybody have experience with the edelbrock performer top end kits? Posted via Mobile Device

07-22-2012, 11:32 AM	#12
hatt Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Lakeland, FL Posts: 47	Re: Need advice on engine replacement.... Unless I had the money sitting in my pocket to buy the engine I wanted, I'd run that one until it quits.

07-22-2012, 11:41 AM	#13
UATahoe Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 1,000	Re: Need advice on engine replacement.... Actually I dont have future plans for a huge engine. I like the idea of the stock replacement. Run it till the warranty is gone and then go back and build it up with better heads and better cam. My main question is, is it worth to upgrade the intake when the new one goes in? This is going to be a daily driven truck. I don't want anything crazy. Just dependable and better power than stock. Posted via Mobile Device

07-22-2012, 06:42 PM	#14
Desert1957 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: New Freedom Pa. Posts: 1,335	Re: Need advice on engine replacement.... I just went through this decision on my 83 , Just replace it. I don't have $1500.00 in a brand new crate engine with new hoses,belts,fuel pump,water pump, balancer. Installed it, primed it, started right up, set the timing, break in the camshaft per GM recommendations. Even has a warranty. I personally could not see dropping $400-500 in a top end not knowing how many miles were on the bottom. Do you research, wait for a deal and pull the trigger. I got free shipping and a sale all in one. you won't regret it! Desert

07-22-2012, 06:50 PM	#15
UATahoe Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 1,000	Re: Need advice on engine replacement.... Were you able to go with an aftermarket cam and keep the warranty or did you stay with a completely stock motor? Also, where did you get yours from? Jegs seems to have a good deal on the crate replacement with free shipping. Think I may go ahead and pull the trigger. Still curious on the intake too. Posted via Mobile Device



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07-22-2012, 07:04 PM	#17
jayman68 Fun Stuff Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Sedro Woolley, WA Posts: 400	Re: Need advice on engine replacement.... If you go with the crate don't get rid of the original, have it rebuilt and built up. The crate engines have not as good steel, if you try to bore them (when it comes time to rebuild) there are pits that open. I would say rebuild what you have, it's fun and rewarding. Good luck. __________________ Jay 68 C10(project) 88 Honda Accord(DD) 93 Chevy Astro EXT 2wd

07-22-2012, 07:09 PM	#18
UATahoe Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 1,000	Re: Need advice on engine replacement.... Is the edelbrock 3704 performer intake a direct bolt on for our engines? I thought the tbi intake was a direct swap over with no modification needed? Posted via Mobile Device

07-22-2012, 07:38 PM	#20
Desert1957 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: New Freedom Pa. Posts: 1,335	Re: Need advice on engine replacement.... Here was my part number GM 10067353, Your part number is GM 12568758 Its more money but, the heads are drilled for your TBI intake , it makes more power and had better flowing heads, camshaft is designed for a TBI engine (do not get radical on TBI cams) Still a good deal IMO. Desert

07-22-2012, 07:16 PM	#21
UATahoe Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 1,000	Re: Need advice on engine replacement.... Desert, thanks for all the info!! I will be running stock gears and with the fuel injection, hopefully the mileage will be even better. This definitely seems like the right route. I would love to change the cam but I am sure that would void the warranty on the motor. Sounds like the intake would help some. Posted via Mobile Device

07-22-2012, 07:33 PM	#22
UATahoe Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 1,000	Re: Need advice on engine replacement.... So with mine being an 87, that intake should bolt up fine on this engine right? http://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet-Perf...68758/10002/-1 Posted via Mobile Device

07-22-2012, 07:49 PM	#24
UATahoe Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 1,000	Re: Need advice on engine replacement.... Lol too much practice. Thanks again for the help! Posted via Mobile Device

07-22-2012, 07:54 PM	#25
UATahoe Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 1,000	Re: Need advice on engine replacement.... I think that will be the plan. The engine linked and I will order the edelbrock intake wheat well. Posted via Mobile Device

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