I am thinking about getting a crate 350 from Summit to use for my build. I am still deciding whether to go carburated or keep it fuel injected. I was shooting to build a car with no computer crap to worry about. I guess my question is has anybody else used a crate engine? Does it matter which one I get? The one I was looking at was rated for 250 horsepower.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/f...kkoaAlmx8P8HAQ

 

I will never understand why people think computer controlled engines are crap but short answer yes you can use that motor. A much longer answer boils down to I would not considering you will probably not want to use the heads, pistons and cam. Although at least it has provisions for a roller cam which is nice but you will need to buy all the stuff for it.

 

Not something I would use.

 

I am not saying computer controlled engines are crap, but I don't want to deal with computer related problems down the road. Mechanical things are more reliable in the long run in my opinion.

 

Then get a pre-'81 car. The computer is the reason all these junkyard LSx engines can be turbo'ed past 1000 HP, still pass emissions, and get 30 MPG, all at once. And they run 300K miles with nothing more than oil changes and maybe spark plugs evetry 50K miles. That's not unreliable. Even converting a lame 170 HP TBI from EFI to an old carb costs a dramatic amount of torque, BTDT. My old '95 Z28 put more torque to the tires with a 2.73 axle than any carb 350 I ever drove, even with 3.73 gears and a 700R-4. The computers are worth it, just admit you're scared to learn.

 

I bought/installed a GM crate, the 350/330 HO Deluxe, which is a turn-key. Couldn't be happier.

JamesC

 

It may make 200 HP if you are lucky. Spend 2k get the L31.

 

Different strokes for different folks. i choose to go carb because i didnt want to deal 30 year old wiring and technology. i'm also more familiar with a carb set-up. breaking down an hour from home with a failed in-tank electric fuel pump was the last straw for me.
going carb will require modifying you fuel tank pick up, or using a return style fuel pressure regulator, amongst many other things.
another consideration is do you have to pass emissions where you live?

 

Unlike someone has said.. Going to carb (if done correctly and setup the right way) you will not lose power vs Fuel injection. Now I'm all for fuel injection when its working properly but in some instances going carb may be the best route. Fuel injection can be a headache when you have 30 yr old wiring problems and sensors going out every time you turn around. I had a carb setup on my last 3rd gen, 87 GTA 350 w/vortec heads and mild cam. It ran strong and flawless and still got 17mpg. BTW..Would love to see a turboed LS with 1000HP get 30mpg

 

I have used crate engines from Summit several times and have never had any problems with going that route. My latest project, a 1986 IROC was already carbed when I got it, so I went with a carbed 430 HP 383 stroker with it and have no regrets what so ever.

 

I'm putting a carbed 405hp zz6 350 in mine right now. i don't know, I liked it so I bought it. Didn't wanna do LS swap really. Everybody and their dog are doing LS swaps. Don't care about mileage really. New 6 speed will take care of most of that.

 

I am looking for a 6 speed as well. When switching to carb, does the AC and ABS still work? Not sure if the computer controlled any of this?

 

These cars don't have ABS

 

I think you'll be ok with the ac but I'm not sure as my car never had ac. Motor came with new ac pump so I just put my old idler wheel in its place.

 

Are you looking to change anything on the engine? Like cam, heads?? If not, I'd probably go for this one:
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/s...cn7&showTitle=

That way, you buy it locally, pay with a credit card (Amex has the best and strictest on retailer side resolution but any will be better than cash or check). Always, check tolerances and torque and make sure a crate engine is setup correctly. You have no idea if a tech putting it together was pissed at his boss that day, just didnt give a F, or was all jacked up on some stuff.

It's the L98 replacement engine, so it should have more torque and ponies than most other crate engines in it's price range.

Or call around to junkyards, scope out craigslist, and maybe you can find a strong used vortech for cheap.

 

As mentioned before, the L31 crate engine is hard to beat. Better heads, roller cam, a little higher compression. You could definitely put a carb on the Vortec engine, if you want.
Used ones aren't a bad idea, either. I see them for sale for $300-$500. I got one that was rebuilt, with a Lunati cam and a Summit intake for $500.

 

My car: 1987 TA GTA. Okay, I've determined it is less expensive to rebuild my 305 than purchasing a new 350 crate motor. I want to get a new crate motor but I have some concerns regarding some info I have read elsewhere. If I swap the 305 for a 350, do I have to replace the wire harness? Do I have to replace the computer or can it be reprogrammed? Can I use to original TPI intake or would it be better to use an LS intake? Can I have a mild cam vs the stock cam without effecting the computer? Will this effect the Digital dash? Help would be appreciated on this matter before I buy a crate motor and find out later I made the wrong choices.

 

If I swap the 305 for a 350, do I have to replace the wire harness?
No

Do I have to replace the computer or can it be reprogrammed?
Dealers choice

Can I use to original TPI intake or would it be better to use an LS intake?
You cannot use a LS intake it is impossible you will need new injectors. You new motor must have the same intake bolt pattern as the old one.

Can I have a mild cam vs the stock cam without effecting the computer?
The cam depends on your definition of mild but usually

Will this effect the Digital dash?
No

Help would be appreciated on this matter before I buy a crate motor and find out later I made the wrong choices.

The motor does not change the operation of thr electronics it is a piece of metal bolted to sensors and a computer.

 

Hey thanks for the quick reply! Much appreciated!