which engine should i get?

[1972BlueC20]

Out of these 2 engines, which would perform better in my 72 c20?

I thought it would be obviously the one with more HP, but someone online said the lower HP engine would actually perform better.

http://m.summitracing.com/parts/nal-10067353

Or

http://m.summitracing.com/parts/nal-19244450

Or if you guys could suggest another engine, that would be cool too. I'm looking to spend $2500 max. Maybe $3k

Thanks,

[haysonj]

I had the 290 HP engine in my truck before I built my 383, it is a very good engine and I think you would like it. I believe Jegs sells the 260 HP engine for a lot less money and it is a good engine also. You might also check your local Chevolet dealer as they will sometimes match Summits price.

[1972BlueC20]

Sweet, was the 290 hp engine a noticable power difference over stock??

[SierraMtns]

Check this out. Its a good read. I hear doing a simple cam change in the 260 HP motor will get you more then 290 HP.

http://www.superchevy.com/how-to/463...-engine-build/

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=646450

[1972BlueC20]

That's really good to know about the 260 HP engine, but I don't want to crack the engine open. I want a drop in solution!

[flashed]

I put the 260 HP crate in my 72 truck and like it ,plenty of power for me .I have a 290 HP crate in my wife's 72 Malibu convertible and the 260 would have been just fine for it too .

[jimbosprint]

If you aren't building a race car the 260hp is probably plenty of engine. I just put one in my truck.

[1972BlueC20]

I can also go for this one too, but this is pushing my budget to the absolute max!

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/nal-19210008

[SierraMtns]

Originally Posted by 1972BlueC20

I can also go for this one too, but this is pushing my budget to the absolute max!

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/nal-19210008

I am just throwing this out there. Could you find a local machine shop and have them build you a 350 with higher HP for less money?

[FirstOwner69]

Originally Posted by 1972BlueC20

I can also go for this one too, but this is pushing my budget to the absolute max!

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/nal-19210008

That's the one I have. Really like it so far (200 miles). The Vortec heads will present a challenge if you have factory A/C. I had to fabricate 3 brackets/braces to tie the top of the compressor to intake and block.

[jimbosprint]

If you are patient Jegs EBay listing for the 260hp will probably go on sale again. I paid only $1260 a few months ago.

That leaves lots left over to spend on other upgrades. And it always costs more than you think for the little stuff.

[Frijolito1988]

I have the 260 HP crate engine and love it about 1560 with free shipping

[68350]

The 260 or 290 would be great engines for a driver. And for the price, I don't think someone could have one built for that

[JameslovesJammie]

If I was going to spend 4 grand on a crate engine, I would probably put a junkyard LS and overdrive transmission. More horsepower, better mileage, and you'll get more miles OUT of it.

[Hugh Mongus]

I have around $4000 wrapped up in my crate motor, mods, and new transmission. Hind sight being 20/20 I would have gone to a local junk yard and bought a 5.3 with a trans for much less.

[1972BlueC20]

I hear ya on swapping for a later model engine.....but that's way beyond my comfort level and would require fabrication probably plus all new wiring ect....

I like the simplicity of the old school carburetor engines!

It's not my primary vehicle always, so I don't care too much about gas mileage!

[original-71]

check out www.gordonsengines.com i just bought one off of him stand up guy he has a 350/325 hp around your budget with warranty

[Coach]

I would go with the 350/290hp. I just put that same engine in my 67' C10 stepside a week ago and it is awesome. Plenty of power, solid, sounds great with the aggressive cam, no complaints at all. I went through my local Chevy dealer and got a great price, plus it comes with a 24 month/50,000 mile warranty.

[Tree-50]

Yeah, doesn't the lower hp rated 350 pull more torque?

[Jahloha]

Originally Posted by original-71

check out www.gordonsengines.com i just bought one off of him stand up guy he has a 350/325 hp around your budget with warranty

Never heard of these guys, but their prices for their products seem very fair. Did you have yours shipped? If so, how much?

[original-71]

Originally Posted by Jahloha

Never heard of these guys, but their prices for their products seem very fair. Did you have yours shipped? If so, how much?

i did not have mine shipped he came to a local swap meet with the motors on his trailer saved time driving 5 hours to pick it up or shipped and little less cause i paid cash. i know he travels around may want to call and see if he be around your area anytime soon. i know two other people that bought motors from him with no complaints.

[69chevy lwb]

Buy a ls motor and do a carburetor. You can get a complete motor and trans for the price of that motor then the carb conversion will be about 1000 with a carburetor if bought new. And those ls motors are light years ahead of the old sbc. You can also buy adjustable motor mounts from cpp that will let yo use the stock sbc mounts and still give you inches of forward and back adjustments. I have a 5.3 ls with a hot cam, ported heads, and a carburetor and that thing is wicked I can spin the tires at 60+ it's almost excessive as I can spin the tires just letting the clutch out to fast!