SDPC sells an engine kit for a 350 that makes it produce 360HP. the kit cost $509.99. would this be a better idea than buying the 330hp crate engine and getting the TBI stuff for it. there is also a kit for 325HP for $469

 

Well, I guess it would be determined by a number of things.
1) How much can you find a 350 for, and how much are you willing to do/spend for a rebuild?
2) How friendly are you to engine build-up?
3) What are the added costs to the $509.00, i.e. gaskets.
4) Chip burning. Can you do it youself? Or would you need some one to do it for you. In this sense, I'm thinking the crate 350 would be better, because I'm sure there are a few people who could help you out on burning a chip on this board for that engine. If you don't burn you own chips, I'm guessing Ed Wright(for example) has more experiance with this engine, than say buning a chip for the $509.99 kit.
5) The new Crate 350 WILL produce 330hp once you get your enjection and computer tuned. The kit on the other hand, may not, as $509.99 just doesn't seem like enough money to be a sure bet. i.e. It may come with a cam and an intake, but what kinda heads were they using when they dynoed?

You have to be very careful when reading an advertisement. There's a stroker kit for 305s, I think by PowerHouse, or something like that, and they do a real good job of making it sound like you'll gain a 115hp. They forget to mention you need a new cam, intake, heads, etc.
IMO, you'll be better off with the Crate 350 330hp. But if you do the research and find it better to go with the kit, them by all means go for it.
Best of luck with which ever one you decide to go with
-Roy

 

thanks. i think ill just get the crate. and the gaskets i believed came with the kit.