Hi,

I'd like to order a 330 hp crate engine, but after thinking about it I was wondering if I would be stuck with 330 hp.

If I were to order this, would I still be able to make modifications on it, and if so.. where would I go to get parts for that specific motor ?

Thanks a lot in advanced.

Sincerely,

Eric

 

The 330HP is a small block chevy, just like any other. You can get parts from summit or jegs. The only problem is the vortec heads require a special intake, which isn't a big deal if you are carbed. Also the warranty won't allow you to make mods to it for one year. Soggin Dickey (www.sdpc2000.com) will make mods for you that will maintain the warranty, but that's big $$$.

 

Okay,

Good to know.

One more thing:

after reading up on some V6 to V8 swapping, I've gotten the just it might cost a lot of money to do this swap.

If I will be getting that engine, I will not be doing it myself, as time won't allow me to.

Do you know if that engine would fit in my 91 RS V6 camaro ?

If so, will the only things that will need to change be suspension and motor mounts ?

Sorry for the questions, I'm interested in doing this.

New suspension = $ ??
New motor mounts = $ ??

Thanks a lot again

Sincerely,
Eric

 

I will disagree with this statement: "The 330HP is a small block chevy, just like any other." That simply isn't true. It uses Vortec heads, which have a different intake port and bolt arrangement than "our" SBC's, meaning a special intake manifold is required. That's the start of the problems.

I don't know if you have emissions testing/inspection to concern yourself with, but I have yet to hear of anyone who has used this engine in an emissions-legal application. See paragraph above about the special intake manifold. Add to that the lack of exhaust crossover passages in the Vortec heads, and you've got yourself a custom plumbing job to get exhaust gases up to the EGR valve (a required emissions component).

If you want to put a better cam in the engine, you need to replace the springs (the ones they put in it are marginal). Most anything else, though, like exhaust, is what you would use for any SBC (that much is true).

As for the V6 to V8 swap, figure on changing or modifying anything that attaches to or feeds the engine - mounts, transmission, fuel lines, radiator, radiator hoses, accelerator cables, accessory brackets, exhaust from heads to rear bumper, etc., etc., etc. You even need to move the brake line that goes across the front crossmember. A '91 is going to have to have either TBI or TPI to be emissions legal, so you'll have to find a V8 version of one of them (with computer and harnesses) as well. The best way to do this is to get a donor car that has all of these parts on it, and sell off what you don't use.

This is typically tackled by the hobbiest, who's doing this because he has more time than money. Shops don't like to take them on, because the problems that come up are impossible to predict, so they can't estimate the job (would you want to give a shop a blank check to get them to start it?). When you get done, you'll have spent more on the engine swap itself than the car will be worth.

You need to know what you're up against. I can't imagine doing this other than doing it yourself, and starting with that engine and no donor car is getting off on the wrong foot.

 

I agree with the above Post. The V-8 into a V-6 car is going to be a BIG BIG Money Pit. I would rethink this question. My opinion.

 

No. He's absolutely right. A Small Block Chevy it is, and nothing more. You're referring to the heads, which are not a 'block'. The term "Small Block" refers to the engine block, that's all.

For those who don't know, there are three generations of SBC's. The first generation is the one we have in our cars. There was a change in the design of the rear main seal in 1987, but that's referred to as a "one piece" block, and the older ones are of course called the "two piece" block. There were other changes that took place that made the newer blocks usable with a roller camshaft, but these were minor and didn't change the entire design of the block, so they're still called Gen I blocks.

The parts of these two engines are interchangable. The only exception is the crankshaft. As far as the camshaft being roller or simply flat tappet, they will both fit in either block. The only difference would be the roller lifters you have to use in an older block. They have to be much taller and have a bar attached to each "pair" so they don't spin in the lifter bores.

The second generation is the LT1 design. Since it used a "reverse flow" cooling system, all the coolant passages had to be relocated. This changed the design of the overall block so that's why they call it the Gen II block. You can use a crank, cam, rods, & pistons in either engine, but you can't swap heads. A Gen II block has to have Gen II heads. Of course you can modify anything to work, but I'm referring to general 'bolt on'.

And last, but certainly not least, is the Gen III block (AKA LS1, but not limited to). It's totally different. You can't swap but maybe a bolt or nut from the other two generations to this block, and if that. First, it's got a totally different bore/stroke. Second, it's gotta a totally different firing order. And those are the minor changes.

The list goes on and on of all the other changes, but my main point is that the comment "The 330HP is a small block chevy, just like any other." is true, relative to the question asked. Heads, cam, crank, rods, slugs, water pump, oil pump, etc. are all interchangable with "our" blocks. The block of that crate motor has a 1 pc. rear main seal. If your car has the original engine/trans in it, then it'll drop right in, and bolt up to the tranny/flexplate with no problem.

So I say get it, but first get a different car. Like five7kid says, it's a major PITA to change from a v6 to a v8. All the little changes will chew up your wallet into little pieces and spit it out the tailpipe.

AJ

BTW, I'm not trying to flame you five7kid. It's just every once-in-a-while I like to post something that some other people may not have known. Not saying that YOU didn't know this already. I know you did. Yer a fart smeller... I mean smart feller.