Advise on new Motor

[F14JetJock]

Hi,
My non original 1973 350/350 motor is giving up. It starts OK and runs OK but has major issues with "blow-by". I'm thinking of dropping either a new GM 350/330 crate engine into my '69 this November or maybe, having American Speed Enterprises build me an engine using a correct dated block. Has anyone used American Speed ? They break in and Dyno their engines before they ship them, which is a real plus. I 'm interested on feedback about your experience using American Speed Enterprises, Moline, Illinois .
Thanks

 

[Jack]

Unless they actually acquire a "true" original date block ... which is very hard to do ... they might restamp date into a non-true block. Also, if a block requires the decks to be milled (aka decked) ... decking will mill away any original date stampings. A true date block may likely need to be decked ... then the true stampings will be lost. Routinely, blocks need decking. A real expert can tell if a block has been decked / restamped.
JACK:gap

 

[photovette]

I'd drop in a remanufactured motor and then get your engine rebuilt.

 

[waterboy1976]

ZZ$ crate motor....350/330 hp.....nice motor...for "out of the box" if thats your idea of a motor......or you can have a speed shop build you up one like I did and ended up at 427 Hp and 451 ft/lbs torque at 10.32/1 compression......whoohoo....good luck....