My dilemma… Would like to replace my L98 with a crate motor AND keep it smog legal for use in California. Called the dealer for a crate motor and they do not sell a direct replacement. The motor they do sell is for cars through 85. What would need to be done to adapt it?

OR

Would it be cheaper to buy a short block (junkyard or other threads) and rebuild it? I need to have minimal down time, as it’s my daily driver. Any assistance would be appreciated.

Not overly concerned about high performance but would like to have the 330HP crate motor from GM Performance. Reliability is the most important factor.

 

i can't remember which mag it was, but car craft or hot rod (maybe chevy hi po? one of the three... pretty sure it was car craft) built a 383 that had over 400hp and was completely smog legal in Cali. They built it with the same idea you had, knowing that like so many of us, they had to pass smog checks, and since they live in california, that made it more difficult. biggest thing is, intake, heads, and cam. don't buy anything that isn't 50 state legal in these areas. if it says "off road use only" you'll fail. I'll let the other guys chime in here.

 

I recall that issue but would rather have the reliability (read warranty) of a crate motor. If it's not doable, I'll go the route of the AFR heads and probably keep the current TPI setup. Thanks for the memory jog.

 

I don't know which 383 buildup that was, but GM does sell several 383 crate motors. One is a truck motor, which I doubt that you would want. The other is a ZZ383/425 (as in 383 c.i., 425 hp). IIRC that engine can be built to at least pass the visual, although you will lose some power doing so. If I ever hit the lottery I'm going to buy one of those engines and put a Super Ram on it (the Super Ram is smog legal here in Cali).

I get the impression your dealer mentioned only one crate motor. GM has quite a selection of crates. Why don't you check out the GM Performance Parts catalog online, or go to gmpartsdirect.com and look over the selection.

DynoDon in Anaheim can help you build the engine of your choice to meet smog requirements.

Good luck.

 

Thanks for the reference. Anaheim is only about 90 minutes away.

I've been to (and purchased from) GMpartsdirect.com. I really wanted a direct replacement, but will go with something else as long as I can swap all my current parts over. Like you, I am not independantly wealthy! Especially after dropping oodles and oodles of money into the body, paint and suspension! Thanks again.

Mike

 

The Caprice crate would bolt in. The heads aren't as good as the L98's. But it does have a roller cam & lifters, one-piece rear main seal, and the proper intake bolt pattern.

The 330 HO crate with TPI has all sorts of problems, even worse in California. The SDPC Vortec TPI crate would be your best bet if you want to go down that road. Technically, it isn't CA legal, though.

 

Thanks five7kid. Guess I'll have to wait until I leave this auto-unfriendly state. California makes everything so difficult. I guarantee a new crate motor would burn cleaner than my current one!

Mike

 

http://www.rebuilt-auto-engines.com/...49105279663.98

My brother got basically an L98 engine from them to replace the LO5 in his '93 C1500. He's completely happy with it. They called after he placed the order on-line to make sure he knew what he was asking for - he did, they understood what he was doing, blessed it. Delivered when promised, fired right up, no oil use problems, more power than he was used to. It will need your tin and rear main seal carrier.

The cost of returning the core may exceed the core refund.

 

They sell strokers now too , I didnt know this they are only 1800 too. I wounder what kind of power they produce.

383 Roller motor for 1800 http://www.rebuilt-auto-engines.com/...19105592131.f0 smone needs to buy one and tell me how it is.