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#1 |
Old Skool Club
![]() Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas"
Posts: 10,880
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Gonna replace my engine....what to get?
My truck has the original 350 block, with mid-70's heads (for unleaded fuel). It has been built at least once in the past. I have no idea how many miles it has on it, either before or since. It has blowby, and some piston slap. Costs of rebuilding are close to replacement....with no warranty. So, that brings me to this point....what do I need to look for? All I want to do it have a nice streetable engine that isn't too radical.
Goodwrench 350 runs about $1300-1700. There's a Goodwrench 290-hp 350 in the Summit Catalog for about $400 more than their 260-hp engine. It has a hotter bumpstick. But for the difference, actually less money, Crane has their Thumper series that is interesting. Then, there's Jasper with their humongous warranty. But you can't get one unless you do it at the installer. Haven't priced them, either. I already have an Edelbrock intake, Accel HEI and an Edelbrock Q-Jet (750CFM). New headers will have to be bought. The Hookers that are on it are old....probably as old as the last rebuild. I'm guessing that rebuild was done in the late 80's. With 14000 miles on the clock....it's anyone's guess. 214,000 or 314,000? Chassis has been rebuilt. TH400 is in great shape.
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Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was. |
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#2 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Cali Central Coast
Posts: 5,191
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Re: Gonna replace my engine....what to get?
Interesting. I am going to put a motor in mine as well. That's a good question and I'll be watching to see what people say, but I would think crate would be better than rebuilt as well, due to the variability in machine shop's quality, etc. and the cost isn't much different. Just my .02.
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'67 SWB Fleetside ZZ4/350/Tremec 5-speed/4link/Scott's IFS - and fun as heck! SOLD ![]() Click here to support the board Philippians 4: 6-7 |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Temecula,CA
Posts: 309
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Re: Gonna replace my engine....what to get?
im thinking about putting a 406 ci small block in my truck. they make good power without sacrificing reliability.
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#4 |
laying low
![]() Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Searcy, Ark. USA
Posts: 13,270
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Re: Gonna replace my engine....what to get?
Why not bore n stroke your block to 377 or 383 with a smooth idleing cam. You'll have loads of torque under your right foot!
I went mild on mine. Bored 40 with 9 to1 comp and an "rv" cam for now with Performer intake and quad. If that don't get it done for me the next step is strokin it. I used a machine shop in Heber Springs. It hasn't been out of the shop yet but it sure sounds good. I know there are several engine builders in and around Little Rock and Benton. Give em a call and see what they'll do one for. ![]()
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Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross |
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: oregon
Posts: 1,069
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Re: Gonna replace my engine....what to get?
I agree with Boog. If the block can be bored. I just got a 383 finished with Crane roller cam,1.6 roller rockers, 2.02 intake valves, studded, guided bored , 383 crank, new pistons, rods and of course balance, everything new,
![]() Considering shipping etc. for crate motors. Not too bad I guess. All of the parts came in through his shop except for the cam, a friend sold me because he wanted more lift!! ![]() ![]() Either way you go you won't be dissapointed. I feel strongly about the 383 idea, but even a straight 350 built wisely is a hard one to beat. Can be done very cheaply too. |
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#6 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: oregon
Posts: 1,069
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Re: Gonna replace my engine....what to get?
Oh stat wise that engine I mention is a guarantee of 375-400 horse and 400 ft/lbs torque ( depending on aspiration) The shop builds em all of the time and has dyno in shop.
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#7 |
Chief Honcho In Charge
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Bentonville AR
Posts: 970
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Re: Gonna replace my engine....what to get?
I got a Jasper and did not get it at their installer. I had my own installer do it.
1600 delivered...about 800 to install it. Yeah too much but what does one do...?
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1992 1500 4x4 Shortbed 1984 Ford F250 Supercab Longbed 6.9L Diesel 1972 K10 Cheyenne Super Fleetside Short Bed - 350 - A/C 1971 VW SuperBeetle 1960 Wife 1984 Son 1986 Son 1989 Son Previous Trucks 1967 C10 SWB (1980-1981) 1971 C10 LWB (1998-2004) |
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#8 |
Account Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Monroe, WA
Posts: 3,815
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Re: Gonna replace my engine....what to get?
A crate is always going to be a safer choice as it comes out of the box ready to use. As for cost comparison to an overhaul, it's about a wash if you do the final assembly yourself. See my thread on overhaul costs in my FAQ.
However, you'll get less power for your money with one of the Goodwrench crates than something you build. A 350 HP engine is well within reach for about $2500, and 400 for about $3500. Boog's engine is a perfect case in point. I've also got a 355 overhaul post around here somewhere that has a spreadsheet with prices, etc. |
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#9 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: daytonabeach
Posts: 22,956
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Re: Gonna replace my engine....what to get?
building yourself sounds really good and you get more power too the down side is and i've seen more than one post on it where after a couple of hundred miles the homebuilt is ready for the scrapheap but to get a warrenty in that case all you need to do is look in the mirror
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71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY |
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#10 |
Old Skool Club
![]() Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas"
Posts: 10,880
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Re: Gonna replace my engine....what to get?
I am limited in my skills, and facilities. I have a cousin who does all my mechanical work...and he's good. It is at his suggestion that the crate motor becomes a realistic option.
I'd really like to have a big block, anywhere from 396 to 454 cubic inches, with a thumpin' cam and a hint of an exhaust system. What I'd like to hear is anything that would sound like an engine on steroids. Lots of steroids. It isn't that the 40-series Flowmasters don't let me smile once in a while, I just want something that would put a grin from ear to ear, everytime I fire it up. That all equates to money. I can get some of what I want with the small block, and for my purposes, that would be enough. Do I want a stroked small block? Sure, it would be nice. I suspect that my block has been bored enough to clean it up, but there are no rebuilder tags on the block, so that is a guess. If it was "just cleaned up", I'm guessing .030 over, or a 355. .060 takes it to what? A dirt track builder I know suggested using 6-inch rods, but that's not a cheap option. So, that get's it back to the crate choices. I'd like the HT383 from GMPP. That's about $4K. So, buying the basic crate engine, with iron heads and 8.4CR, then adding the cam I want along with the intake, carb and headers is not too bad. I'm not wanting to shred the tires. I just want to enjoy the ride and bask in the reliability of a streetable engine. If I found one that was running and available....I'd consider it, too. Too many options for my damaged brain.
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Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was. |
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#11 |
laying low
![]() Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Searcy, Ark. USA
Posts: 13,270
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Re: Gonna replace my engine....what to get?
For many the GM crates are the best route to take. All new components with a bit of a warranty. New engine for under $2000 but stock powerwise. Dependable.
Reman'd long blocks from the local parts stores, I wouldn't waste my dough on. Crate engines from summit and others aren't cheap and who knows who's doing the machining and assembling on those? I am pleased for what I have in my 350 right now. Not a race engine but a little more umph than a stocker and for less than a GM crate so I have room to add more HP later if wanted. Someone said they were charged $1600 for the engine and $800 to r&r it. $800! Geez, there isn't that much to swapping out an engine in one of these trucks. $250 to 300 should be more like it. I have read on these forums that the GM dealers can be a pain about the warranties too. Like ONLY giving a warranty on an engine that was available in the vehicle it is being put in. Others have said it is ONLY warranteed if the GM shop install it. I have no first hand experience with them myself. Don't intend to either. I really need to get mine ready to run around the block to see just what I have. I've got 4.10 gear in mine too. Should be fun!
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Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross |
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#12 |
Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Fair Oaks, CA
Posts: 475
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Re: Gonna replace my engine....what to get?
Buy the GM motor any of them how can you say no to a 3 year 100,000 mile warranty with the price at 1200 bucks. chevy high performance did a dyno article on the goodrench motor because chevy always shoots lower with there ratings stock out of box was about 280 w/ 345 torque with carb and intake it was somewhere around 290 for the money since you have the intake you cant beat it. They also threw in heads and cam later and ended up getting the thing to 380 hp for 2000 in cluding the motor. They also sell a vortec 383 replacement for 96-98 trucks that has over 400 on the torque side and just over 300 hp for around 2000, this just came out about 1 year ago they advertised "need more pullin power for you 88-98 truck" it also 50 state legal for the guys actually using them in a newer truck here in cali. When my motor gets tired in my 97 thats what Im going to replace it with.All youd have to buy is the vortec manifold and put your carb on.
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1968 Short Fleet 350/700r4 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=249435 1997 Bagged XtdCab Vortec350/4L60e http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...44#post2286144 1993 XtdCab Longbed 4x4 6.5Turbo/NV4500 "Daily Driver" 1985 Toyota XtdCab 4x4 22re/W-56/Dual T-cases, Doug Thorley Header, Homebrew front and rear spring packs, Tons of Mods to suspension and drivetrain, 35" boggers, coming soon ARB's and 5.29's, Possible 4.3/700r4 swap |
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#13 |
Old Skool Club
![]() Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas"
Posts: 10,880
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Re: Gonna replace my engine....what to get?
Thanks for all the input. As much as I would like to keep the stock block in the truck, I don't think I'm gonna be in a position to brag that it's a "numbers matching" ride. It doesn't matter when you pay the piper, you still gotta pay him, right?
In spite of the piston slap and small amount of blow-by, it still starts and runs good. I just want it to be dependable when the Hot Rod Power Tour leaves Little Rock next June.....and I want to make the first leg of the tour. Gonna take my oldest grandson on the ride and don't want any uh-ohs.
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Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was. |
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#14 |
Chief Honcho In Charge
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Bentonville AR
Posts: 970
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Re: Gonna replace my engine....what to get?
ChevLoRay...I will be there in 10 weeks...ready to lend a helping hand.
Am I a master mechanic..no...but I used to work on nuclear weapons and know how to use a torque wrench and know how to follow a procedure. Actually I will be in Bentonville...closer than Utah.
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1992 1500 4x4 Shortbed 1984 Ford F250 Supercab Longbed 6.9L Diesel 1972 K10 Cheyenne Super Fleetside Short Bed - 350 - A/C 1971 VW SuperBeetle 1960 Wife 1984 Son 1986 Son 1989 Son Previous Trucks 1967 C10 SWB (1980-1981) 1971 C10 LWB (1998-2004) Last edited by timcos; 08-25-2007 at 01:47 PM. |
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#15 |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Alexandria, MN
Posts: 1,462
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Re: Gonna replace my engine....what to get?
I would build my own and do.... it really isnt that hard if you use common sense and follow procedure and you always have this board to rely on when you get stumped.... I have high schoolers do it in a not very well equiped shop and some of them have had them for years and with good success... In fact i am running a student built 305 in my 74 C10 right now and i get close to 20 mpg with it and can pull most of what ever I want with it also... Just ask around in your area as far as a decent machinist goes and you will be set. You can also have the machinist assemble anything you dont feel comfortable with, and I feel when I pay him/her I am paying to have my questions answered too... Also, make sure you have your rotating assembly balanced and have your distributer recurved to your new engine combo. In the end you will have what YOU want and the satisfaction of YOU building it.
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63 C20 2WD, 230/SM420/4.11 73K 68 C30 dump truck, 327,SM425,4.56 66K original 68 C10 2WD SWB Stepper, 250/3-tree/3.73 66K.... Wifes 68 Buick Skylark Custom Conv., 350/TH400/2.56 In our family since '79 69 GMC 1500 SWB 2WD, 350/TH350/3.73 posi... 70 K10 SWB 4X4 4-sp,ps, pb, tilt, buckets, console, sliding back window (Need AC parts) WIP 72 Chevy K20 4x4 350/350/205/4.56 donor 72 Vette 350/M21/3.70 posi, triple black and super fast 84 Olds Cutlass Brougham 350/2004r/4.11 was Dad's |
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#16 |
Aluminum slot wheels rule...
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Maine
Posts: 6,212
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Re: Gonna replace my engine....what to get?
If your gonna get a gm crate engine, I'd get the 260hp one. They have 350ft. lbs of torque outta the box, versus a tweaked 343ft. lbs. Just my $.02.
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#17 |
Registered User
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Moore, Oklahoma
Posts: 2,396
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Re: Gonna replace my engine....what to get?
Hmmmmmmmm ----- $12 or 1300 for a crate engine sounds good if you can get it locally w/out the shipping.
You mentioned big block in another post too, ---- i got a decent price on one from a board member a month ago. It will be rolling soon with new headers and front end accesories for about $1500. If you look around you can get 'em A stock re-build on one of these is probably only good for 300 or so horses too, but with gobs of torque compared to a $1500 small block |
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