I am about to begin putting together a motor for a car that I don't own yet (... long story short). I've got an '88 350 that is compatible with factory roller lifters. Other than that, it's got a cast crank, 2 bolt mains and nothing fancy for rods.
I'm interested in building a short block that has the potential to hold together under nitrous or a blower. 500 hp - tops. Not for serious racing, just street fun.
My question is; Out of the components that I've got, ( 2 bolt block, cast crank, stock rods ) which should be upgraded for the type of performance I'm interested in?

Thanks

 

At 500 HP, the stock crank and rods need to go. The block is fine.

The only GM rods I'd use at that power level are the PM ones, but I'd recommend putting some decent hardware in them such as ARP. Better rods would of course be .... better. For a crank, any good forged crank should do. I'd suggest an Eagle or Lunati. Avoid Scat and other chinesium, don't be a bottom-feeder.

 

How much money do you want to spend for a motor?

 

Good Question. I'd like to find a set of rods for less than $500 I'd probably go with the PM rods or Eagle SIR rods unless someone had a better idea and I have a factory steel crank, but it won't fit into the one piece seal type block, I'd like to find someone who'd trade for one that would fit.
I guess I'd like to spend less than $2,000, 'cause for that price I could get a ZZ4 short block.

 

For $1500.00 you can get a "b-body" motor for the 91-93 caprice. It has the same internals as the zz4 but is a 2 bolt main instead of the 4 bolt. The "b-body" motor also comes with heads. They are the 193 casting but sill good for 100 bucks or so. The bottom end even has a windage tray! The cam is from an 88 IROC-Z, the rods are the powder metal and the pistons are the same as the LT1. BTW... This is a roller motor. Hope this helps.

 

I've noticed that caprice motor you mentioned, It's hard to believe. It's almost like someone screwed up in the pricing and they haven't caught it yet. Does it have the steel crank too?

 

Sure does. This is the motor in my car I love it!

 

12.13@112 that's good!

 

Thank you

 

Yeah... ever since I started noticing those caprice motors in the ads, I wished that I hadn't already made the investment. If I had a buyer, I'd sell my stuff and just get one of those. I sorta don't want to deal with the hassle.

 

What do you have That would not work on the "b-body" motor? Do you have internal parts for you motor already? If so sell them for the cost of the complete motor. Just a thought.

 

I have a 4 bolt main block with a factory steel crank ('70)
and I've got this '88 truck motor.
Trouble is, roller lifters are pricey for the earlier block and my good crank won't fit the later block.
I'm just trying to figure out which one I want to work on and what it will take.
Maybe I'll just do nothing and sit around BS ing about it

 

They do make adapters so you can put the 70' crank in the 88' block. The part # is 10051118 and they sell for around $88.00. Straight out of my GM book.

 

Thanks for looking into that for me, I've heard of such a kit but haven't done a search yet. It might be the answer!
It still might not be as good deal as the caprice motor tho', even with the two most expensive components paid for.

 

I could not build my motor for what I paid for it complete! Good luck.

 

I know, Ya can't build half a motor for the price of one of those.
BTW Jeff (?) how long have you been working on your car to get it into the 12's?

 

I bought my motor and SuperRam christmas,2001. The rest of the stuff I already had on my 305. I just had to do all my port work for what I wanted to accomplish. Some of the suspention stuff is new also. I would say It took me about 2 years to run 12's with all the research.

 

Where is the best place to find one of these caprice engines? Ebay?? If I swapped one in for my 305 would I have to get rid of my T5 tranny or would it hold up?

 

Any GM performance warehouse. I bought mine at a local dealer and saved on the shipping. If you leave the motor stock and just put your intake stuff on your T5 should do o.k.

 

If I was to get another transmission what would you guys recommend on uprgrading to? Not to pricey!!!

 

Stick or auto?

 

Oh, Manual all the way!!!

 

could you throw me a link to that engine? Ive been looking for one but finding a bunch of crappy sites! Thanx again. BTW would the T56 work with it?

 

I've seen 'em all over in the mags, just about any factory HP dealer: Greenwold, SDPC, Sallee...

 

Ok, I found one link and it said the engine was the common replacement for 87-92 TPI camaro's.

WTF?? Does TPI,TBI matter? I wouldnt think so right. Just switch the manifolds. Or am I way off.

I should just buy a KIA!!!

 

I'm pretty sure the part you're looking for is 12513151