New engine

[NVvetgirl]

Anyone know where I can get a reasonably priced engine for my 86 Vette? I have managed to run my current engine to death.

 

[rrubel]

Crate motors are available from a number of places, including GM (ZZ3/ZZ4), Lingenfelter ($$$$), Street & Performance... They're all going to cost you unless you hit a junkyard or search eBay (got lucky on mine, hope it was built well ). Are you planning to stay with the tuned-port intake, or go with something a bit more modern?
[RICHR]

 

[NVvetgirl]

New Engine

I hoping tp go more modern and have been looking at the crate engines but can't seem to narrow down the best deal.

 

[Edmond]

How handy are you? You can buy a short block and go from there. I'm the type who likes to save as much money as possible; even if that means doing a lot of work.

There's nothing un-modern about the TPI system. It's a simple system that is easy to work on and relatively cheap compared to the other systems. It can make plenty of power.

May I ask how the old engine got run to death?

 

[rrubel]

Ok, we disagree... To me, an intake that doesn't easily rev beyond 4800-5000 RPM, when todays' engines redline at 6500+, is not modern. Yes, you can put some money into it and get more power, but it's not much more to replace it - esp. with something like the LT1 intake. I happen to like the LOOK of the TPI, but not its performance.

Anyway, back to the caller's question . As Edmond says, you could buy a shortblock and assemble it outside your car, then pay someone to swap the engines. That's what I did. You can get a cheap engine stand (good enough for the one job) off eBay for under $50 shipped. Pull all your old reusable parts off the old engine while it's still in the car.
[RICHR]

 

[Edmond]

Guys,

I don't think the term modern is the appropriate term here. I think the more appropriate term would be use. What would you use the car for? If you're using the car as a daily driver; the TPI would be plenty enough, and then some.

If you're going to be racing the car, go with the higher RPM intakes.

What I'm saying is that it call comes down to what you want the car to do and how much you can spend. After you've decided those two factors; all of us will chip in to help you find a middle ground between function and money.

 

[NVvetgirl]

Thanks everyone -those are great idea's and now I know how to go about it. Apparently there was a slow water leak and my wife drove it on the freeway until it overheated so bad it cracked the block!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Moonunit 451]

Thanks everyone -those are great idea's and now I know how to go about it. Apparently there was a slow water leak and my wife drove it on the freeway until it overheated so bad it cracked the block!!!!!!!!!!!

Check this thread for further discussion and ideas
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=53443

 

[rrubel]

If you want a cheap solution, I've got the block from my 86 sitting in my garage. It'd need some machining (had broken rings on two pistons plus a broken skirt, so there are some shallow grooves) but you're welcome to it for $50 + shipping (might be another $100-$150). Machine it, mount it on a stand, and transfer everything over from the old engine. You know the parts will fit. There's nothing wrong with the block that I'm aware of (instead of machining mine out, I upgraded to a roller block with performance parts since I was building up a more powerful engine). Has new rear main seal, even! Also have a nearly-new water pump I'll throw in cheap.
[RICHR]