Crate GoodWrench 350 Questions

[LostMy65]

Originally Posted by Warrens69GMC

1978 Big 10, 165hp 350, TH350, 3.08 and 28" tires. Doesn't do too bad, except loaded and going uphill.

You might need 3.42 rear gears.

[SunSoaked]

Or a Duramax transplant

[Warrens69GMC]

Originally Posted by LostMy65

You might need 3.42 rear gears.

I have a 1995 LT1 and 4L60E from a camaro, thinking of 3.73 gears as well.............🤔

[LostMy65]

I've been doing research, is it true they built it with really low compression so the engine could use low octane gas?

[Warrens69GMC]

Originally Posted by LostMy65

I've been doing research, is it true they built it with really low compression so the engine could use low octane gas?

The goodwrench 350? Yes that is partially true. They wanted a economical engine that could be put in most 1985 and under cars and trucks and pass emission standards everywhere. If the made a 350hp 350, it might not pass some emission requirements.

[AcampoDave]

Originally Posted by Warrens69GMC

1978 Big 10, 165hp 350, TH350, 3.08 and 28" tires. Doesn't do too bad, except loaded and going uphill.

Agreed, mostly stock 283 with 225/75/15 tires and 3 on the tree. 3.08 is great

[oldgold70c10]

Originally Posted by Warrens69GMC

1978 Big 10, 165hp 350, TH350, 3.08 and 28" tires. Doesn't do too bad, except loaded and going uphill.

My 78 big 10 is just like yours, stock 350/TH350 and 3:08, and will hold 70 with the AC on using the cruise going uphill with out any trouble.

[Warrens69GMC]

Originally Posted by oldgold70c10

My 78 big 10 is just like yours, stock 350/TH350 and 3:08, and will hold 70 with the AC on using the cruise going uphill with out any trouble.

I agree. I was referring to it loaded AND going uphill. Like with a 1500 slide in camper and another 700lbs worth of stuff inside.

[LostMy65]

Originally Posted by Warrens69GMC

The goodwrench 350? Yes that is partially true. They wanted a economical engine that could be put in most 1985 and under cars and trucks and pass emission standards everywhere. If the made a 350hp 350, it might not pass some emission requirements.

I'm not sure why I missed this post before.
That totally makes sense. I just couldn't figure why they would deliberately build it to be a dog - It needs to pass emissions in every State in every car.
Here in Oregon anything around 1974 and older doesn't have to do an emissions test.

[LostMy65]

Originally Posted by LostMy65

Is there a way to know what horsepower version my GM Goodwrench 350 is?

I found this in another thread:
https://www.mortec.com/location.htm

[LostMy65]

Is a stock gm Goodwrench 350 good 'as is' for a truck application where you are mainly concerned about fuel economy and low end torque?

[SunSoaked]

Mediocre. I had to swap to vortec heads, cam and headers so it could get out of it's own way.

[AcampoDave]

I think its fine however, these days a roller cam seems to be the hot ticket because of the new oil. I do fine with a 283 for just driving around so that 350 should be great for driving around. Especially if you have dual exhaust and a nice aluminium dual plane intake. I dunno I've seen many a smokey burnout from a stock Goodwrech 350 in a classic truck.

[Warrens69GMC]

ZZ shortblock, summit vortec heads and a dual plane intake is the ticket right now