how many of you with crate engines? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

71Rat · 03-02-2004, 03:46 PM

i was wondering how many of you have crate engines in your trucks.
What crate engine is it and how did you like it?

looks like my block is cracked so i am exploring all my options

Thanks
Rat

Dean · 03-02-2004, 03:53 PM

I'm probably one of the few, but I have three ZZ4 350 crate engines. Thumbs down on all three. All three have been apart with very few easy miles. I did my own engine on this last K20.

Mixup · 03-02-2004, 04:45 PM

I've got the regular replacement 350 in mine. I put vortec heads on it along with an Edelbrock cam, manifold and carb. It's been in the truck for 7 years and runs great.

jorgensensc · 03-02-2004, 04:48 PM

I've got a 350 with rpm air gap, edelbrock 600 carb, and stock heads. Works good for me.

cwilli84 · 03-02-2004, 04:50 PM

ZZ3 350 only had trouble with a broken valve spring so far after 40k miles.

Dean · 03-02-2004, 05:20 PM

Ditto on the ZZ engine broken valve springs. I had that on all three as well. One even cracked the aluminum head while I was towing a trailer across Indiana....not a good trip....

cwilli84 · 03-02-2004, 05:43 PM

Any idea why the springs are a problem on a motor that should be a mild street motor with similar components to the ZZ4?

cwilli84 · 03-02-2004, 05:46 PM

I rarely run this above 3500 rpm and drive only a short distance to work and rare occassion freeway driven. Mine only suffered some bent pushrod(s) , I guess i was lucky it wasn't worse.

71Rat · 03-02-2004, 05:49 PM

all good things to know thanks for the replys everyone

Thanks

Rat

rambler · 03-02-2004, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dean
I'm probably one of the few, but I have three ZZ4 350 crate engines. Thumbs down on all three. All three have been apart with very few easy miles. I did my own engine on this last K20.

Dean,, you weren't running them like that car in your Avatar, were you?

Just Kidding....

Dean · 03-02-2004, 05:56 PM

I heard that the springs were defective. I replaced all of mine with new ones. I never abused mine either. They finally replaced the cracked head, but only because I know the service manager very well. I haven't torn down my last ZZ4 that had a problem because I was so frustrated. It is still on the stand. I'm guessing it has a broken piston.....

Dean · 03-02-2004, 05:58 PM

That is a LT5 ZR1 Corvette in my avitar. I'd never do that with my ZR1. I've never completely understood those burnout contests....lol

Orange70chevy · 03-02-2004, 08:48 PM

I put a replacement 350 in mine 4 years ago and no problem.

busterwivell · 03-02-2004, 09:41 PM

I recently put a ZZ4 in a friend's 53 Chevy half ton. Man, does it run now! I hope Chevy has gotten over the problems you guys had, or I'm sure my phone will ring. So much for a favor!

72LOWBOY · 03-02-2004, 10:14 PM

I have the GM fast burn 385 in my truck. I have almost 30,000 miles on it had no problems with it. I drove it like a gramma for about the first 3000 miles, but since then I've driven it pretty hard. Just regular oil changes. Using Mobil 1 and wix filters. I'm very stoked on it.

Stanford · 03-02-2004, 10:37 PM

I have just your basic bone stock 275 hp. 350 crate. I put an weiand intake and holley 600 carb. It has about 23,000 on it and have had no problems. I haven't been really mean to it, but it was been on the drag stip and on our black top drag stip around home.

Stanford

*Randy70C-10* · 03-02-2004, 10:37 PM

I have a ZZ3 but haven't ran it yet. You other guys with the ZZ engines have me worried now.

celcius232 · 03-03-2004, 12:14 AM

I put a new Goodwrench 350 in one of mine. I changed out the cam and added a mild Edelbrock cam. lifters, performer intake, and 1604 performer carb. It has an HEI distributor and Hedman headers going into a 3-inch single exhaust with a flowmaster muffler. Sometimes I pull a 4000# boat with it and I have put over 35 K on it and it barely uses a quart between 3000 mile oil changes. Sometimes the Edelbrock lifters make a little racket on start up when it gets down to 0 F, even on synthetic oil. Problably more leakdown than the stock lifters?

I think the 350 goodwrench is a good deal if you don't need more than 300 hp, but I went with a local shop for my recent 350 rebuild on my '72. I wanted more grin factor on the two wheel drive machine.

Hey, but its a dry cold. Brian in MT

CHEVYE · 03-03-2004, 12:16 AM

had a 4 bolt jasper engine and it was one of the best i`ve ever had.

jhow66 · 03-03-2004, 12:43 AM

Got a 502HO in mine -no problems yet ( does use more oil than it should-no smoke>other then tire smoke< no leaks-runs like wah-hoo!

jhow66 · 03-03-2004, 12:49 AM

Also have installed a 454HO in a 81 Elky,ZZ4 in a 71 Camaro, 350-330HP in a 64 SS Malibu, 2 GoodWrench 350's--no problems on any of these yet.

**Tim Christian** · 03-03-2004, 01:50 AM

I have a ZZ-4 and LOVE it!!!!!!!!!!!!

BadAssChevy502 · 03-03-2004, 06:09 AM

I have a BB 502 HO in my truck and I really like

Tx Firefighter · 03-03-2004, 11:12 AM

I have one in my 69 truck, my 77 Blazer, and my 54 Chevy car. I have put in literally well over a hundred at the dealer where I worked. The Goodwrench is a great engine.

SS55 · 03-03-2004, 11:31 AM

I put a Goodwrench 350 in a 71 Suburban seven years ago, still running strong and the guy that now owns it drives it hard.

03-02-2004, 03:46 PM	#1
71Rat ran out of money Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: northern, NJ Posts: 925	how many of you with crate engines? i was wondering how many of you have crate engines in your trucks. What crate engine is it and how did you like it? looks like my block is cracked so i am exploring all my options Thanks Rat __________________ Modify everything, leave nothing alone!~

03-02-2004, 04:45 PM	#3
Mixup Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Henderson, NV Posts: 358	I've got the regular replacement 350 in mine. I put vortec heads on it along with an Edelbrock cam, manifold and carb. It's been in the truck for 7 years and runs great. __________________ 1980 Chevy Shortbed Pickup 1969 Z28 engine Turbo 350

03-02-2004, 04:48 PM	#4
jorgensensc Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Cypress, Tx Posts: 4,005	I've got a 350 with rpm air gap, edelbrock 600 carb, and stock heads. Works good for me. __________________ 1972 C20 Suburban- Big Blue Betty '56 Chevy Bel Air Sedan- Frame up Restoration -What would you attempt to achieve if you knew you could not fail?- -I Refuse To Tiptoe Through Life, Only To Arrive Safely At Death's Door- R.I.P. EAST SIDE LOW LIFE

03-02-2004, 04:50 PM	#5
cwilli84 1FINE69 Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Detroit, Michigan Posts: 239	ZZ3 350 only had trouble with a broken valve spring so far after 40k miles. __________________ Had a 69 swb fleetside 350zz3 w 400turbo trans oak lined bed with rhino coated sides red exterior. SOLD

03-02-2004, 05:43 PM	#7
cwilli84 1FINE69 Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Detroit, Michigan Posts: 239	Any idea why the springs are a problem on a motor that should be a mild street motor with similar components to the ZZ4? __________________ Had a 69 swb fleetside 350zz3 w 400turbo trans oak lined bed with rhino coated sides red exterior. SOLD

03-02-2004, 03:53 PM	#2
Dean Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 1,492	I'm probably one of the few, but I have three ZZ4 350 crate engines. Thumbs down on all three. All three have been apart with very few easy miles. I did my own engine on this last K20.

03-02-2004, 05:20 PM	#6
Dean Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 1,492	Ditto on the ZZ engine broken valve springs. I had that on all three as well. One even cracked the aluminum head while I was towing a trailer across Indiana....not a good trip....

03-02-2004, 05:46 PM	#8
cwilli84 1FINE69 Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Detroit, Michigan Posts: 239	I rarely run this above 3500 rpm and drive only a short distance to work and rare occassion freeway driven. Mine only suffered some bent pushrod(s) , I guess i was lucky it wasn't worse. __________________ Had a 69 swb fleetside 350zz3 w 400turbo trans oak lined bed with rhino coated sides red exterior. SOLD

03-02-2004, 05:49 PM	#9
71Rat ran out of money Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: northern, NJ Posts: 925	all good things to know thanks for the replys everyone Thanks Rat __________________ Modify everything, leave nothing alone!~

03-02-2004, 05:56 PM	#11
Dean Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 1,492	I heard that the springs were defective. I replaced all of mine with new ones. I never abused mine either. They finally replaced the cracked head, but only because I know the service manager very well. I haven't torn down my last ZZ4 that had a problem because I was so frustrated. It is still on the stand. I'm guessing it has a broken piston.....

03-02-2004, 05:58 PM	#12
Dean Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 1,492	That is a LT5 ZR1 Corvette in my avitar. I'd never do that with my ZR1. I've never completely understood those burnout contests....lol

03-02-2004, 08:48 PM	#13
Orange70chevy Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Penelope, Texas Posts: 393	I put a replacement 350 in mine 4 years ago and no problem.

03-02-2004, 09:41 PM	#14
busterwivell Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Sahuarita, AZ USA Posts: 2,033	I recently put a ZZ4 in a friend's 53 Chevy half ton. Man, does it run now! I hope Chevy has gotten over the problems you guys had, or I'm sure my phone will ring. So much for a favor! __________________ Bill - Tucson, AZ 47 Chevrolet 2 dr sedan 56 Chevrolet 210 2 dr sedan 66 Chevrolet Malibu 2 dr 4 speed 71 Chevrolet C30 Longhorn 86 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS (Sold) 01 Chevrolet Tahoe IM - BUSTERWIVE@aol.com

03-02-2004, 10:14 PM	#15
72LOWBOY Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Coral Springs,FL Posts: 100	I have the GM fast burn 385 in my truck. I have almost 30,000 miles on it had no problems with it. I drove it like a gramma for about the first 3000 miles, but since then I've driven it pretty hard. Just regular oil changes. Using Mobil 1 and wix filters. I'm very stoked on it. __________________ 72 Chevy LWB leaf spring rear,SBC 385 Fast Burn,Art Carr built 700r4,3.73 Eaton posi,one piece windows,lowered 4/5.5, 60/40 seat, shaved turn signals,shaved reverse lights,shaved stake pockets, stainless steel 21gall in rear, c-notched, vintage air,ps,pb,currently doing body work. 68 Camaro conv.327,turbo 350,pb,disc brakes,built it for the wife 38 Chevy Coupe on the back burner LIFE IS GOOD! SMILE

03-02-2004, 10:37 PM	#16
Stanford WILLY FOR PRESIDENT!! Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Wichita, Kansas Posts: 190	I have just your basic bone stock 275 hp. 350 crate. I put an weiand intake and holley 600 carb. It has about 23,000 on it and have had no problems. I haven't been really mean to it, but it was been on the drag stip and on our black top drag stip around home. Stanford __________________ *"He's a high tech REDNECK."* George Jones '67 C/10 FOR SALE!! $600, runs, strait grill, good parts, or beater truck '68 GMC K25, 4x4, current project '71 Custom/10, Crate 350, My Baby!! '97 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP



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03-02-2004, 10:37 PM	#17
Randy70C-10 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va. U.S.A. Posts: 15,320	I have a ZZ3 but haven't ran it yet. You other guys with the ZZ engines have me worried now.

03-03-2004, 12:14 AM	#18
celcius232 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Helena, Montana Posts: 67	I put a new Goodwrench 350 in one of mine. I changed out the cam and added a mild Edelbrock cam. lifters, performer intake, and 1604 performer carb. It has an HEI distributor and Hedman headers going into a 3-inch single exhaust with a flowmaster muffler. Sometimes I pull a 4000# boat with it and I have put over 35 K on it and it barely uses a quart between 3000 mile oil changes. Sometimes the Edelbrock lifters make a little racket on start up when it gets down to 0 F, even on synthetic oil. Problably more leakdown than the stock lifters? I think the 350 goodwrench is a good deal if you don't need more than 300 hp, but I went with a local shop for my recent 350 rebuild on my '72. I wanted more grin factor on the two wheel drive machine. Hey, but its a dry cold. Brian in MT

03-03-2004, 12:16 AM	#19
CHEVYE my gas saver Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Clarksville, TN Posts: 2,046	had a 4 bolt jasper engine and it was one of the best i`ve ever had.

03-03-2004, 12:43 AM	#20
jhow66 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Knoxville Tenn. Posts: 3,058	Got a 502HO in mine -no problems yet ( does use more oil than it should-no smoke>other then tire smoke< no leaks-runs like wah-hoo! __________________ 56 Chevy Bel-Air 2dr. HT (purchased new) 71 Chevy Cheyenne SWB PU (502HO) 65 GMC short bed step--work in progress and my gofer

03-03-2004, 12:49 AM	#21
jhow66 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Knoxville Tenn. Posts: 3,058	Also have installed a 454HO in a 81 Elky,ZZ4 in a 71 Camaro, 350-330HP in a 64 SS Malibu, 2 GoodWrench 350's--no problems on any of these yet. __________________ 56 Chevy Bel-Air 2dr. HT (purchased new) 71 Chevy Cheyenne SWB PU (502HO) 65 GMC short bed step--work in progress and my gofer

03-03-2004, 01:50 AM	#22
Tim Christian Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: TN/VA Posts: 6,388	I have a ZZ-4 and LOVE it!!!!!!!!!!!!

03-03-2004, 06:09 AM	#23
BadAssChevy502 Yeh It's Fast Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Zwijndrecht ,The Netherlands ,Europe Posts: 143	Crate Engine I have a BB 502 HO in my truck and I really like __________________ (I'm sorry if the spelling isn't correct,i'm trying the best I can ) 1972 C20 3/4 Pickup Fleetside 502ci Th400 Click here to view pictures of my truck 1971 C20 3/4 Pickup Fleetside 350ci 3speed manual gearbox "IF IT AIN'T BROKE DON'T TRY TO FIX IT" Zwijndrecht, The Netherlands Europe

03-03-2004, 11:12 AM	#24
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	I have one in my 69 truck, my 77 Blazer, and my 54 Chevy car. I have put in literally well over a hundred at the dealer where I worked. The Goodwrench is a great engine. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

03-03-2004, 11:31 AM	#25
SS55 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 62	I put a Goodwrench 350 in a 71 Suburban seven years ago, still running strong and the guy that now owns it drives it hard. __________________ Be wary of the light at the end of the tunnel....It might be a gorilla holding a flashlight! 71 Blazer, ex-4WD...Bought it that way 55 GMC 55 Belair 2dr HT 67 El Camino

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