Do you guys think their emissions compatible 350 is a good deal? It says it makes something like 326 HP and 389 ftlbs. I believe it's for $2200. Have any of you guys bought stuff from them?

www.desertperformance.com

 

A lot of claims, not many details. In order to know whether that motor is "typically" capable of that kind of power, you'd need to know cam specs, head specs, exhaust type, etc. (would be nice if they included a dyno sheet for each engine delivered). In order to know whether it's a good deal, you'd need to know what kind of parts they used to put it together.

FWIW, Chevy High Performance Magazine in their "My Generation Camaro" series put together what they called an "emissions-legal" 350 that dyno'd a lot higher than that - but, it didn't have an emissions-legal carb or distributor on it on the dyno, and the exhaust (although close) wasn't emissions-legal, either. When they put it in the car with all of the emissions things on it, the results were more than a little disappointing.

 

There is a board member on here that bought there engine from Desert Performance and is more than pleased.

I am looking at going with the emissions legal 383 that they offer. But I wouldn't hesitate to call them when you are ready and request a dyno sheet and some more specs on the engine. What is on the web site is a little vague.

 

Also for your car since it is a carb 1984 car you have alot of options. If you'll notice most of the crate motors out there say they are for pre1986 vehicles or 1973 pre emissions. . Mine is a 1987.

If I were you I would get a fast burn 385 or a Ram Jet 350. Or even a ZZ4 with a different and more agressive cam.

 

yeah, that 383 looks pretty good, but you're right, they don't have much info on their stuff online. I was thinking I might get the 350 HO crate motor from GM. But i still have to pass emissions (visual too )