I have been wanting to get a 350 to replace my 305 in my Camaro for a long while now, and have been checking out the options. I noticed that GM sells a 350 HO crate engine for around 2,900 dollars.

Assuming I can afford it, should I go with the crate engine? I am worried about reliability on some of the used engines.

And if you think I'd be better off with a used engine, where do you advise I go look for one? I'm in a smaller town and good 350's don't sell very often in the classifieds here.

Thanks!

 

Tell us more about your setup. Carb, TPI or TBI? Auto or manual tranny? Intended use?

The 350 HO is a decent engine, but you need to understand some if its limitations - such as Vortec heads requiring a Vortec intake (limited, although okay for street use, choices), limited cam upgradeability due to valve lift limits w/o modifications, no exhaust cross-over passages for EGR use, etc.

 

I have the stock LG4 and an automatic tranny. As for intended use, this car is going to be used mainly on the streets (thus comes the reliability part). I don't feel I have the time and general know-how for competitive drag racing at this point. This is gonna sound embarrasing but I am not quite sure what HO stands for, I tried doing a search on it but the search wouldn't let me (under 3 letters).

In North Dakota I don't have to do yearly inspections so there is no problem with emissions. However, in a little over a year I am planning to move to Texas, which I hear they are pretty strict on the emissions laws. Can I make this engine street legal? Since I've never really had to do an inspection before I really don't know what to look for.

 

try doing a search for "High Output"

 

If you need to stay emmisions legal, i would go a different route. You can get a shortblock, different heads, intake and cam.