Ram Jet 350-any opinions? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Smokin72on20s · 12-02-2003, 01:14 AM

Well, i might be going with a Ram Jet 350 crate motor from GM performance parts. it will cost me a little more then i was looking to pay for an engine, but i think it will come with good benefits. what do you guys think of the Ram Jet? stock its 350hp 400ft/lbs. apparently its a real easy install. any opinions?

*Randy70C-10* · 12-02-2003, 01:16 AM

Be a man, get the Ram-Jet 502.

The Ram Jet 350 should be a sweet motor, I don't know anyone personally that's ran one....but if it's from GM right out of the crate, It can't be all that bad.

my new 72 · 12-02-2003, 01:39 AM

He doesn't want a 502. He is getting rid of a 383/th400 because he wants a streetable daily driver with better mileage. I'm still not sure why he is against what he already has. I still think he should keep the 383 and run it, he's not gonna get any better mileage from the Ram Jet.

Smokin72on20s · 12-02-2003, 01:43 AM

sure i will, the ram jet is fuel injected, and i am going to run a 4l60e or a 700r4.

my new 72 · 12-02-2003, 05:09 AM

You can inject the 383 and build a 700r4 to handle it for alot less. It's a better option, you just seem to be stuck on something else so you aren't looking at how to make what you have do the same thing you want the new to do. It's your money, but injecting the 383 would be a better way to go in my opinion. I have never been one for crate engines though, so I'm a little biased.

Smokin72on20s · 12-02-2003, 10:37 PM

true, that would be a good idea, but the 383 puts out over 450hp, and my dad doesnt want me driving a truck with 450hp. that is the main reason why i am looking to get a different motor.

Low68 · 12-03-2003, 02:37 AM

OK, I have the ramjet 350. First, I will say that it made the EXACT same gas mileage as my 400 small block with a 750 carb. the 400 was about 9 in the city and 11 on the highway. The ramjet is the same in the city, but on the highway, on one trip, I averaged around 16mpg. I am in college, and I guess I drive like it, so it may increase if you drive it more civilized. I talked to some guys at Arizona Speed and Marine and they said that it can get better gas mileage pretty easily, but you have to reprogram the computer. I did a head and cam swap and had the computer reprogrammed, and it sucks. I runs like crap. Since I am at school right now, I can't take it back, but when I get home, it is going back to them.

When you put in the engine, remember that you will also need all of the brackets, accessories, pressurized fuel line, and a fricken expensive fuel pump. The one piece of advice that I can give you is to decide what mods, if any you are going to do on it and do those before you start ordering brackets and pullies. Learn from my mistakes.

You have to be REAL careful in the rain with the engine also. If you get up to around 3500 rpm and you are going hard into it, it swings that back around really quick. that is about where the torque really starts to kick you back in the seat.

I can't think of anything else right now. I know there were some other things that I should say, but I can remember. If you have any specific questions, send me a pm. I don't come to the board that often anymore, so I probably won't see if you reply. So send me a pm.
Low68

Low68 · 12-03-2003, 02:52 AM

Here is what the engine looked like when I got it in the first time.

Low68 · 12-03-2003, 02:54 AM

I decided that since I had the engine all torn apart last summer that I would polish the manifold This picture is in the process.

Low68 · 12-03-2003, 02:56 AM

Here is what it looked like all put back together and polished. I still have some touch up to do on pretty much the whole other side.

Smokin72on20s · 12-03-2003, 04:03 AM

PM sent bro!

Smokin72on20s · 12-09-2003, 03:32 AM

anyone else? low68, you got anymore pics? what did you use to polish that intake?

ZOOMY · 12-09-2003, 07:59 AM

I may be wrong, but I've heard that GM crate engines are made in Mexico. That's OK if they use quality parts. I had a crate 350 that spun the rear rod bearing just after it was out of warranty. Figure that one out. The rod closest to the oil pump. Wasn't pounding it to death either. It's still sitting in my shop 5 years later. Bought a junkyard 350, put 1 under rod bearings & rings in it. It's lasted longer than that crate.........Zoomy

Dean · 12-09-2003, 10:58 AM

I'm a tad skeptical on GM crate engines also....I have had three ZZ3/ZZ4 engines come apart and they were not abused. All three were definite quality problems. GM finally replaced the aluminum head on one after I *****ed forever. The others they just said sorry.

Charlie Coleman · 12-09-2003, 12:31 PM

I have the RamJet 350 in my '68 4x4 3/4. I like it. I can't comment on fuel mileage since I STILL don't have my speedo cable hooked up.

I bought GM's bracket assembly.....that made everything easy in my opinion. I have not done any modifications. It is as built from GM. It isn't the fastest thing on the road, but it moves my big truck pretty well.

Low68 · 12-09-2003, 06:27 PM

Here is another picture. I also have more on my website.
low68

Smokin72on20s · 12-09-2003, 09:31 PM

now i am really reconsidering what i am going to get. so what would be a good fuel injected reliable motor with good power that is out there that wont give me any problems?

dropped_71chevy · 12-09-2003, 10:04 PM

get an ls1 or inject the 383, there's nothing wrong with having a lot of power. It's like having a gun, if you use it right you're fine if you're a jackass you're gonna get in trouble

SCOTI · 12-10-2003, 03:06 PM

Low68 & Charlie Coleman, how many miles would you estimate you've each put on your motors respectively?

Any mechanical issues you would care to share?

I also seem to remember a fellow board member posted on here sometime back that his ramjet350 was very cold natured & although it would start immediately in cold temps it would die repeatedly if he tried to drive before it was @ normal operating temps. Have either of you experienced this problem?

Thanks
Scot

stelth2002 · 12-10-2003, 07:41 PM

I agree with haystack, i would rather have it and not use it all the time then not have it. Just be careful, ive learned to respect what my truck will do.

Charlie Coleman · 12-10-2003, 08:00 PM

I couldn't tell you how many miles..
It is cold natured. It takes a few minutes to warm up, and will die if you try to drive to soon.
I have had no mechanical issues with the motor.

special70gmc · 12-10-2003, 09:02 PM

y dont you just put an edlbrock or holley injection system on you 383? save some money and eliminate the hassle of a carb? also itll save you some money in buying a new engine.

i think just keep you foot out of it and youll be fine it will get ok milage if you baby it ost likely, as a little insentive i just get sick to think of when i put the pedal to the floor how may gallons of $2.00 high test gas ill burn. just my $.2 i also have a gas guzzling truck too but this is the source of the problem...............................

SCOTI · 12-10-2003, 09:04 PM

Thanks for the info. I thought I remembered someone saying they had that problem.

The main reason I was interested in them back when they were introduced was the thought of the classic truck w/new truck operating manners. You know..... hop in, turn the key . . ..... it rumbles to life & idles decent (irregardless of outside temps) . . ..... drop it into gear & off you go w/o the hassle of it dying. That's the biggest thing I have against them.

I can just jump in my beater w/1barrel & no choke @ all & be able to drive it w/o having to wait for it to completely warm up so it would annoy me that a 'technically advanced' set-up wouldn't allow me to do the same.

I understand the system doesn't use feedback from O2 sensors, but you would think it could overcome cold start/drivability issues.

. . .....

Low68 · 12-15-2003, 01:12 AM

I don't have any problem with starting mine and driving off. It doesn't idle well when it is cold, but it doesn't stall. Of course, mine is not the stock ramjet 350 anymore, so that might make a difference. It will idle normally after about a minute of running, but like I said, I can start it up and drive off right away. I haven't had any problems with mine that have to do with the engine. I had the coil go out, but that is because my ss throttle cable rubbed through the wire. I think I have only put about 5,500 miles on my engine so far.

Smokin72on20s · 12-15-2003, 01:24 AM

i wish GM sold crate LT1 motors. i need an engine that will start and run good in the winters (as i live in CO). the ram jet still sounds good, but how reliable do you think the engine will be in the winters? is the engine good enough to last 5yrs with 8k miles per year?

12-02-2003, 01:14 AM	#1
Smokin72on20s Ebay Junky Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: CO Posts: 893	Ram Jet 350-any opinions? Well, i might be going with a Ram Jet 350 crate motor from GM performance parts. it will cost me a little more then i was looking to pay for an engine, but i think it will come with good benefits. what do you guys think of the Ram Jet? stock its 350hp 400ft/lbs. apparently its a real easy install. any opinions? __________________ 1972 CHEVY C-10 SWB 2WD - Possible Typhoon 4.3 turbo drivetrain.. 1983 Chevy c10 swb 2wd - possible 350tbi supercharged...

12-02-2003, 01:39 AM	#3
my new 72 faster, faster, faster Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Houston ,Texas ,USA Posts: 1,354	He doesn't want a 502. He is getting rid of a 383/th400 because he wants a streetable daily driver with better mileage. I'm still not sure why he is against what he already has. I still think he should keep the 383 and run it, he's not gonna get any better mileage from the Ram Jet. __________________ I'm going to Law School, wanna debate? It's good practice.

12-02-2003, 01:43 AM	#4
Smokin72on20s Ebay Junky Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: CO Posts: 893	sure i will, the ram jet is fuel injected, and i am going to run a 4l60e or a 700r4. __________________ 1972 CHEVY C-10 SWB 2WD - Possible Typhoon 4.3 turbo drivetrain.. 1983 Chevy c10 swb 2wd - possible 350tbi supercharged...

12-02-2003, 05:09 AM	#5
my new 72 faster, faster, faster Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Houston ,Texas ,USA Posts: 1,354	You can inject the 383 and build a 700r4 to handle it for alot less. It's a better option, you just seem to be stuck on something else so you aren't looking at how to make what you have do the same thing you want the new to do. It's your money, but injecting the 383 would be a better way to go in my opinion. I have never been one for crate engines though, so I'm a little biased. __________________ I'm going to Law School, wanna debate? It's good practice.

12-02-2003, 10:37 PM	#6
Smokin72on20s Ebay Junky Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: CO Posts: 893	true, that would be a good idea, but the 383 puts out over 450hp, and my dad doesnt want me driving a truck with 450hp. that is the main reason why i am looking to get a different motor. __________________ 1972 CHEVY C-10 SWB 2WD - Possible Typhoon 4.3 turbo drivetrain.. 1983 Chevy c10 swb 2wd - possible 350tbi supercharged...

12-02-2003, 01:16 AM	#2
Randy70C-10 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va. U.S.A. Posts: 15,320	Be a man, get the Ram-Jet 502. The Ram Jet 350 should be a sweet motor, I don't know anyone personally that's ran one....but if it's from GM right out of the crate, It can't be all that bad.

12-03-2003, 02:37 AM	#7
Low68 Registered User Join Date: May 2001 Location: Arizona Posts: 758	OK, I have the ramjet 350. First, I will say that it made the EXACT same gas mileage as my 400 small block with a 750 carb. the 400 was about 9 in the city and 11 on the highway. The ramjet is the same in the city, but on the highway, on one trip, I averaged around 16mpg. I am in college, and I guess I drive like it, so it may increase if you drive it more civilized. I talked to some guys at Arizona Speed and Marine and they said that it can get better gas mileage pretty easily, but you have to reprogram the computer. I did a head and cam swap and had the computer reprogrammed, and it sucks. I runs like crap. Since I am at school right now, I can't take it back, but when I get home, it is going back to them. When you put in the engine, remember that you will also need all of the brackets, accessories, pressurized fuel line, and a fricken expensive fuel pump. The one piece of advice that I can give you is to decide what mods, if any you are going to do on it and do those before you start ordering brackets and pullies. Learn from my mistakes. You have to be REAL careful in the rain with the engine also. If you get up to around 3500 rpm and you are going hard into it, it swings that back around really quick. that is about where the torque really starts to kick you back in the seat. I can't think of anything else right now. I know there were some other things that I should say, but I can remember. If you have any specific questions, send me a pm. I don't come to the board that often anymore, so I probably won't see if you reply. So send me a pm. Low68 __________________ Build Thread

12-03-2003, 02:52 AM	#8
Low68 Registered User Join Date: May 2001 Location: Arizona Posts: 758	Here is what the engine looked like when I got it in the first time. Attached Images __________________ Build Thread

12-03-2003, 02:54 AM	#9
Low68 Registered User Join Date: May 2001 Location: Arizona Posts: 758	I decided that since I had the engine all torn apart last summer that I would polish the manifold This picture is in the process. Attached Images __________________ Build Thread

12-03-2003, 02:56 AM	#10
Low68 Registered User Join Date: May 2001 Location: Arizona Posts: 758	Here is what it looked like all put back together and polished. I still have some touch up to do on pretty much the whole other side. Attached Images __________________ Build Thread

12-03-2003, 04:03 AM	#11
Smokin72on20s Ebay Junky Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: CO Posts: 893	PM sent bro! __________________ 1972 CHEVY C-10 SWB 2WD - Possible Typhoon 4.3 turbo drivetrain.. 1983 Chevy c10 swb 2wd - possible 350tbi supercharged...

12-09-2003, 03:32 AM	#12
Smokin72on20s Ebay Junky Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: CO Posts: 893	anyone else? low68, you got anymore pics? what did you use to polish that intake? __________________ 1972 CHEVY C-10 SWB 2WD - Possible Typhoon 4.3 turbo drivetrain.. 1983 Chevy c10 swb 2wd - possible 350tbi supercharged...

12-09-2003, 07:59 AM	#13
ZOOMY Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: WIS Posts: 1,752	Made in USA NOT I may be wrong, but I've heard that GM crate engines are made in Mexico. That's OK if they use quality parts. I had a crate 350 that spun the rear rod bearing just after it was out of warranty. Figure that one out. The rod closest to the oil pump. Wasn't pounding it to death either. It's still sitting in my shop 5 years later. Bought a junkyard 350, put 1 under rod bearings & rings in it. It's lasted longer than that crate.........Zoomy

12-09-2003, 10:58 AM	#14
Dean Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 1,492	I'm a tad skeptical on GM crate engines also....I have had three ZZ3/ZZ4 engines come apart and they were not abused. All three were definite quality problems. GM finally replaced the aluminum head on one after I *****ed forever. The others they just said sorry.

12-09-2003, 12:31 PM	#15
Charlie Coleman Registered User Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Franktown, CO. USA Posts: 533	I have the RamJet 350 in my '68 4x4 3/4. I like it. I can't comment on fuel mileage since I STILL don't have my speedo cable hooked up. I bought GM's bracket assembly.....that made everything easy in my opinion. I have not done any modifications. It is as built from GM. It isn't the fastest thing on the road, but it moves my big truck pretty well.



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12-09-2003, 06:27 PM	#16
Low68 Registered User Join Date: May 2001 Location: Arizona Posts: 758	Here is another picture. I also have more on my website. low68 Attached Images __________________ Build Thread

12-09-2003, 09:31 PM	#17
Smokin72on20s Ebay Junky Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: CO Posts: 893	now i am really reconsidering what i am going to get. so what would be a good fuel injected reliable motor with good power that is out there that wont give me any problems? __________________ 1972 CHEVY C-10 SWB 2WD - Possible Typhoon 4.3 turbo drivetrain.. 1983 Chevy c10 swb 2wd - possible 350tbi supercharged...

12-09-2003, 10:04 PM	#18
dropped_71chevy Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Northern Colorado Posts: 198	get an ls1 or inject the 383, there's nothing wrong with having a lot of power. It's like having a gun, if you use it right you're fine if you're a jackass you're gonna get in trouble

12-10-2003, 03:06 PM	#19
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 21,947	Low68 & Charlie Coleman, how many miles would you estimate you've each put on your motors respectively? Any mechanical issues you would care to share? I also seem to remember a fellow board member posted on here sometime back that his ramjet350 was very cold natured & although it would start immediately in cold temps it would die repeatedly if he tried to drive before it was @ normal operating temps. Have either of you experienced this problem? Thanks Scot __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

12-10-2003, 07:41 PM	#20
stelth2002 Young Gun wth Fast Inline Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Idaho Posts: 1,475	I agree with haystack, i would rather have it and not use it all the time then not have it. Just be careful, ive learned to respect what my truck will do. __________________ 1967 Chevrolet LWB with built 292! 415 ft. lbs of torque, 4 speed :O with 27% overdrive too, 3.73 Posi. Frame and body done... getting painted!!!

12-10-2003, 08:00 PM	#21
Charlie Coleman Registered User Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Franktown, CO. USA Posts: 533	I couldn't tell you how many miles.. It is cold natured. It takes a few minutes to warm up, and will die if you try to drive to soon. I have had no mechanical issues with the motor.

12-10-2003, 09:02 PM	#22
special70gmc Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: long island, new york Posts: 1,333	y dont you just put an edlbrock or holley injection system on you 383? save some money and eliminate the hassle of a carb? also itll save you some money in buying a new engine. i think just keep you foot out of it and youll be fine it will get ok milage if you baby it ost likely, as a little insentive i just get sick to think of when i put the pedal to the floor how may gallons of $2.00 high test gas ill burn. just my $.2 i also have a gas guzzling truck too but this is the source of the problem............................... Attached Images __________________ 1986 c-10 swb 5/7 drop 20'' coys 1958 belair 2door

12-10-2003, 09:04 PM	#23
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 21,947	Thanks for the info. I thought I remembered someone saying they had that problem. The main reason I was interested in them back when they were introduced was the thought of the classic truck w/new truck operating manners. You know..... hop in, turn the key . . ..... it rumbles to life & idles decent (irregardless of outside temps) . . ..... drop it into gear & off you go w/o the hassle of it dying. That's the biggest thing I have against them. I can just jump in my beater w/1barrel & no choke @ all & be able to drive it w/o having to wait for it to completely warm up so it would annoy me that a 'technically advanced' set-up wouldn't allow me to do the same. I understand the system doesn't use feedback from O2 sensors, but you would think it could overcome cold start/drivability issues. . . ..... __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

12-15-2003, 01:12 AM	#24
Low68 Registered User Join Date: May 2001 Location: Arizona Posts: 758	I don't have any problem with starting mine and driving off. It doesn't idle well when it is cold, but it doesn't stall. Of course, mine is not the stock ramjet 350 anymore, so that might make a difference. It will idle normally after about a minute of running, but like I said, I can start it up and drive off right away. I haven't had any problems with mine that have to do with the engine. I had the coil go out, but that is because my ss throttle cable rubbed through the wire. I think I have only put about 5,500 miles on my engine so far. __________________ Build Thread

12-15-2003, 01:24 AM	#25
Smokin72on20s Ebay Junky Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: CO Posts: 893	i wish GM sold crate LT1 motors. i need an engine that will start and run good in the winters (as i live in CO). the ram jet still sounds good, but how reliable do you think the engine will be in the winters? is the engine good enough to last 5yrs with 8k miles per year? __________________ 1972 CHEVY C-10 SWB 2WD - Possible Typhoon 4.3 turbo drivetrain.. 1983 Chevy c10 swb 2wd - possible 350tbi supercharged...

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