To crate or not to crate that is the question.

[Sam]

Well it looks like my motor will need to be torn down as in bare bones. It got hot enough to score a few cyl walls so the block will need to be bored and new pistons at the very least. As for the rest of the motor I'm not sure. I think the heads will need to be re faced due to the high heat. The cam is TBD at this point.

So the question is do I rebuild or buy a crate motor. I know I have read posts about others who have gone the crate route with seemingly good luck. What I would be looking for is a 350 0r 383, 375 hp or so that would turr 5000-5200 rpms. If any of you have any friendly advise I am all ears.

THX
Sam

[MOP]

Sam below are a few that have popped up over time, you may be able do yours up cheaper if all the major parts have survived. Jamie can point out how to get 400 +- out of a 350 block, and a decent 383 or 400+ can be built fairly reasonably. Most crates carry a some sort of warranty that can be a plus, no real opinion.

Phil

http://www.affordablemarine.com/gm.htm
http://www.ebasicpower.com/engines/base/
http://www.powertorque.net/engines.htm
http://www.goautocenter.com/

[Kirk]

Stay away from zigouras racing (www.zigourasracing.com) dont ask me how I know.

I would suggest that you build it up from scatch...you will end up being able to purchase high end parts and not payout in labor and get a &^%* up job.

Just my .02

KJ

[BUIZILLA]

Sam, GMHPP has the HT383 and the 350-355 very aggressively priced right now. In fact, I think the 355hp Vortec long block can be bought for about $2300-$2400 right now.

JH

[Sam]

Jim. GMHPP ???????


THX
Sam

[BUIZILLA]

GM High Performance Parts

[Ranman]

I've heard good things about the HT383. Sounds like it would make a good marine engine with enough torque to snap that SS :smash:

Another thought would be that Mercruiser Black Scorpion engine (340HP) like Bill is using in his Corsican. Turn key fuel injection, pretty much plug and play for your boat. MAybe a little low on power for you though. :uzi:

Oh, here's an article on the HT383 I read also.
http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/66278/

[TuxedoPk]

Sam,

I'd think you'd be much better off investing your money into having the existing motor rebuilt with top quality parts that will outperform and outlive the warranty that you'll get with a new crate motor.

After all is said and done you'll probably be really happy that you'll have bigger bores and a stroked engine. A crate engine isn't going to have all the fine touches that a good machine shop will be doing for you.

Rich

[MOP]

Tux I could not agree more, independent small shops have more pride and live or die on there reputation. Some are much better than others, I would ask around probably some tips up here. Then again Sam you could hit on Jamie, he has some good sources!

Phil