Crate engine - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

renegade6 · 12-03-2011, 11:57 PM

I just found out this week that I need to replace my 327 in my truck. The block has already been bored to the max and don't want to mess with getting it sleeved and putting a bunch of other work into it.

Looking at getting a GM replacement engine. For the basic 350 small block, my understanding that the 260HP and 290HP are the same with the exception of the cam, is this correct?

Also, Pace has one that is similar but, is 300HP. Is this just another cam difference?

Thanks

NewAge1970 · 12-04-2011, 12:02 AM

I'd build your own. So you know whats in it. I built mine for 4000, around 400 horse at the rear wheels. But it's almost too much for every day driving.
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gearys 5600 · 12-04-2011, 12:11 AM

I have the 290 horse crate engine in my 56 nomad. I can drive it anywhere at anytime. These engines are dependable and usually worry free.

I have also built and had professionally built lots of engines over the years, from 300 horse to 1100 horse, They just dont seem to last as long or as dependable as a new G.M crate engine.

NewAge1970 · 12-04-2011, 12:15 AM

Yeah, the thing with mine is the bottom end is balanced, it'll do somewhere around 8000 rpm. 2.02 alum heads, and a high lift cam. Too much for me to drive every day.
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renegade6 · 12-04-2011, 12:25 AM

Thanks. Building would be nice but, by the time I find a decent block, get it machined, parts and etc., I will be more than a new engine. I might not get the same performance as a new engine but, my truck isn't exactly going to be driven very fast nor, win any races.

cdowns · 12-04-2011, 06:44 AM

check out all the mailorder places first but b4 you buy try going to your local GM dealership

sometimes local dealers will price match for you lots will have instock deals ready for you to take home

chevy72pu · 12-04-2011, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdowns

check out all the mailorder places first but b4 you buy try going to your local GM dealership

sometimes local dealers will price match for you lots will have instock deals ready for you to take home

Agreed! Nesmith Chevy in Claxton, GA will deliver the 290 horse 350 to my shop (less than 100 miles) for $2111.00 incl tax.

PanelDeland · 12-04-2011, 11:33 AM

The other plus to a crate is the warranty.If you build you're the warranty.I think the 290 is a great engine for these trucks.It has plenty of power to cruise with the street crowd,good sound(depending on exhuast),and reliability.That's what I look for in one to drive.Plus it should just bolt in.

BTW IIRC they offer a crate plug and play engine with FI.If you've got the $$$ it might be a nice upgrade for driving though I think performance is better with a carb.

renegade6 · 12-04-2011, 12:05 PM

Will definitely search around the dealers here to see what they can offer.

From looking at the specs, it looks like the only difference between the 260 HP, 290HP and 300HP are the cams. Is this correct?

domeier · 12-04-2011, 01:34 PM

I have a 330hp Crate in my truck, and couldn't be happier. Runs perfect, and not a single drop of oil on the pan after 11 years. If they did anything right, they sure as hell sealed them up tight!

Wrenchbender Ret · 12-04-2011, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by renegade6

Will definitely search around the dealers here to see what they can offer.

From looking at the specs, it looks like the only difference between the 260 HP, 290HP and 300HP are the cams. Is this correct?

That is what I understand. I have used many of the standard 260 HP ones with great sucsess.
I am thinking of useing the 290 in my next project but hate to pay 3-4 hundred more just for a little more cam shaft.
I also hate to take a new factory assembled engine & tear it down to put in an aftermarket cam.

12-03-2011, 11:57 PM	#1
renegade6 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Texarkana, TX Posts: 443	Crate engine I just found out this week that I need to replace my 327 in my truck. The block has already been bored to the max and don't want to mess with getting it sleeved and putting a bunch of other work into it. Looking at getting a GM replacement engine. For the basic 350 small block, my understanding that the 260HP and 290HP are the same with the exception of the cam, is this correct? Also, Pace has one that is similar but, is 300HP. Is this just another cam difference? Thanks __________________ Brandon 63 Biscayne https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/90718-63-Biscayne 57 Chevy Truck (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=321380 72 K20 Long bed stepside (wife's) 72 K20 Long bed 396 (flip or keep...?) The latest build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...76#post8438476

12-04-2011, 12:02 AM	#2
NewAge1970 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Riverton Wyoming Posts: 93	Re: Crate engine I'd build your own. So you know whats in it. I built mine for 4000, around 400 horse at the rear wheels. But it's almost too much for every day driving. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ "Its better to burn out than it is to rust!" '70 GMC C10 2wd. 2.02 aluminum heads. TH400 trans. 450WHP '04 Nissan 350z DD, Twin Turbo, 600whp, drag beast!

12-04-2011, 12:11 AM	#3
gearys 5600 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: tulsa,ok Posts: 1,085	Re: Crate engine I have the 290 horse crate engine in my 56 nomad. I can drive it anywhere at anytime. These engines are dependable and usually worry free. I have also built and had professionally built lots of engines over the years, from 300 horse to 1100 horse, They just dont seem to last as long or as dependable as a new G.M crate engine. __________________ MY BUILD THREAD http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=423629 1969 custom/10 swb--SOLD 1968 swb 50th anniv.--SOLD 1967 camaro ss/rs..LS-6-speed, 16-year long project 1956 chevy nomad 1955 chevy 210 2-dr sedan 1978 el-camino ss 1-owner

12-04-2011, 12:15 AM	#4
NewAge1970 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Riverton Wyoming Posts: 93	Re: Crate engine Yeah, the thing with mine is the bottom end is balanced, it'll do somewhere around 8000 rpm. 2.02 alum heads, and a high lift cam. Too much for me to drive every day. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ "Its better to burn out than it is to rust!" '70 GMC C10 2wd. 2.02 aluminum heads. TH400 trans. 450WHP '04 Nissan 350z DD, Twin Turbo, 600whp, drag beast!

12-04-2011, 12:25 AM	#5
renegade6 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Texarkana, TX Posts: 443	Re: Crate engine Thanks. Building would be nice but, by the time I find a decent block, get it machined, parts and etc., I will be more than a new engine. I might not get the same performance as a new engine but, my truck isn't exactly going to be driven very fast nor, win any races. __________________ Brandon 63 Biscayne https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/90718-63-Biscayne 57 Chevy Truck (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=321380 72 K20 Long bed stepside (wife's) 72 K20 Long bed 396 (flip or keep...?) The latest build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...76#post8438476

12-04-2011, 06:44 AM	#6
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Crate engine check out all the mailorder places first but b4 you buy try going to your local GM dealership sometimes local dealers will price match for you lots will have instock deals ready for you to take home __________________ 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

12-04-2011, 11:33 AM	#8
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: Crate engine The other plus to a crate is the warranty.If you build you're the warranty.I think the 290 is a great engine for these trucks.It has plenty of power to cruise with the street crowd,good sound(depending on exhuast),and reliability.That's what I look for in one to drive.Plus it should just bolt in. BTW IIRC they offer a crate plug and play engine with FI.If you've got the $$$ it might be a nice upgrade for driving though I think performance is better with a carb. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

12-04-2011, 12:05 PM	#9
renegade6 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Texarkana, TX Posts: 443	Re: Crate engine Will definitely search around the dealers here to see what they can offer. From looking at the specs, it looks like the only difference between the 260 HP, 290HP and 300HP are the cams. Is this correct? __________________ Brandon 63 Biscayne https://www.pro-touring.com/threads/90718-63-Biscayne 57 Chevy Truck (sold)http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=321380 72 K20 Long bed stepside (wife's) 72 K20 Long bed 396 (flip or keep...?) The latest build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...76#post8438476

12-04-2011, 01:34 PM	#10
domeier Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: San Jose, California Posts: 784	Re: Crate engine I have a 330hp Crate in my truck, and couldn't be happier. Runs perfect, and not a single drop of oil on the pan after 11 years. If they did anything right, they sure as hell sealed them up tight!



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