Need some help deciding what to do. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

krue · 08-07-2003, 12:08 AM

I need some help deciding what to do about replacing my engine. I would like to go with a overdrive tranny while I am at it.

Tx Firefighter · 08-07-2003, 12:13 AM

That GM crate engine is going to have a warranty. And it will be 100% new parts too!

Why buy rebuilt, when new is priced so right?

Project1970 · 08-07-2003, 01:13 AM

If you want to deal with the wiring issues (and the few problems left with the LT1 in 1997 - they had the engine pretty well ironed out by then, so the OptiSpark isn't so much of an issue...) and the other oddities of putting an LT1 in the truck (trust me, you will be spending much more than $1600 all said and done, depending on how much is still usable...what kind of wreck is it? Frontal, side, rear?) then the LT1 is a kickass way to go. That engine has some pretty big ones all the way from down low to up high. Pair it with some 3.42's or 3.73's and 28" tires (adjust gearing accordingly for taller tires) and you should be pretty well set.

krue · 08-07-2003, 02:04 AM

The camaro was wrecked in the rear I believe.

Injected68LS1 · 08-07-2003, 02:13 AM

Go with fuel injection --> LT1. Like project1970 said, it takes a lot more than the price of the motor to get it running. Fuel system is probably the biggest hit as you have to upgrade your tank, pump, and fuel lines. If it is an LT1 and not an LS1 it should just drop right in using your stock motor mounts.

krue · 08-07-2003, 08:15 AM

Money IS an object, BTW. I am married with kids, so I gotta pinch them pennies

slam33 · 08-07-2003, 09:46 AM

I sat for a long time working out what I wanted to build, all the machine work, all the parts, and all the money and time to do it. I then I woke up and decided that the Ram Jet 350 will do just fine for my needs. This comes from a guy who's been playing with cars for over 40 yrs, had his own parts house and machine shops at one time, built and raced for more than 20 yrs, and can build a SBC in my sleep. The create make sense to me, go figure.

griesel72 · 08-07-2003, 11:48 AM

Go with the crate

Injected68LS1 · 08-07-2003, 12:22 PM

Since money is an issue I would go with the crate motor. The best part is that it should just bolt right in.

miket · 08-07-2003, 12:38 PM

Hmmmmm...$300 difference...which crate motor? I would probably go the LT1....if your truck isn't a daily driver...that s what I would do.

**Palf70Step** · 08-07-2003, 12:45 PM

Save up buy the crate when your's poofs or you get the money...whichever comes first. The other might be cool, but I'm sure especially with the tranny sitting that long you are not gonna have a drop and drive assembly...even after all the wiring.

Get a crate...Better yet....just give me the GMC and you take your Beretta

landon4421 · 08-07-2003, 01:00 PM

new :p new :p new :p with the warranty. I got one for Jenna's 71 all stock. It is great not having to worry about anything. Just jump in and go....

krue · 08-07-2003, 05:49 PM

It's still pretty close. Anybody else have an opinion?

miket · 08-07-2003, 05:58 PM

Krue,

Just a few other tidbits...

Assuming the powertrain in the camaro is good...you get aluminum heads, roller cam, fuel injection an overdrive transmission..the computer, harness, accessories fans...etc....

If you buy the crate motor for $1300 or so...it won't be a "performance" motor and doubt it has aluminum heads....let alone fuel injection...is it carb to pan..or will you use your existing carb....if so does it need to be rebuilt...in addition you will have to either buy a complete other tranny for the overdrive or forego the overdrive and rebuild what you have.

I think all in all, if the powertrain from the camaro is good, you will come out close...I am not saying dead even but power train vs powertrain and cost vs cost....the Camaro is a better value...in my opinion.

krue · 08-07-2003, 11:28 PM

Thanks everyone, I guess since the crate will be there when I got the money, and the car won't... I will be getting the crate when my engine dies.
Krue

View Poll Results: Which should I do?
Buy wrecked 97 Camaro for LT1/4L60E ($1600)	11	40.74%
Buy GM crate motor and wait on tranny ($1300)	15	55.56%
Buy rebuilt 350 with warranty and wait on tranny ($1300)	1	3.70%
Buy junkyard motor and save more money	0	0%
Voters: 27. You may not vote on this poll

08-07-2003, 12:08 AM	#1
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,448	Need some help deciding what to do. I need some help deciding what to do about replacing my engine. I would like to go with a overdrive tranny while I am at it. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

08-07-2003, 12:13 AM	#2
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	That GM crate engine is going to have a warranty. And it will be 100% new parts too! Why buy rebuilt, when new is priced so right? __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

08-07-2003, 01:13 AM	#3
Project1970 14.1 @ 96MPH Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 2,811	If you want to deal with the wiring issues (and the few problems left with the LT1 in 1997 - they had the engine pretty well ironed out by then, so the OptiSpark isn't so much of an issue...) and the other oddities of putting an LT1 in the truck (trust me, you will be spending much more than $1600 all said and done, depending on how much is still usable...what kind of wreck is it? Frontal, side, rear?) then the LT1 is a kickass way to go. That engine has some pretty big ones all the way from down low to up high. Pair it with some 3.42's or 3.73's and 28" tires (adjust gearing accordingly for taller tires) and you should be pretty well set. __________________ Project1970 - LS1 Swap Complete!

08-07-2003, 02:04 AM	#4
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,448	The camaro was wrecked in the rear I believe. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

08-07-2003, 02:13 AM	#5
Injected68LS1 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: So. Cal. Posts: 389	Go with fuel injection --> LT1. Like project1970 said, it takes a lot more than the price of the motor to get it running. Fuel system is probably the biggest hit as you have to upgrade your tank, pump, and fuel lines. If it is an LT1 and not an LS1 it should just drop right in using your stock motor mounts. __________________ 1968 Chev SWB with 1998 Corvette LS1 305hp and 320 ftlb to the wheels (stock engine!) AEM EMS and wideband O2 sensors Bowtie Overdrive's 700R4, stage 3 Baer 4 wheel discs and 20s http://iciclelanding.com/aperture?album=2049&view=album

08-07-2003, 08:15 AM	#6
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,448	Money IS an object, BTW. I am married with kids, so I gotta pinch them pennies __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

08-07-2003, 09:46 AM	#7
slam33 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Long Beach, Ca Posts: 1,432	I sat for a long time working out what I wanted to build, all the machine work, all the parts, and all the money and time to do it. I then I woke up and decided that the Ram Jet 350 will do just fine for my needs. This comes from a guy who's been playing with cars for over 40 yrs, had his own parts house and machine shops at one time, built and raced for more than 20 yrs, and can build a SBC in my sleep. The create make sense to me, go figure. __________________ 71 LWB 350/350still working on it but it's going tp be sweet. www.geocities.com/stevemau/slam33page.html " TARGET=_blank>http://www.geocities.com/stevemau/slam33page.html?1004806705410 </A>

08-07-2003, 11:48 AM	#8
griesel72 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Howard, Kansas USA Posts: 1,997	Go with the crate __________________ 1969 K10 Custom 10 1997 Z71 2006 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 2006 King Ranch 1980 Wife

08-07-2003, 12:22 PM	#9
Injected68LS1 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: So. Cal. Posts: 389	Since money is an issue I would go with the crate motor. The best part is that it should just bolt right in. __________________ 1968 Chev SWB with 1998 Corvette LS1 305hp and 320 ftlb to the wheels (stock engine!) AEM EMS and wideband O2 sensors Bowtie Overdrive's 700R4, stage 3 Baer 4 wheel discs and 20s http://iciclelanding.com/aperture?album=2049&view=album

08-07-2003, 12:38 PM	#10
miket Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Seattle WA Posts: 1,466	Hmmmmm...$300 difference...which crate motor? I would probably go the LT1....if your truck isn't a daily driver...that s what I would do. __________________ FocuzTech Performance Evergreen Protective Coatings Gatorhyde...the best kept secret in spray in bed lining & protection

08-07-2003, 12:45 PM	#11
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,251	Save up buy the crate when your's poofs or you get the money...whichever comes first. The other might be cool, but I'm sure especially with the tranny sitting that long you are not gonna have a drop and drive assembly...even after all the wiring. Get a crate...Better yet....just give me the GMC and you take your Beretta __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God! Last edited by Palf70Step; 08-07-2003 at 01:25 PM.

08-07-2003, 01:00 PM	#12
landon4421 Life is Good ! Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Hollister, Ca. Posts: 1,992	new :p new :p new :p with the warranty. I got one for Jenna's 71 all stock. It is great not having to worry about anything. Just jump in and go.... __________________ '72 Chevy C10 4x4 shortbed "Project" '71 Chevy C10 2wd longbed "partsrunner" '91 Chevy Burb 4x4 "kidrunner" '14 Honda Accord Sport "commuter"

08-07-2003, 05:49 PM	#13
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,448	It's still pretty close. Anybody else have an opinion? __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

08-07-2003, 05:58 PM	#14
miket Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Seattle WA Posts: 1,466	Krue, Just a few other tidbits... Assuming the powertrain in the camaro is good...you get aluminum heads, roller cam, fuel injection an overdrive transmission..the computer, harness, accessories fans...etc.... If you buy the crate motor for $1300 or so...it won't be a "performance" motor and doubt it has aluminum heads....let alone fuel injection...is it carb to pan..or will you use your existing carb....if so does it need to be rebuilt...in addition you will have to either buy a complete other tranny for the overdrive or forego the overdrive and rebuild what you have. I think all in all, if the powertrain from the camaro is good, you will come out close...I am not saying dead even but power train vs powertrain and cost vs cost....the Camaro is a better value...in my opinion. __________________ FocuzTech Performance Evergreen Protective Coatings Gatorhyde...the best kept secret in spray in bed lining & protection



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08-07-2003, 11:28 PM	#15
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,448	Thanks everyone, I guess since the crate will be there when I got the money, and the car won't... I will be getting the crate when my engine dies. Krue __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

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