I have an 86 TA I have been restoring for two years now. I have been looking for a crate engine for it. I would like to get a short block and many cubic inches (small block).

I have a 400 block wich needs a new rotating assembly. I also have a brand new AFR 195 with 74 cc, Edelbrock Performer RPM Air Gap, and a good Edelbrock 750 cfm. I am almost sure I can get a complete short block from USA cheaper than rotating assembly + working on my 400 in Iceland.

I found out that Speedomotive has short blocks at good prices, so it should be cheaper to buy a short block from them than rebuild my 400. I am sure there are more companies out there with similar deals.

I did contact them with special engine in mind (415 cid from their website), but I am not getting responses (might not like overseas sales or something).
I have also heard that theyr reputation are not the best in the business, but that might be just a rumor.

Because I havent heard from Speedomotive I have been looking for another company wich could sell me a short block or a complete engine.

The short block I had in mind would cost me around $3200-3500 (+shipping), and that somewhere near the figure I am willing to spend on a good shortblock. If I would buy a whole engine I could probably spend a extra $1000-1500.

I did look at the GM 385/385hp Fastburn engine (around $4800), is that a 385 cid? Should this engine be able to get my TA in the middle to high 12s with 3.50 gearing, a good carb and around 2500 rpm stall? What I like about this engine its complete and I trust GM better than some speedshop I dont know anything about (maiby I am wrong, but thats how I feel).

So where can I buy a good crate engine at a reasonable price?

Thanks, Jon H.

P.s. I DID search, but did not find what I where looking for.

 

Well, I found out that 385 is not for cubic inches

If I buy a short block it should have flat tops because of the chamber size of my AFR 195 (74)

 

Not sure if within your budget, but builds great stuff http://www.shafiroff.com/shortblock_kits.asp

There is a GM 383 shortblock available, but it has dished pistons and would only yield about 8.3:1 with your heads. www.summitracing.com , p/n NAL-12499106, or http://www.sdpc2000.com/catalog/514/...e-Assembly.htm . Comes with flexplate & damper.

 

Here's a sight with good warranty and good prices.
I don't know anything about their quality except what is says on their website.

If anyone has any info on them I would be curious to hear it.

http://www.rebuilt-auto-engines.com/...html?catid=111

 

My brother got a long-block from them in Sep '04. All I can say about their warranty is he didn't need it.

They are probably on the wrong coast to be shipping over the Atlantic. But, you never know, they may be willing to do it.

 

I am thinking about ZZ383:

http://www.sdpc2000.com/catalog/3508...inum-Heads.htm

I know this wont give me as much power as the 414 I was thinking of but it should be accceptible. My goal is to be in middle to high 12s and I think I could do that with this engine. I friend of a friend (professional welder, working in a shipyard) is making a 9" Ford with 3.50:1 for my TA, and I will be using a TH700R4.

I will try to sell my AFR195 heads, but use the Edelbrock Air Gap manifold (if it fits under my hood, if not I will use the Edelbrock Torker that is on my 305HO).

Now I have to figure out what stall converter is right for my combo. I had been thinking of 2000-2500 rpm stall, but this 31cid smaller than the engine I was planning on buying so I might have to reconsider.

Does anybody have an experiance of this ZZ383 engine?

 

I don't have any direct experience with it. I do know it isn't the "traditional" 383, having a 4.000" bore and 3.80" stroke. It has Fastburn heads, so you'll need a Vortec-style intake for it. Note what it says about single-plane intake vs. dual-plane for hood clearance. But, from everything I've gathered, it's a great engine. And a bit over the budget you first stated.

 

Well, it should be right around my budget :

"The short block I had in mind would cost me around $3200-3500 (+shipping), and that somewhere near the figure I am willing to spend on a good shortblock. If I would buy a whole engine I could probably spend a extra $1000-1500."

When it comes to my cars my budget is flexible

If shipping to Iceland is under $1000 then I will probably buy this engine.

So I need Vortec style intake for this engine, I will have to sell more of my stuff

 

I guess "need" a Vortec style is a bit strong. The heads are drilled to mount either style; but the ports match up best with the Vortec intakes, and would make the best power that way as well.