350 rwhp - what's the cost?

[billyvette]

Considering a new engine for my 78 vette and would love to have 350 rwhp.

How much is this going to cost me? Is the rear suspension and factory drivetrain need to be upgraded?

I have a local engine builder in my area I plan on talking with.

What was this expense for you members, I am talking complete engine ready to bolt in and start up.

thanks for replies

 

[1979toy]

If you have an automatic tramsmission you will be graced with 20 percent power loss through the drivetrain so you need to look for 440 crankshaft horsepower. You can get that much power out of a 350 but it will be easier with more cubic inches and the end result will be more streetable.
The price to have an engine of this power built up will be largely dependant on the quality of the parts used. A rotating assembly (crank, rod, pistons, and rings) can run from 500.00 to 2000.00. Cylinder heads can be 1200.00 for a complete set to 3500.00 if your builder wants to buy bare heads and assemble them with his choice of parts and custom port them. The bottom line here is that there is no magic formula for determing what a fair price is for local engine building.

 

[billyvette]

thanks for your input.

i know there is not a set price, i was asking for prices other members had paid for engines and parts in their area.

your costs and results etc.

 

[gedmeyer]

I just built a 383 stoker. The complete engine package was 2500. This does not include motor mounts, new clutch, and the other odds and ends you replace during the removal/installation. I kept my stock Aluminum intake and Q-jet carb. My engine guy says 350-400hp depending on how my intake/exhaust flow (both stock). So basically, it's expensive. One good thing is that I've got my own customized engine and it's still very workable for more hp.

 

[1979toy]

One of the members here (Grandsport-C3 ?) has one of these engines. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2453555616&category=33615

 

[Eric R.]

I came in just over 5k for 423hp (without the bottle) at the crankshaft. I could have the gotten the same hp for less money but at a cost of durability. Make sure you use quality bottom end parts such as the crank, rods and pistons. 300hp can come at a fairly reasonable cost but it goes up from there.

 

[tscott9330]

SCAT makes very strong cranks and rods for a very reasonable price. Especially if you get on ebay and buy from some of the online stores. No over head= Low consumer prices.

Tom

 

[billyvette]

what would i type in on ebay SCAT?

sometimes ebay doesn't bring up what you want.

thanks everyone for the replies

 

[Tom B Hargrove]

Scat crank

I bought a new scat forged crank on ebay last year delievered for less than 400 dollars. Very good quality. Go to 350 chevy and work down from there. You should be able to put in 350 crank and get some hits.

 

[bobherr46]

I have a 400 block bored to 406(.030 over)with splayed main caps,align bored,decked,torque plate honed and new cam bearings,a 400 crank,h-beam rods.flat top pistons,file fit rings,bearings,plus a set of 80 vette heads to be redone,a set of used Harland Sharp roller rockers with poly locks and a stud girdle. This is pretty much all you need except a cam,lifters and the tin to put a good motor together. Will take $2000 for the lot. I see you live in MS. Will deliver to Memphis. Call 618-237-7101 with questions - Bob

 

[bobherr46]

Forgot to say the pistons are hypereutitic. Keith Blacks,i think. - Bob

 

[TexasShark]

Just now putting the finishing touches on my motor. Originally, a 350, now stroked to 388(SCAT 400). Coverted to FI with a Holley 950 Commander. AFR aluminum heads, TRW forged pistons, Hooker headers, serpentine conversion, machine work = $4500. Add to that a Kiesler 5-speed and a 2 1/2" exhaust and I'm running about 360-365 rwhp. Total cost around $8500 (not including mods to gas tank, A/C conversion to 134a, L-88 hood for clearance & misc. labor/parts). Brakes and suspension have all been "revived" with replacement parts/rubber, no upgrades. Can't say enough about converting to FI. Best mod I've made.

 

[KANE]

GMPP Fast Burn 385.

That should give you the best bang for your buck. I'd just sell the old block for a core or sell it to someone else depending what condition it was in. I have seen the FB 385 in a 1988 Camaro with EFI from TPIS and was ungodly fast!!

I wonder how my 97 would do against that car.... those engines are really strong.

 

[norms72]

GMPP Fast Burn 385.

Add the GMPP hot cam kit and get 430 hp and 430 ft/lbs.

Should be enough for the morning commute! :L

 

[trumperZ06]

Yep, GM crate motor is the safest way to go. Either the ZZ4 (has options) or the fast burn 383 will work!

 

[macx]

I've seen budget conscious builds that go at or over 400 flywheel hp and torque on a 350 - course it's easier to get on a 383. Those can be built reasonably using a SCAT or Eagle cast crank and hp street rods and hypereutectic pistons - I like the Speed Pro coated flat tops. An excellent cam is the Comp camps XE268 or 262 flat hydraulic.
A great head is the Vortec with upgraded springs and ss valves - see on ebay frequently for around $600. Roughly 1/2 the cost of the Fast Burns and others but work just as well. Nothing fancy, just well matched parts. Add a 650 Holley and a Perf RPM and you're in business. I've had great luck shopping various classifieds on the net and ebay - often get good stuff like the carbs & intakes at about 1/2 price, and the crank and rods are reasonable as noted above, and those pistons are also quite reasonable.

Course a 400 block already has the crank (if it's good) so all you need is rods (5.7's) and pistons. Vortecs, the 268 cam, the RPM and a 750 Holley will for sure get you over 400.

http://www.corvettefaq.com/c3/goodwrench/GM Goodwrench 350 test part 1.htm
http://ryanscarpage.50megs.com/combos2.html - be sure to read thru all the combos, and look for the ones with Vortecs and the 262/268 cams
http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/techarticles/76178/
http://www.shanonsracing.com/stroker.html

Also go online to Chevy Hi Performance, Car Craft, and Hot Rod Mag and look
at their tech articles for engines. A bunch of great articles.