Which SBC?

[Mendocino]

I have a budget of about $5K for a new SBC/drive train parts for my '73 '40 . It currently has a '67 327 w/4BBL and the factory Toyota three speed. The 327 is rather tired and I would like to replace it. My goal is not to make an extreme rock crawler, but a very solid wheeler that I can use in the back country, take hunting, and do some rock crawling. I may also want to use this a one of my commuter vehicles (only about 8 miles each way).

I have looked at the SBC crate engines and they look alright. They have one long block 350 w/290 HP (~$1600), and a complete 350/330 HP engine, conventionally aspirated, with cast iron Vortec heads (~$3400).


I would also consider getting a used Vortec motor with fuel injection, but am concerned about finding a quality engine. I also have limited time to get the computer and sensors sorted so this option may be more cheaper, but I don't know that it is the best use of my time.


So my question is how much is enough? I'm not looking for a hot rod, more low end torque suits me, but being able to pass someone going up hill is also nice.


BTW-I did use the search funtion and I can find nothing that discusses this specifically.

 

[my64fj40]

350/330 is a GM goodwrench crate engine right. If I had the money that is the one I would get.

my64fj40

 

[peesalot]

IMO keep 327 , rebuild it , most reliable way cause you do it , also most cost efective. A 327 rebuild with machine work , balancing and new fuel pump , water pump and other do dads is gonna be way under 3000. get accel dfi , it runs 2400 and that set up would be tight and you can build as much hp as you see fit . ditch the 3 spd for an h41 and an orion or spend another 3000 and go to auto tranny but driveline mods and other mounting stuff is a pita.

 

[Mendocino]

The 350/330 HP is a Goodwrench crate motor. I would love to rebuild the 327 but I also don't want to take a year to do it. My shop time is very limited. Hmmm....

 

[REZARF]

You said you wanted to have good torque, I would have to go with a good 383 from a quality shop in your local town.

Go with a simple carb/intake combo for easy tuning, and none of the fuss of EFI.

I could get a machined 383 from a local engine builder (long block with heads) for about 1100 bucks.

The 327 would be a good choice too just because you know its history and you have ALL the parts needed to get it back in the rig.

Just .02

Rezarf <><

 

[REZARF]

Mendocino-

I just noticed you are in Broomfield, I am over in Louisville, let me know if you need help come swap time, I just did it last year and have all the tools needed to get it done.

Rezarf <><

 

[Mendocino]

REZARF,

Thanks much for the offer. We just moved here in May and I am just getting into the Cruiser community. I was at Slee last weekend a met a few folks. Which Automotive machine shops in the area would you recommend?

Thanks,

Jeff

 

[Gumby]

a 350 crank, rods and pistons in your 327 will make it a 350. A set of vortec heads will make it a screamer.

Best all around solution would be a vortec replacement. It'll be big money and there will be a few little stumbling blocks along the way. Once it's done, it's pretty damn nice.

The 350 crate with 330 hp is a great way to go as well. Drop it in and go. You pay the money, but you know the engine is solid. Comes with a warrenty.

having your engine done will not be all that cheap and you have to worry about the competancy of your local machine shop, but it should be cheaper than the crate motor.

 

[paranoid56]

The 350 crate with 330 hp is a great way to go as well. Drop it in and go. You pay the money, but you know the engine is solid. Comes with a warrenty.

well, if its a GM crate engine, they wont warrenty it if its in a non GM car. As i am looking into doing this myself, and thats what gm is saying.
Shane

 

[Gumby]

well, if its a GM crate motor, they wont warrenty it if its in a non GM car. As i am looking into doing this myself, and thats what gm is saying.
Shane

No kidding?

Stuff i learned today.

 

[Wayneraintree]

my 55 had a old 350 in it when I bought it. I bought an 89-93 TBI 350 used (400$ ebay or out of a local junk), bought a crate motor from GMGoodwrench (1400$???)and got 300$ for the used 350 core, sorted the harness, ran fuel lines, wired key, etc. and there you have it, TBI 350. It was not incredibly easy or incredibly difficult and was below 2000$. Be sure to get all the sensors, ALDL, relays, harness, ECM, etc out of the donor GM and then buy all new... then you have spares for the trail and all the ones on the engine are new.

Look here..... http://customefis.com/ for good information and an instructional booklet and here http://www.jagsthatrun.com/ for other conversion manuals. HTH.

 

[Mendocino]

The GM crate motor warranty is indeed a bit vague. Thanks for pointing this out paranoid56. I had a look at the warranty online and found this item:

"Damage due to improper use or an application that is not approved by General Motors; including use related to racing or competition, marine or motorcycle applications, or for other non-vehicle usage."

This may be the stipulation that they use to exclude non-GM vehicles. What I find odd is that the engine below is sold as an "off-road" engine (for emmisions I suppose).

http://www.crateenginedepot.com/sto...HO-with-Iron-Vortec-Heads-12496968-P5C53.aspx

 

[missipboy]

i bought a gm crate engine with 285hp for $1600. accesories add up quick and i think if i had to do it over i would go with a turn key engine from someone that would warranty it. although, i have had no trouble from mine and am satisfied since i'm stuck with it.

 

[dgangle]

You are going to pay dearly to be able to say you got a "crate motor". I would either have yours rebuilt locally or use it as a core for a Jasper or other national company's waranteed, rebuilt engine available and supported in Anytown, USA.

BTW, a motor runs on electricity. We have engines in our trucks

 

[Gumby]

BTW, a motor runs on electricity. We have engines in our trucks

Don't tell that to the Toyota Motor Company, or General Motors, Or FoMoCo, or ...

 

[dgangle]

Good example... OK, I give in.

 

[Steve C]

It seems to me that the choice boils down to EFI or non-efi. With non-efi, a spare set of points and a can of gum-out can go a long way towards a repair. But, the efi engines run better.

Which would be better is up to the induvidual owner, but I would be looking real hard at something like a jasper rebuilt engine.

 

[Rice]

You are going to pay dearly to be able to say you got a "crate motor". I would either have yours rebuilt locally or use it as a core for a Jasper or other national company's waranteed, rebuilt engine available and supported in Anytown, USA.

BTW, a motor runs on electricity. We have engines in our trucks

I'll add "outboard and inboard motors" to Gumby's collection.

 

[fj40charles]

I'd buy a complete pull out engine with factory fuel injection and all accessories before buying a "crate" motor.

 

[Wayneraintree]

that was my 2cents, buy a used one, get it converted into the cruiser, check compression, etc. and then make the choice of whether or not to buy the crate longblock and if you do, get the core charge for the used one.