Go Back   Third Generation F-Body Message Boards > Tech Boards > Aftermarket Vendor Review

Aftermarket Vendor Review Provide questions and comments about aftermarket part vendors for the Third Gen F-Body.

Welcome to ThirdGen.org!
Welcome to ThirdGen.org.

You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, at no cost, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, join the ThirdGen.org community today!


Reply
 
Thread Tools
Old 05-02-2009, 10:32 PM   #1
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 16

Classifieds Rating: (0)
Where to buy a short block?

I have been looking arount thei net trying to find a good place to buy an assembled short block. There have been many sites that look very good but, after further investigation, end up being crooks. One site that i have found that ppl on this forum have vouched for is http://www.cnc-motorsports.com. I plan on spending in the neighborhood of 5 grand so i want to get my block from someone who is going to do it right. Are these guys trustworthy enough to spend that kind of money? If not, anyone know where i should look?
Thanks
This ad is not displayed to registered members.
Register your free account today and become a member on ThirdGen!
400maro is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links
Registered users do not see this ad.
Click here to register for free!
Old 05-03-2009, 12:55 AM   #2
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Syracuse, NY
Posts: 173
Car: '00 Regal GS/'87 T.A WS-6
Engine: stock 3800 series II/stock 5L TPI
Transmission: fwd auto/stock 700r4
Axle/Gears: wrong wheel drive/3.23:1 Posi

Classifieds Rating: (0)
Re: Where to buy a short block?

you want something BEEFY? DART (brand) SHP special high performance 372" SB. Block is a beefy version of a stock block with a pretty solid rotating assembly in it. Stock stuff? I call my local machine shop and see what they have that someone never paid their tab on...theres always good deals left over.
NatesZ/28 is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 05-03-2009, 01:21 AM   #3
Senior Member
 
robertfrank's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Kingman,AZ
Posts: 1,614
Car: 1988 camaro rs (pony stomper)
Engine: 305 tbi
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.42 no-slip locker

Classifieds Rating: (0)
Re: Where to buy a short block?

I recently bought a Vortec longblock for my truck from Engines Direct on Ebay, They are based out of Phoenix. So far I'm pleased with it. All the bolts and everything were torqued to spec and they kit was complete. It cost me $1900 out the door. To get to your question I know they have vortec shortblocks for $884 plus shipping. I recommend them
__________________

About every damn bolt on you can think of as of right now.........
Future plans are a Edelbrock RPM intake, 46mm Xtremefi TBI, ZZ4 cam, Ported ZZ4 heads and an EDGE 3200 stall going in after I learn how to tune.

robertfrank is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 08-23-2009, 10:17 PM   #4
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Where winter comes from
Posts: 43
Car: 85 vette
Engine: 427 SHP block,AFR 210,MiniRam
Transmission: TKO 600
Axle/Gears: 3:07

Classifieds Rating: (0)
Re: Where to buy a short block?

I ordered and received a SHP short block from CNC-Motorsports a couple of months ago. They shipped it when they said they would ship it and it cost exactly what they said it would. I ordered a TKO 600 from Corvette Central and the customer representative made a mistake and said they could ship it to Canada. After the order was processed Corvette Central called and said the transmission could not be directly shipped to Canada. Not only did CNC-Motorsports accept the transmission and ship it to me with my short block they repackaged the transmission from two boxes to one (putting the extra parts in with the short block) to save me some shipping costs and did not charge me extra for the service. I found them easy to talk to and was very pleased with dealing with them.
redcorvette is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 11-04-2009, 05:31 AM   #5
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: WA state
Posts: 651
Car: 92 Lingenfelter Z28 articwhite
Engine: 427sbc supr ram TPI w/foger set up
Transmission: 700R4/curri entps9" locker
Axle/Gears: 4.11

Classifieds Rating: (7)
Re: Where to buy a short block?

Bowtie blocks dart and others http://www.wheelerpowerproducts.com/

check out some of there stuff.. this is the place i picked to do my 427sbc
and remember...you get what you pay for!!

a dart block or bowtie block 4 bolt main's all mech work.

up to 434 ci sbc up to 12.1 all forged
H beam rod's forged crank.. for $3000
i shopped for a few weeks..

Last edited by articwhiteZ; 11-05-2009 at 09:36 AM.
articwhiteZ is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 11-04-2009, 06:43 AM   #6
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Madison, SD
Posts: 374
Car: '82 Camaro
Engine: 383
Transmission: TKO 5 speed
Axle/Gears: 31 spline 9" with 4.56:1

Classifieds Rating: (0)
Re: Where to buy a short block?

I've used a bunch of parts from CNC, complete engines, short blocks, long blocks, rotating assemblies, what have you.... Never had a problem with the company or their product...

Another one that I'm very pleased with is Competition Products, same good news as CNC....

Both also have Dart and World Product performance blocks, or will sell you a used block that has been cleaned, magged, and machined.....

PS--got a Comp Products ordered for my '82, 383 stroker kit with all Howard's components (US made) and it's way up in quality and near equal in price to many of the other stuff sold on line that is all imported internals.... I like my money to stay in this country when it's feasible....
__________________
Of course it's for sale!!! Everything is for sale!!!!

Camaro and other projects pictures can be seen at:

http://s534.photobucket.com/albums/e...1982%20Camaro/
radical82 is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 11-04-2009, 03:20 PM   #7
Junior Member
 
bestracing's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: N. Ky
Posts: 57
Car: 86 T/A
Engine: LG4, 305
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: G80, 2.73

Classifieds Rating: (0)
Re: Where to buy a short block?

Quote:
Originally Posted by radical82 View Post
Another one that I'm very pleased with is Competition Products, same good news as CNC....
I considered them before and have talked to them at the US Nationals before. Good people and they are priced reasonably well considering what you get.
bestracing is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 11-04-2009, 06:15 PM   #8
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Madison, SD
Posts: 374
Car: '82 Camaro
Engine: 383
Transmission: TKO 5 speed
Axle/Gears: 31 spline 9" with 4.56:1

Classifieds Rating: (0)
Re: Where to buy a short block?

Quote:
Originally Posted by bestracing View Post
I considered them before and have talked to them at the US Nationals before. Good people and they are priced reasonably well considering what you get.
IMO, both CP and CNC are really first rate straight up companies... They do sell some of the cheap import crap, but they also have some excellent product lines on the first rate stuff.... I've been to both places to visit and pick up products... They're Hot Rodders and Racers, not just a bunch of slick talking salesman out to get deep in your checkbook!!!!
radical82 is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 11-05-2009, 09:26 AM   #9
Senior Member
 
transam85dudeman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: CALI
Posts: 779
Car: 85' Trans Am
Engine: 305tpi 215hp LB9 two bolt,
Transmission: th-700r4
Axle/Gears: stock (3.27)

Classifieds Rating: (0)
Re: Where to buy a short block?

www.summitracing.com has specials sometimes, 1300 dollar long blocks. try checking craiglist.org, i plan on picking up a used engine for 100 bucks for a 350, just needs rebuilt, ill be able get add the goodies as i go. What kind of block you looking for, a 383 stroker +405hp complete engine $3,700. I used to want to get the the 350 for 1400 bucks, add a supercharger for like $3,000 and an electric fuel pump. but that crazy.

Last edited by transam85dudeman; 11-05-2009 at 09:47 AM.
transam85dudeman is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 11-05-2009, 10:01 AM   #10
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Germany
Posts: 4
Car: 1992 Trans AM GTA

Classifieds Rating: (0)
Re: Where to buy a short block?

For about 6 weeks I bought a 355 all forged 4340 short block from Blueprint Engines. They have a sale off now and have very good prices. They stands for quality and are very cheap at the moment.
69Cyclone is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 11-06-2009, 05:18 AM   #11
Senior Member
 
transam85dudeman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: CALI
Posts: 779
Car: 85' Trans Am
Engine: 305tpi 215hp LB9 two bolt,
Transmission: th-700r4
Axle/Gears: stock (3.27)

Classifieds Rating: (0)
Re: Where to buy a short block?

Supply and demand, New cars and imports have a negative affect on block builders, v-8 old school part supplies. Demand in quantity will decrease or shift to the left while the supply stays the same being everything is stable (manufacturer, contracts signed, agreements made, builders paid) living the now-theres a surplus, and causes the price to drop being the equilibrium is lower. Perfect time for a house as well, there even was a government rebate of like 7 grand just to buy a house with rock bottom interest, bought at 50% the going rate due to a foreclosure by the Previous Owner's bank. (im probably wrong, failed Econ, 2nd time a charm.)
transam85dudeman is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 11-06-2009, 07:55 AM   #12
Senior Member
 
bluegrassz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: LONDON, KY
Posts: 2,913
Car: Camaro
Engine: Carbed L98
Transmission: TH350
Axle/Gears: 3.73

Classifieds Rating: (2)
Re: Where to buy a short block?

You might try Ohio Crankshaft here. http://www.ohiocrank.com/chev_sb_shortb.html

I have not bought personally, but have heard good feedback from this company. Prices dosent seem bad either.
bluegrassz is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 11-06-2009, 09:04 AM   #13
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Madison, SD
Posts: 374
Car: '82 Camaro
Engine: 383
Transmission: TKO 5 speed
Axle/Gears: 31 spline 9" with 4.56:1

Classifieds Rating: (0)
Re: Where to buy a short block?

Quote:
Originally Posted by bluegrassz View Post
You might try Ohio Crankshaft here. http://www.ohiocrank.com/chev_sb_shortb.html

I have not bought personally, but have heard good feedback from this company. Prices dosent seem bad either.

Pat McCarthey and McCarthey Engines in Bay City, Mi. told me some real horror stories about Ohio Crank!!!! He also showed me one of his examples.... They're new forged cranks are an import crank that they machine in house, at least that's what Pat told me....

Howards makes some very nice cranks, rods, and pistons that are manufactured and machined right here in this country...Used a number of them and never had a problem!!!! They also sell the import stuff. Might want to chat with a machinist about the quality of the imports v US Made......
radical82 is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 11-06-2009, 10:55 AM   #14
Senior Member
 
bluegrassz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: LONDON, KY
Posts: 2,913
Car: Camaro
Engine: Carbed L98
Transmission: TH350
Axle/Gears: 3.73

Classifieds Rating: (2)
Re: Where to buy a short block?

Quote:
Originally Posted by radical82 View Post
Pat McCarthey and McCarthey Engines in Bay City, Mi. told me some real horror stories about Ohio Crank!!!! He also showed me one of his examples.... They're new forged cranks are an import crank that they machine in house, at least that's what Pat told me....

Howards makes some very nice cranks, rods, and pistons that are manufactured and machined right here in this country...Used a number of them and never had a problem!!!! They also sell the import stuff. Might want to chat with a machinist about the quality of the imports v US Made......
Thanks for the heads-up info. I think they get the same cores that Eagle and Scat get. The difference is in there machining. Some thirdgen guys here have had decient luck with there stuff, but I have no first had experience with them.

Is it a problem with there cores or there machining? Or is it there assembled long/short blocks?
bluegrassz is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 11-07-2009, 04:30 AM   #15
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 121

Classifieds Rating: (0)
Re: Where to buy a short block?

Quote:
Originally Posted by radical82 View Post

PS--got a Comp Products ordered for my '82, 383 stroker kit with all Howard's components (US made) and it's way up in quality and near equal in price to many of the other stuff sold on line that is all imported internals.... I like my money to stay in this country when it's feasible....

Is that the max effort kit of 3300?

I looked for a long time at comps kits but eventually went with an unassembled short kit from them with factory 4 bolt block and domestic 4340 internals that was just over 2000. The kit comes with RPM international crank and h-beam rods as well as howards forged flat tops by Ross. http://www.competitionproducts.com/p...umber=SBK383FT

If the original poster is looking to spend close to 5 g's i would go with the unassembled racer kit which comes with the same internals as their max effort but includes a little M block for 4 grand. Still lots of budget left over to have a local machine shop assemble it if assembly is an issue. You don't get a warranty on a short block anyway, no matter who you buy it from so you might as well get the best parts you can for your money. http://www.competitionproducts.com/p...p?number=434FT
SeanW is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 11-07-2009, 06:47 AM   #16
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Madison, SD
Posts: 374
Car: '82 Camaro
Engine: 383
Transmission: TKO 5 speed
Axle/Gears: 31 spline 9" with 4.56:1

Classifieds Rating: (0)
Re: Where to buy a short block?

Pat sez the quality of the shafts just wasn't good to his standards.... Having seen Pat's work, his standards are very high!!!! If you want to talk with him about it, I could PM you his information--without his permission I sure wouldn't want to post it here on the forum, though!!!!

I've used a number of the CP and CNC products... Mic'd and checked every piece, all were very, very well done and the tolerances and finishes were always excellent!!!!!
__________________
Of course it's for sale!!! Everything is for sale!!!!

Camaro and other projects pictures can be seen at:

http://s534.photobucket.com/albums/e...1982%20Camaro/
radical82 is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 11-07-2009, 08:12 AM   #17
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 121

Classifieds Rating: (0)
Re: Where to buy a short block?

I checked my stuff from CP as well with mics and a dial bore guage. My crank and rods were deadnuts perfect. Main center journal of my block was a quarter thou over the rest but i think thats acceptable especially in a used block. Also my piston to cylinder clearance was perfect for applications using up to 250hp of nitrous. I imagine if you were planning to run more they would probably hone it for you for an additional fee.

Because i bought an unassembled kit i ended up having to do quite a bit of clearancing on the block though, even though it is supposedly "stroker clearanced" and using stoker rods. This was the only thing that kept it from being a straight assembly job.
SeanW is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 11-08-2009, 07:23 PM   #18
Senior Member
 
89_RS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Indiana
Posts: 357
Car: 89 RS Camaro
Engine: LO3
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: GM 10 Bolt/2.73 Open

Classifieds Rating: (0)
Re: Where to buy a short block?

On the subject of Competition Products, it looks like they have a VVT (Variable Valve Timing) kit for Gen I SBC's:

http://www.competitionproducts.com/p...sp?number=8271

Am I reading this right?
89_RS is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 11-08-2009, 07:34 PM   #19
Senior Member
 
one92rs's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: league city
Posts: 675
Car: 92 camaro rs-02 avalanche
Engine: 305 carb
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: 3.23

Classifieds Rating: (0)
Re: Where to buy a short block?

Quote:
Originally Posted by 89_RS View Post
On the subject of Competition Products, it looks like they have a VVT (Variable Valve Timing) kit for Gen I SBC's:

http://www.competitionproducts.com/p...sp?number=8271

Am I reading this right?
i like that idea. now to see if someone other than them will try it and show the real time improvements.
__________________

YOU MUST ALWAYS PUSH THE LIMITS-IF YOU NEVER FAIL YOU WILL NEVER SUCCEED--NO FEAR!
one92rs is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 11-08-2009, 07:44 PM   #20
Senior Member
 
89_RS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Indiana
Posts: 357
Car: 89 RS Camaro
Engine: LO3
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: GM 10 Bolt/2.73 Open

Classifieds Rating: (0)
Re: Where to buy a short block?

Quote:
Originally Posted by one92rs View Post
i like that idea. now to see if someone other than them will try it and show the real time improvements.
At $75 it doesn't look like one would be out too much to try it. But then again, that line of thought has probably been the downfall of several engines before.
89_RS is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 11-08-2009, 07:48 PM   #21
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Madison, SD
Posts: 374
Car: '82 Camaro
Engine: 383
Transmission: TKO 5 speed
Axle/Gears: 31 spline 9" with 4.56:1

Classifieds Rating: (0)
Re: Where to buy a short block?

Never ran one on a chain, but I have a Jesel dry belt system with the same tensioner system, works great!!!! So far 300+ passes on it with no problems... Should work equally good on a chain....
__________________
Of course it's for sale!!! Everything is for sale!!!!

Camaro and other projects pictures can be seen at:

http://s534.photobucket.com/albums/e...1982%20Camaro/
radical82 is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 11-09-2009, 10:37 AM   #22
Senior Member
 
bluegrassz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: LONDON, KY
Posts: 2,913
Car: Camaro
Engine: Carbed L98
Transmission: TH350
Axle/Gears: 3.73

Classifieds Rating: (2)
Re: Where to buy a short block?

Quote:
Originally Posted by radical82 View Post
Pat sez the quality of the shafts just wasn't good to his standards.... Having seen Pat's work, his standards are very high!!!! If you want to talk with him about it, I could PM you his information--without his permission I sure wouldn't want to post it here on the forum, though!!!!

I've used a number of the CP and CNC products... Mic'd and checked every piece, all were very, very well done and the tolerances and finishes were always excellent!!!!!
Naw, I will take your word for it. I always check any product I use regardless of who's name is on it.
bluegrassz is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote
Old 11-09-2009, 07:46 PM   #23
Senior Member
 
89_RS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Indiana
Posts: 357
Car: 89 RS Camaro
Engine: LO3
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: GM 10 Bolt/2.73 Open

Classifieds Rating: (0)
Re: Where to buy a short block?

Quote:
Originally Posted by radical82 View Post
Never ran one on a chain, but I have a Jesel dry belt system with the same tensioner system, works great!!!! So far 300+ passes on it with no problems... Should work equally good on a chain....
I don't mean to sound stupid, but is there anything else that is required to get VVT beyond this item? Does it improve hp and economy?
89_RS is offline vBGarage Page   Reply With Quote


Reply

Go Back   Third Generation F-Body Message Boards > Tech Boards > Aftermarket Vendor Review

Tags
305, 372, 3800, block, blocks, buy, dart, gen, purchase, roller, series, short, shortblock, shp, tbi, vortec
Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off

 






1982 Camaro '82 || 1983 Camaro '83 || 1984 Camaro '84 || 1985 Camaro '85 || 1986 Camaro '86 || 1987 Camaro '87 || 1988 Camaro '88 || 1989 Camaro '89 || 1990 Camaro '90 || 1991 Camaro '91 || 1992 Camaro '92


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:14 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.5
Copyright ©2000 - 2010, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Friendly URLs by vBSEO 3.2.0
All content copyright © 1997 - 2010 ThirdGen.org. All rights reserved. No part of this website may be reproduced without the expressed, documented, and written consent of ThirdGen.org's Administrators.