Jegs crate engine

[Lanman1972]

Anyone use this engine in one of our trucks? $1599, requires external balance flexplate and passenger side dip stick. This is for a basically stock 1971 Cheyenne project.

https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/059/7353/10002/-1

Thanks for the input.

[geezer#99]

Compare it to a new block that everything you have on your original motor will bolt on. No need for a different flywheel/flexplate or balancer.
That jeg’s motor (While 500 bucks cheaper) is a used block that likely is bored .060 and won’t be bored more if needed.
Do you want a rebuilt or a new one.
I’d spend he extra money.
Here’s the gm one.

https://www.gmperformancemotor.com/parts/12681429.html

[clay68c10]

Not a bad deal, but I'd go for the L31 Vortec

https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/059/0282/10002/-1

[57taskforce]

Originally Posted by clay68c10

Not a bad deal, but I'd go for the L31 Vortec

https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/059/0282/10002/-1

Me too. Except I’d opt for the hd version that gets you 4 bolt mains. This also gets you a roller cam and vortec heads. You’ll have to likely run an elecrtic inline fuel pump as the vortec motors aren’t machined for a mechanical pump.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by Lanman1972

Anyone use this engine in one of our trucks? $1599, requires external balance flexplate and passenger side dip stick. This is for a basically stock 1971 Cheyenne project.

https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/059/7353/10002/-1

Thanks for the input.

On the other hand, I have used two of them and have been very happy with them. I sold the '69 Suburban before I had a lot of miles on it but I have used the crap out of the '72 Dually. It pulls my 20 foot trailer loaded with no problem and will run down the road at 70 all day long. I have an NV4500 OD trans behind it and that really makes a difference.

The thing is, how many miles are you going to put on it a year? I would bet not a lot overall. Even though I drive mine a lot I probably don't put 6 or 7000 miles a year on it as it isn't my only vehicle.

Do whatever you feel comfortable with but I would buy another one in a heartbeat.....

Just my 2¢ worth.

LockDoc

[Lanman1972]

This project truck (1971 Cheyenne Work truck) in the build threads was nearing completion until the engine let go. Not the original engine anyway so just looking for a decent replacement without breaking the bank. Thanks everyone for your input.

[MidLifer]

The GM crate motor (which I believe JEGS sells) is about the same price and if I’m not wrong is a new block, not a rebuilt.

[Lanman1972]

https://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet-Per...81429/10002/-1

Yes that is the other engine I was looking at, all new. About $700 more.

[MidLifer]

Originally Posted by Lanman1972

https://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet-Per...81429/10002/-1

Yes that is the other engine I was looking at, all new. About $700 more.

Yikes! I was thinking of the Goodwrench engine:

https://www.jegs.com/p/Chevrolet-Performance/GM-Goodwrench-350ci-Crate-Engine-Packages/3867244/10002/-1

It’s been a few years since I looked at them but I could swear they used to go for about $1500. Must be the Coronavirus surcharge! LOL
Posted via Mobile Device

[WorkinLonghorn]

Originally Posted by Lanman1972

https://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet-Per...81429/10002/-1

Yes that is the other engine I was looking at, all new. About $700 more.

They'll sell it 10% off if you complain. Also if you get this one CHECK THE VALVE ADJUSTMENTS !!! Two were WAY off and I read another review with the same observation. -BA

[67ChevyRedneck]

Good Lord those have taken off in price. Probably because everyone and their brother is doing LS swaps, supply has probably tanked, so price went up. 5 speed conversion prices have basically doubled over past 10 years too. What used to be a 1200 transmission is now 2500-3K. The design has not changed.

I picked mine up in 2013 for $1,200 shipped to my door. It was hecho in mexico, but it's a brand new engine.

[IronCanine]

Both our projects used the new GM crate 350 and got em from Jegs. We dressed em out as factory. No complaints. It episodically goes on sale if you can be patient.

[57larry]

when the engine is delivered to your house, is it dropped at your curb or does the driver help you put it in your garage? thanks, Larry

[Sheepdip]

Originally Posted by 57larry

when the engine is delivered to your house, is it dropped at your curb or does the driver help you put it in your garage? thanks, Larry

They usually ask if you want a lift gate local delivery truck....that has been my experience.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by Sheepdip

They usually ask if you want a lift gate local delivery truck....that has been my experience.

Yes, they asked me if I needed lift gate service and I told them no I had a skid loader to unload it with. They called me the day before and let me know about what time they would be there. Worked out good for me.

LockDoc

[saxart]

Originally Posted by Sheepdip

They usually ask if you want a lift gate local delivery truck....that has been my experience.

Warning: I had that "lift gate" delivery scheduled for my crate engine and the driver showed up with a full sized semi. He barely made it through our cul de sac, and there was NO WAY he was going to back up our long driveway (uphill and curvy) to get the engine in the garage.

Luckily I had a small loader tractor at the time, so we were able to off-load the engine in the street and I got it up to the garage with the tractor. It was POURING rain that day, so that part wasn't fun, but I don't know what we would have done without that tractor.

Bottom line, make sure you ask what size truck they will be showing up with if a semi cannot back up to your garage.

[tim_mc]

I'm currently looking at the new GM 350/195hp, but will likely order from this dealer in Independence, MO...$1849 and lift-gate delivery included:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/CHEVROLET-G...53.m1438.l2649

I like getting all new parts and a 4-bolt main. If I go this route, I'll add a Performer RPS intake and a mild cam before dropping it in, possibly a Comp Cams 12-230-2, along with a freshly rebuilt 700R4 with hydraulic lock-up and a stock torque converter.

Comp Cams 12-230-2 specs are 206/212 int/exh duration @ .050, .432/.444 int/exh lift, 110 lobe separation, compared to the stock cam of 195/202 int/exh duration @ .050, .390/.410 int/exh lift, 112 lobe separation.

Edit: one more thought - I may also switch to new GM Vortec heads (12558060, about $844-$875/pair), raising the compression by a point and improving air flow. Comp Cams suggests new valve springs, but I don't think I'll need them with new Vortec heads.

[tdangle]

Originally Posted by tim_mc

I'm currently looking at the new GM 350/195hp, but will likely order from this dealer in Independence, MO...$1849 and lift-gate delivery included:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/CHEVROLET-G...53.m1438.l2649

I like getting all new parts and a 4-bolt main. If I go this route, I'll add a Performer RPS intake and a mild cam before dropping it in, possibly a Comp Cams 12-230-2, along with a freshly rebuilt 700R4 with hydraulic lock-up and a stock torque converter.

Comp Cams 12-230-2 specs are 206/212 int/exh duration @ .050, .432/.444 int/exh lift, 110 lobe separation, compared to the stock cam of 195/202 int/exh duration @ .050, .390/.410 int/exh lift, 112 lobe separation.

Edit: one more thought - I may also switch to new GM Vortec heads (12558060, about $844-$875/pair), raising the compression by a point and improving air flow. Comp Cams suggests new valve springs, but I don't think I'll need them with new Vortec heads.

I kinda wish I had gone this route now. I just finished installing a GM SP350/357 crate motor in my truck. The wife did not want me to get a rebuilt or rebuild mine and I wanted to stay away from flat tappet cam with all the problems people supposedly have.

[Lanman1972]

Local Chevy dealer just quoted $3157.45 for #12681429 engine. I like the $1849 much better and it looks like they have sold over 80 of them.

[maverickmk]

I would get a newer SBC with roller lifters and cam. Won't have to worry about zinc levels when changing the oil and a lot better cam choices. Plus, you get the one piece rear main seal. Just my 2¢.

[tim_mc]

Originally Posted by maverickmk

I would get a newer SBC with roller lifters and cam. Won't have to worry about zinc levels when changing the oil and a lot better cam choices. Plus, you get the one piece rear main seal. Just my 2¢.

I don't disagree on upgrading to a roller cam, but many need to keep a budget, myself included. I have to decide if the old farm truck just needs a new V8 to scoot around with, or if I'm building a semi-hot rod with over 350hp.

195hp flat tappet engine ($1850) + Vortec heads ($824) + cam ($143) = $2817.
SP350/357 hp with Vortec heads & roller cam = $3766.
For $900 more you can pick up the SP350/357...doesn't seem like a bad deal. Then again, a new 4-bolt engine and mild cam for under $2000 sounds good too.

[tim_mc]

Originally Posted by tdangle

I kinda wish I had gone this route now. I just finished installing a GM SP350/357 crate motor in my truck. The wife did not want me to get a rebuilt or rebuild mine and I wanted to stay away from flat tappet cam with all the problems people supposedly have.

Hi Terry, how do you like the SP350/357?

[maverickmk]

For $3850.00 this will get you 420 hp & 440 lbs.

https://blueprintengines.com/product...lock-bp3833ct1

$2800.00 gets you 373 hp 400 lbs

https://blueprintengines.com/product...lock-bp3503ct1

And a 30 month - 50,000 mile warranty.

[tim_mc]

Originally Posted by maverickmk

For $3850.00 this will get you 420 hp & 440 lbs.

https://blueprintengines.com/product...lock-bp3833ct1

$2800.00 gets you 373 hp 400 lbs

https://blueprintengines.com/product...lock-bp3503ct1

And a 30 month - 50,000 mile warranty.

There are too many complaints about Blueprint for my liking, including a few on this forum. Those may work for many, but I'd prefer new over remanufactured and I don't need the extra HP.

[tdangle]

Originally Posted by tim_mc

Hi Terry, how do you like the SP350/357?

I don't have many miles on it yet, but it runs great. As long as you don't mind a little rough of an idle. If you want it silky smooth, not for you. I bought the deluxe one, only complaint is I the carb is not jetted for the engine like I thought it would be. I realize that each install would be different depending on exhaust and such, but to tell you what jetting they used on the engine dyno and then ship the carb with default jetting to me is not right. I did have it chassis dyno tuned. Without pulling apart the carb I'm not sure what they did, but the throttle response is instant.