Hey All,


I'm starting to put money away to build up a "new" motor for my ride.

I'm wondering if I should grab an L98 or LT1 from a junkyard and rebuild it myself (forged pistons, crank, rods, cam, etc.)
Or if I'd save time and money by grabbing a crate motor.

I've built motors before, but have only used "crate" motors twice.
One motor had the cam and heads replaced before installation.
The second "Crate" motor was for my Dodge Daktoa with no performance mods whatsoever.
(Aside from a K&N air filter and bosch platinum spark plugs)

I'd love to toss a stealthram and a nitrous (100-150) kit on the new engine, and I'd like to have a streetable car that turns good 1/4 mile times.
I'd most likely install some larger injectors and a 58MM TB as well.

Any tips or opinions?

Currently, as you can see from my sig, I have a fairly warmed over 305 (was what previous owner said he replaced the blown 350 with)
I'm a bit skeptical about whether or not the motor is a 305, as it shreds the rear tires and will brake traction and wag it's tail a tiny bit if I punch it below 30MPH.

Thanks in advance,


--Ray

 

I prefer to build my own motors for several reasons. I have very good machinists in my area and feel confident that I can get great work back from them. This allows me to have my motor balanced with the flexplate/flywheel and balancer that I chose. A crate motor may not come with a balancer or flexplate/flywheel so you really are missing out to a certain degree. You can use superior parts in areas where you feel you need them. For instance, if you are building a motor for a nitrous shot, you can strengthen the motor with proven parts in the areas you feel need more strength...pistons, steel crank, etc. Building your own motor allows you more flexibility but you must have the proper tools and know how. Otherwise, better go the crate route.

 

You can always get a short block crate engine and put your own heads cam, etc on it.