Crate Engines

[kridgley]

Hey all:
where do you all suggest getting a nice crate engine ... something to replace my L82 350ci ... for more horses and torque for street/strip.
Share links, advice, or stories/experience please:
i have found www.amerspeed.com to have some nice engines ...

thanks guys, and gals.

REMEMBER THE WAVE!

 

[Space Cowboy]

Try http://www.fivestarengines.com and talk to Chris. I'm about to buy my 427 long block from them. They really sound like they know what they're doing and their pricing is a lot less.

Good Luck

 

[78SilvAnniv]

About 6 years ago I purchased a GM Crate engine through my GM dealership and needed it to be delivered local to my mechanic. I lived 250 miles north of my mechanic and they delivered the engine to his city GM dealership for him to pick up.

I don't know the name of the site for GM crates, but Kenny and I recently visited the site and drooled over the many engines they offered.
We were heartbroken, we had recently pulled the engine out of my 78 (twice) and replaced the heads and timing chain (1st round) and then (2nd round) took everything down to the machine shop and installed all new internals and cam to go with the new heads. For the cost of our parts, machine work and special tools (which made Kenny happy no matter what) we could have purchased two low end crate engines or one kick-butt crate ready to drop in with a warranty!
Next time, we won't do-it-ourselves, we'll just buy a crate ready to go. We enjoyed the experience of tearing down and building up our own engine, but money wise it was not a cost-effective endeavor.

Anyhow, I am happy with my GM crate engine, and wish I'd purchased another.
Heidi

 

[AKRAY4PLAY]

http://www.paceparts.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=132

you will find all of these motors are available at any GM dealer. they may have to order it as Heidi has stated, but it usually only takes a few days. the prices are subject to change, but i have found that most dealers will honor the Pace price when politely confronted with it. i have installed several of the 330HO motors, they work great and run very smooth. not bad at $2300. it all depends on your budget, but this should get you started. Brian

 

[CQRT]

I've always been a big fan of JEG'S since the days we lived back in Columbus Ohio. They seem to have an excellent range of parts and prices with good tech support via phone or e-mail:
http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=4240&prmenbr=361

Regards;
CQRT in AZ

 

[curtis]

Scoggin-Dickey GM Performance.

 

[yellow77]

My sons 88 GTA Trans Am has a 250 hp gm crate engine, and I have a ZZ4 crate again from GM. Both perform exactly as advertised. Cant think of a single thing to complain about.


Cheers

Richard

 

[wishuwerehere82]

This is the one I have my sights set on, if I give my L83 the boot. ZZ4-355HP

http://www.gmpartsdepot.com/product1.aspx?SID=2&Product_ID=456&Category_ID=2&

 

[Glensgages]

ZZ502

 

[bfoster301]

When Debbie and I needed to replace the engine in her 98 Monte Z34 last December, we went to Jaspers. The Monte is her daily driver and she hasn't had any problems with it.
For my 78SA I wanted a little more HP than the original L82 was giving me so I ended up buying a 350sb putting out 400bhp, with Edelbrock heads and intakes, 800cfm carb and few other goodies. We dropped it in about 3 weeks ago and so far everything is running great. Here's the link


http://www.enginefactory.com/

 

[titan81]

For the money a 330/350 is a great deal without tearing apart the original, also you can store the original if you care about matching numbers ect...

I like the fastburn 385/385 350ci myself just zz4 with fastburn heads

 

[Jack]

Most but not all crate motors employ a used block that is overbored.

Torque is more important than horsepower for most street cars ... how much TQ and at what RPM?

I like the GMPP motors ... they're 100% new including new standard-bore block. Keep in mind that most "new" motors have a one-piece rear main seal as opposed to your old 2-piece ... each has a different bolt pattern for flexplate/flywheel ... OE L-82 flywheel won't fit a newer one-piece seal motor. I like GMPP HT383 and their 383 with the fast burn aluminum heads ... both feature forged cranks and 4-bolt mains.
JACK:gap