$100 Crate 350 (1 Viewer)

[tonkota]

Alright, I have the engine now, paid $100 for it. Sweet deal of the century for me!

This engine was bought as a crate engine for someone and installed. The problem was that they couldn't get it to stop pinging on regular pump gas. So, the owner wanted a new engine put in under warranty. GM said ok and now the old engine (with 177 psi of compression) became a core, and the core charge was $100.

This engine has 200 miles on it. I'm wondering if running a carb and premium in it will be fine, or are there thicker head gaskets available? I'd like to have the compression ratio come down a bit.

This engine is going into the Pig, in front of a SM465/NP205 combo.

Thoughts? Anyone know what route to take?

 

[zebrabeefj40]

Great score! My guess is that the PO didn't know how to tune it or something in the ignition/fuel system wasn't working right. A properly tuned carb and ignition should take care of the ping...

Good Luck!

Nick Jennings

 

[tonkota]

I'm thinking it will be fine also. I'll probly run premium any way since it will only see maybe 500 miles a year.

Correction to my original post: It has 2000 miles on it, I forgot a zero.

The engine was in a 96 Chevy, and the shop couldn't get it to not ping. Don't know why.

 

[Pinion]

Maybe the cam was degreed incorrectly.

 

[madoc1]

ran into the same problem on two seperate zz4 engines. turned out the factory
supplied vacuum advance was 20*, way to much. there is replacement can with
10* advance available from gm or you can get an adjustable one from crane. this may help.
jim

 

[Capt. Jim]

Mayby try a TBI system instead of a carb. Got the low-end Holley TBI for my 350 and other than a bad gas episode, the thing has been flawless.