If I were to buy a crate engine, what would you guys think would be the most cost effective engine to get? I can't really go any larger than 383ci because of smog laws. I'd like to spend less than $5,000 but don't want to be let down by performance. I was thinking GMPP ZZ4? What do you guys think?

 

I think if your going to spend that much you should have a machine shop build you one- I spent $1800 for a 355(including the block) (minus already owned intake, carb,distributer,water pump,headers)and its pushing around 350-365 horse and about 390ft.lbs. If you got $5,000,
I honestly wouldnt bother with a crate. YOur paying to much for a production line created engine rather than one person doing a quality job. im NOT saying the crates are not quality, they're made by GM!, But just not worth the money. If you were going to buy a cam or something, would you order a high performance one from GM, or buy one from another reliable, and chaper source.

Hope this helped

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84 Z28
355 chevy 9.5-1 about 350 horse. many mods

[This message has been edited by Hanks1 (edited April 10, 2001).]

 

I'll have to disagree. A crate engine bought from gm has specific GUARANTEES. Parts and labor on the engine are good for 12 months, and even more if you have a little cash to cough up. They also have proven hp and tq numbers that you can count on to win you races. When a local shop puts together a '365hp' engine, who is to know where this figure comes from, most likely it's what the builder 'wants' the engine to make. They mix and match components that they think will work together with little fact to back them up. A crate from GM will of gone through countless hours of dyno time before you can even buy it to make sure you get what you pay for. Right now I am looking at the Ramjet 350. As far as street engines go, this thing is amazing. Some say the key to a fast street machine is a flat broad torque curve. The ramjet produces 366 ft lbs of torque at only 1600 rpm, peaks at 400 ft lbs and only varies by 70 ft lbs all the way to red line. GM put one of these in a '91 RS with a six speed and they said it would beat a ZO6 vette off of the line. To check out the RJ and all of the other gm crates try out this link:
http://www.sdpc2000.com

 

yep, go with the GM crate engines. With that money you'll be very happy with them.

 

Yeah, Im with them. Those zz4 engines kick a$$ and they have the warranty just in case.

 

Here's a good point. Who out there ever had to cash in on a GM warranty on a crate?

 

I'll fight for both sides here.

GM Crate motors are amazing. I know many people with ZZ4's, and just about every other GM Goodwrench motor. No one has had any problems. The engines are factory backed, can't beat that with a stick. They're proven, and quality control is tight.

Here's for the "other" side.

you can get a good machinist, with an excellent reputation to build you the same engine for less. I know of a few excellent guys in Houston that will build a documented 350hp motor for $3799, and back it up for 12mths/12000miles. If you're getting a machine shop special, or you know your **** about engines and have your own specs, you can get a machine shop to build you an engine that if you put GM Goodwrench Valvecovers on it.. no one would be the wiser.


Anthony

 

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I was told by my local Chevrolet dealer that the GM performance crate motor does not have a warranty because they are a performance part.
You might want to double check that with your dealer.
Later,
Craig

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84 Z28 305HO, 5spd, 220,000 miles, Edelbrock intake, Hedman headers, low restriction exh(w/cat), K&N air filter. Best 1/4 so far 14.649 at 94.77mph
Recent additions: Del-A-lum front control arm bushings, Moog ball-joints, Energy suspension front sway bar end links, Moog rear sway bar end links, Eibach pro-kit springs, tokico shocks/struts. Need relocation brackets and control arms.

 

The warranty is one of the reasons I would feel very comfortable giving up the cash needed to buy a ZZ4! I like the fact that the engine is truly PROVEN performance, and the fact that everyone I've ever heard of that has one loves it just makes me lean further in that direction.

 

From Jim Pace page:
"All GM Performance Parts Crate Engines or Partial Engines are covered by a nationwide one-year/parts-only warranty as long as the engine was not raced or modified."

Standard Goodwrench engines are 3 yr 50k

-Rich

 

Try Beck's Racing Engines. I have had one of those engines before and I was happy with it.

[This message has been edited by 93ND500 (edited April 26, 2001).]

 

I had a local engine shop build mine. The guy who builds them races 2000 horsepower dragsters and knows what he is going to get when he plans a motor out, all balanced and blue printed with a 12/12 warranty. My 383 cost $2500 and I've been very happy with it.

:hail: IROC-Z