GM Crate motor

[Smitty]

Anyone have any experience or comments on pt#19355658 GM crate engine? Its the 290 horse 4 bolt variety.

[TwoFiftyShifter]

Originally Posted by Smitty

Anyone have any experience or comments on pt#19355658 GM crate engine? Its the 290 horse 4 bolt variety.

Smog heads, 8:1 compression, 1960s era cam that was used in a higher compression SBC which yielded good results... when Hendrix was still alive.

[TwoFiftyShifter]

Also, if you have a few hours, do a search on the engine. It's been covered pretty well.

[yuccales]

Originally Posted by TwoFiftyShifter

1960s era cam that was used in a higher compression SBC which yielded good results... when Hendrix was still alive.

I was rockin' a 151 cam while listening to Van Halen!

[davischevy]

It fits the era of out trucks. My son in law has one in his K10 and loves it.

[tim_mc]

Are you looking for an assembled long block to drop in, or would you be open to some assembly? With some work you can build your own, while taking advantage of sales and free shipping.

Just my 2c, I'd prefer to build a roller cam over a flat tappet as long as the added costs are within reason. If I had to do it again now, I'd probably buy a ZZ4 short block and add a roller cam/lifters & aluminum heads. The SP/ZZ block 12670966 has the GM roller cam retainer (no cam button needed) and supports a mechanical fuel pump.

If you want to stick with the 350/290 long block, for about $1000 + head bolts and gaskets you could swap out the 76cc iron heads for 62cc, 65cc, or 70cc aluminum heads to bump up the compression and save some weight.

[Smitty]

Looking for a replacement for the .060 over 350 with about 60,000 mi. On it. It’s developing a coolant leak through a porous head. Don’t require speed. Getting to old for that. But would like something that will get out of it’s own way. Looking for a long block so that I won’t be buying into the shop doing the swap for me. I’m in my early 70’s and the desire is to hit local car shows when the current situation improves. Am not as limber as I once was. I’m running a newly rebuilt 700R4, with the above mentioned 350. So I’m thankful for any opinions and suggestions. Because this is the greatest place to get this information. Thank you one and all.
Smitty

[wesmigletz]

What about a Vortec 330 hp crate engine? Better torque, milder cam and more HP. You will need a vortec intake.

Otherwise, I would go with the base 350 crate, add a 256 voodoo cam and reuse the lifters, timing chain and rockers.

[tim_mc]

That's a great option posted by Wesmigletz, and one of the options I considered.
Chevy Performance has the L31 crate on sale now for $3095 direct. Add an intake, an externally balanced flexplate, bronze tip fuel pump rod, and a (new) GM HEI w/melonized drive gear and you're good to go.
https://www.gmperformancemotor.com/parts/12691673.html

Machined and assembled in the USA. New 4-bolt main block. Forged crank. Hydraulic roller cam. 9.4:1. Mech fuel pump. No core charge, free shipping, etc.

Not sure, but the stock cam may not have the lobe for the fuel pump.

[BigBird05]

Why not go with a 383 short block with Edelbrock heads and intake kit?

[68Stepbed]

It's a decent engine with just enough power to be fun.

In all honesty, get the 260hp version and install a reproduction 327/350hp cam to get better power results than the 290hp cam.

[Myself]

Originally Posted by tim_mc

That's a great option posted by Wesmigletz, and one of the options I considered.
Chevy Performance has the L31 crate on sale now for $3095 direct. Add an intake, an externally balanced flexplate, bronze tip fuel pump rod, and a (new) GM HEI w/melonized drive gear and you're good to go.
https://www.gmperformancemotor.com/parts/12691673.html

Machined and assembled in the USA. New 4-bolt main block. Forged crank. Hydraulic roller cam. 9.4:1. Mech fuel pump. No core charge, free shipping, etc.

Not sure, but the stock cam may not have the lobe for the fuel pump.

That's what I'd do! You'll keep the old school look but make a great upgrade at the same time.

[davischevy]

Originally Posted by wesmigletz

What about a Vortec 330 hp crate engine? Better torque, milder cam and more HP. You will need a vortec intake.

Otherwise, I would go with the base 350 crate, add a 256 voodoo cam and reuse the lifters, timing chain and rockers.

I have the 330 hp in my 55 and love it.

We have one in a Blazer and it requires a few things to be changed. The exhaust angle is different, and the rear bracket on the AC won't work.

[truckster]

Originally Posted by tim_mc

That's a great option posted by Wesmigletz, and one of the options I considered.
Chevy Performance has the L31 crate on sale now for $3095 direct. Add an intake, an externally balanced flexplate, bronze tip fuel pump rod, and a (new) GM HEI w/melonized drive gear and you're good to go.
https://www.gmperformancemotor.com/parts/12691673.html

Machined and assembled in the USA. New 4-bolt main block. Forged crank. Hydraulic roller cam. 9.4:1. Mech fuel pump. No core charge, free shipping, etc.

Not sure, but the stock cam may not have the lobe for the fuel pump.

I used the HT383 cam. It does have the lobe.

[Smitty]

Pretty much have settled on the 350 HO. Only thing needed is fuel pump and starter.

[Smitty]

This one! Local dealer matched the price.
https://www.gmperformancemotor.com/parts/19210008.html

I do appreciate the input and opinions everyone submitted for me to consider.

[68Stepbed]

Originally Posted by Smitty

Pretty much have settled on the 350 HO. Only thing needed is fuel pump and starter.

This engine is pretty amazing, to be honest. My dad had one in his 87 Monte Carlo.

[Smitty]

My Brother who got me the deal at the dealership has one in his ‘71 and loves it. He was influential in my decision. So mid Jan. Am going to make it happen.

[rechinca]

Excellent Smitty, should give you nice little boost!