Engine buying tips
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Engine buying tips
Posted: August 02 2007 03:52 PM
 
TOM CASTER (aka 50pickup) [ View ] [ tomcaster@hotmail.com ] [ Car Ads ] [ Blogs ]
POTTERVILLE, Michigan
 
I need to replace the tired old 305 SBC in my 50 Ford F-1, and I am looking at 350 SBC crate motors and Rebuilt longblock options for cruisin around on 87 octane, nothing too hot. I would like to keep it under 2 grand, and I'd like a place close by so I could pick it up & avoid shipping costs. There are several machine shops nearby who do performance engines & rebuilds.

What is the BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK??? How about recomendations, or places & things to avoid. I appreciate the advice from you veterans out there.
 
 
Comments
 
Posted by coupe32  -  08/02/2007 05:19 PM
Check Jegs they got crate motors starting at around 1,700 bucks not to bad for a 290 hp motor
coupe32 [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] nuremberg, Pennsylvannia
 
Posted by gman0046  -  08/02/2007 05:44 PM
If it were me, I'd buy the 290 HP GM crate motor which includes a warantee.
gman0046 [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Anchorage, Kentucky
 
Posted by bigdude  -  08/02/2007 06:01 PM
I think Jegs has a warantee-G-man -keep cool down there!
resident know it all [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Three Rivers, Michigan Charter Member since January 2004
 
Posted by ORHotrod  -  08/02/2007 06:19 PM
I got my last GM crate 290 from summit racing last Fall, They matched price at Jegs even with freight charge they beat the Local GM parts house price. Think I paid $1625.00 + shipping. Price has gone up since then though.
Larry [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Salem, Oregon Charter Member since July 2002
 
Posted by 50pickup  -  08/02/2007 06:24 PM
I'm not sure, but sounds like the GM warranty only covers engines installed in certain GM vehicles. Jegs may give a 1 year warrantee.


Anybody have any experience with Ross Automotive Machining in Lapeer MI? They offer a 350 nicely rebuilt with 325 to 350 HP depending on the pistons used, for the same as the 290HP GM crate, with 1 yr. warr.?
50pickup [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] POTTERVILLE, Michigan
 
Posted by Streetrodder007  -  08/02/2007 07:10 PM
I can give you those same deals all day. Plus I have 2 Hemi engines I'm selling. 1st is a 1965-426 Hemi short block, and 1 complete 345 Desoto Hemi .
Streetrodder007 [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Port Huron, Michigan Charter Member since April 2006
 
Posted by 50pickup  -  08/02/2007 07:16 PM
Hmmm, lets here more about that complete 345 Desoto. Did I mention I'm an old Mopar man? Once had a 51 Chrysler with a 331 Hemi!
50pickup [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] POTTERVILLE, Michigan
 
Posted by Streetrodder007  -  08/02/2007 09:10 PM
I live in Port Huron, Michigan, and yes I love the Mopars also! Here are some pics of the 345 Hemi, it is complete. I also have a fresh 440 with roughly 600 h.p. . And some 400 sbc cranks, fresh 383 stroker cranks, flywheels, some other engine blocks etc. If you need something specific, let me know. I might be able to help. I build motors on the side, thats why I have so much engine stuff.
I just sold and shipped a broken 426 Hemi block to Sweden. I got $1800 for the block and caps- and the kicker is the guy paid $1806 to have it shipped- he wanted it asap- money was no problem to him.
Streetrodder007 [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Port Huron, Michigan Charter Member since April 2006
 
Posted by 50pickup  -  08/03/2007 03:40 PM
Wow, with that Wooly Mammoth I wouldn't need dropped spindles to gitter down low! I used to have a cherry pair of chrome "Chrysler Fire Power" valve covers for one of those. Wish I never sold them with the Chrysler now.

Funny story: I had a huge 51 Imperial that I restored & sold it for $1600 back around 1990. I was only the 2nd owner when I bought it in 1972 About 10 yrs later the 5th owner called me & wanted to sell me the Hemi motor for $3000, as the rest of the car was rusted out junk. It made me sick to my stomach to think about fallen into disrepair & ruin! Hell of a motor though! You could sqauck the tires in the first three gears, even with the Fluid-Matic tranny, and I had it up to 110 MPH one morning going to work, with pedal left to spare. I suddenly had an epiphany, with the thought of something breaking on the 40+ yr old, all original stock vehicle and sending me into a deep ditch! Whew, I survived!
50pickup [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] POTTERVILLE, Michigan
 
Posted by jgregory21  -  08/03/2007 03:06 PM
My brother bought a Chevy. short block with heads for less than $1500.00. He bought it at Advanced Auto parts. He changed stock cam and lifters, and ran very strong. I also have a few Mopar engins that my son and I have hung on to for quite a few years. I also have a good 327 chev. that was said to be running when removed from car. Also I have a old 283 eng. I didn't check #'s but I know that they are hard to come by. I have a '39 Chevy. Cpe and and a '48 Chevy. Cpe. My son says if it isn't a 426 it is not a Hemi! I disagree with him on that. He had a 572 Hemi with NOS, but sold it . He is a Diesle Mechanic by trade, but I raised him as a Street Rodder! Good Luck
jgregory21 [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] blanchester, Ohio
 
Posted by tlp1968  -  08/03/2007 03:19 PM
I quit buying engines from the discount auto parts stores back when we were installing engines and we got one that had mismatched parts inside. Seems to me that most folks have the best luck with GM, Jegs, or Summit. I don't know if RJay's Performance Center is carrying the same stuff. I will need to check with Rjay. If so he usually beats Summit or Jegs on price if he can.
StreetRodding.com Marketing Director [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Springfield, Illinois Charter Member since August 2003
 
Posted by Willys33  -  08/03/2007 07:52 PM
Well, here I go again. Why not go to your local junkyard and strike a deal for a 5.4 out of a newer Chevy truck. It is a steel block, aluminum head fuel injection motor. A correct deal should come with a 4L60E trans for under $1500. You will have to add a harness and ECM along with a GM intank pump. Bottom line is AROUND $2k. What do you get? Lots of power, 87 octane, and will outlive you. You will change oil every 5K miles and NEVER replace the plug.
Get off the trailer and drive [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Alamogordo, New Mexico
 
Posted by 50pickup  -  08/04/2007 03:50 PM
Willys33, that nice in a fiberglass custom rod, but I'm a little old school. I want to get away from all that hi-tech snake pit under the hood. Yeah the 310HP all alum. 5.4 in my 2006 Sierra is sweet, but what a jungle under the hood! Just wouldn't be right for old blue.
50pickup [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] POTTERVILLE, Michigan
 
Posted by robymarks  -  08/04/2007 04:52 PM
Crate Engine Depot.com or just go with Chevy Performance engine at any GM Dealer. 290 horse is as they quoted earlier in this thread. I personally would stay away from the Machine shop engine
robymarks [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Houston, Texas Charter Member since October 2005
 
Posted by 50pickup  -  08/09/2007 10:46 AM
robymarks, I am curious why you would stay away from machine shop engines. We have a number of reputable shops in our area, and most build engines for track, strip or stock. I suppose the GM crates are built to last longer and actually will.

Does the 290 have a smooth or little more lopey idle?
50pickup [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] POTTERVILLE, Michigan
 
Posted by Streetrodder007  -  08/09/2007 12:13 PM
I would certainly contest that a GM crate motor would last longer. Comparison= who is a better painter, the guy who programs the robot on the assembly line, or the custom guy who has been in business for the last 40 years.

I do think their is alot of good crate engines, but I believe they come from the smaller companies who have experiance and need their reputation.
Streetrodder007 [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Port Huron, Michigan Charter Member since April 2006
 
Posted by robymarks  -  08/09/2007 01:05 PM
50...When the machine shop gets your engine, likely it will have to be bored, certainly honed. If you are not gut sure of the condition of the block, you run the risk of hitting a water jacket or if you don't it may have a thin wall and next thing you know you are having overheating problems. I have seen dozens where the real main seal leaks after the build. By the time you do all these things, you will have as much or more in it than a crate motor. Face it, GM has built 350's forever. They pretty much get them right. Just my opinion. As to the lopey idle, I don't think so. I did know one guy that put the 290 HP in his suburban and wound up changing the cam as it was a little more than he wanted. I can't remember the specs on that cam but you can see it on www.crateenginedepot.com. I think if you want to go worry free on a cruiser, the crate engine makes the most sense for the build and the bucks. Hope that helps.
robymarks [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Houston, Texas Charter Member since October 2005
 
Posted by housrace  -  08/11/2007 08:37 AM
As an old mechanic (30 years spinnin' wrenches) and new to roddin' I have to add my 2 cents worth (sorry). I have'nt rebuilt an engine in 10 years. With all of the crate motors available ( with 1 year warranties) I dont feel that it's worth the time, effort or expense to rebuild anymore. Your looking for a dependable, long lasting, low maintenece engine. Go crate. I don't know any machine shop in my area that will give you a year warranty on their work. Hell, best I can do is 30 days. We've been using a lot of low mileasge salvage motors and trannys without problem too. but, they only offer 30days as well. If your into the hobby of engine rebuild, then get to doin' it. If you want back on the road sweet, fat and happy crat the ol' girl and roll on. I will get off of my soap box now. thanks for letting me ramble.
housrace [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Spfld., Illinois
 
Posted by Nightrider1  -  08/11/2007 09:03 AM
I'm with housrace, however. IF you want a really well built crate engine and killer warranty? Check out Jasper I have installed quite a few of their engines and trans. The tech support from them is incredible. They will deliver to your house. Check out the website surely they have a rep. in your area. Warranty is 3 yrs / 75000 miles. They offer a sbc long block, mildly modified (rv cam) still carries the warranty.. See the webpage for the deteails... http://www.jasperengines.com/gas-engines.htm

Chris
Nightrider1 [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Leopold, Indiana
 
Posted by 50pickup  -  08/11/2007 09:21 AM
You've convinced me the crate is the way to go! Everything new. There are several Jasper dealers in the area too, I'll look iat there prices again, but I don't think they can beat Jegs & Summit, or even the GM Dealers here. We'll see.

Thanks for all your input, advice and, yes....rambling, haha!
50pickup [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] POTTERVILLE, Michigan
 
Posted by Jaybird  -  08/11/2007 11:14 AM
I'm installing a GM 350 Crate motor from Jeg's in my friends 77 vette. Nice motor. Jasper engines do have warantees BUT,if you ever saw the number of diclaimers that go with it and ever had to try to collect on the warrantee,it might tend to change your mind. Many items are just good sense, like new thermostat and water pump etc. Just had a bad experience where I used to work. # motors befor the car got out of the lot. even the third one spitout all of the core plugs as we wer warning it up....and that was with the Jasper rep standing there. 350 GOODWRENCH from Jeg's....no core, in stockGood product
Jaybird [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Cincinnati, Ohio Charter Member since December 2003
 
Posted by Nightrider1  -  08/11/2007 11:50 AM
Jaybird,,

Sorry to hear you had those issues... Only issues I had was a trans that wouldn't shift below 2nd (automatic) manually. Of course the first thing I did was call tech support.. they went through the trans with me, ( pan off) to make sure the issue wasn't the trans or it was.. Come down to a badly stretched shift cable. The other was a bad install from another dealer on a Chevy Diesel, Jasper stood behind the engine of course only percentages, but still helped the customer.. Jegs could be a great option also.. as well as GM crates. I just was impressed with the warranty and the Customer Service from Jasper.
Nightrider1 [ View ] [ Email ] [ Blogs ] [ Car Ads ] Leopold, Indiana
 
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