I was about to buy a new 350 HO. Car Craft took one slapped headers, Air Gap manifold and a 750 and dynoed at the flywheel thru mufflers 368 HP and 401 lbs of Torque. Sounds good to me.
My local hot rod bud suggested I take my stock L98 longblock and buy a good set of AFR heads ($1500-1600 / 2.02 / 1.60 64cc) and a great cam ($200) along with some misc stuff (lifters......) will make more power overall.
In comparing cost of buying new Crate (2200 , selling L98 for 500) or buying heads plus cam ($2000) plus install.
Any input is appreciated as I am ready to make a move.
I lean towards the mods but a brand new motor is hard to beat for 2200.
Thanks

 

Im assuming you dont have TPI from your sig.

For 200 bucks more (if you can get 500 for your l98 block, great) I'd just as soon have a new engine with a warranty and guaranteed new (and almost guaranteed the advertised HP), and not have to mess with changine heads or anything.

Just my opinion.

 

It made 348 horsepower and 388 ft lbs if my memory servers me correctly, with a 650cfm carb. Mine went 12.93 and 12.88 all stock.

 

I agree with 87Formula4bbl I would definetly go with the new engine. I would actually prefer to do the work myself becuase I want the satisfaction of know I did everything I could on my car. But it will take a little more time to do everything and "time is money". So I would go with the crate motor. Also PM me when you want to sell that motor I have a buddy who would more than likely buy it for $500. And I we can come pick it up. Good Luck man.

 

Thanks for the input IROCoholic. When I pull the L98 I will give you a call. I live in Sugarland however the motor will be located in Houston when pulled.
I have not heard any argument for moding the L98. I will keep listening to see if anyone with a modified L98 chimes in.

 

How many miles are on the L98? If they aren't that high I would just mod that. The money you save on that crate motor can be put into a combo that will make more than 368hp in your L98. A nice cam, ported heads, and a super ram/mini ram will go a bit farther than the crate. Crate motors are great but you have a good thing going right now. If the bottom end is in good shape just stick with what you have and your money will go a lot farther.

 

Ive got 40k on the motor. It runs perfect however it is a former TPI car so the cam is limited. I would need a new cam and as I stated earlier I was looking at the right AFR heads.

 

Well the bottom end is no real stronger than the one you have. You are almost replacing what you have with the same thing minus a little better heads. I would stay with what you have an go with the AFR's and a bigger cam. You will be much happier. The only I can think of going with a new shortblock is if you want forged internals for nitrous or forced induction applications.