i want to purchase the cheapest engine...stock replacement...the one with 249hp. cuz i want to build up the engine to my specs. but it says it replaces 69-85 i think and doesnt list one for 90. my year. will this engine work for my car?? thanks a lot. also do u think i will have to switch to dual fans. thanks again]
Rick

 

I did exactly what you're planning to do, I ordered the Goodwrench 350 from Autocenter (was rated at 265hp by them, the Goodwrench ratings always vary for some reason...)

Anyway, I ordered that engine, threw on some Vortec heads, sold the stock heads for $200, added a hotter cam, Perf RPM intake, 750 holley, headers, hi-flow cat-back, etc. The 64cc chambers on the Vortec heads also raised the compression up to decent levels.

Only issues w/ the year models are the flexplate, they differ from one and two piece rear seals, just be sure you get one for that engine. Fairly cheap if I recall correctly. Then there's the intake manifold bolt angle for the heads. 87 up manifolds have different angles then the older style heads. Just be sure whatever intake you use fits the heads you use.

Which if you're using TPI rules out the Vortec heads until a intake to fit is released.

Anyway, I went this crate engine route because I didn't fully plan ahead. I changed the setup I wanted after I had the crate engine. Because of this I kinda wasted some money. A better deal would be to buy a good shortblock (better than the Goodwrench's shortblock) from any number of smaller companies in the back of the standard car magazines, and throw the heads/intake of your choice on there. You can get a nice rebuilt shortblock w/ forged pistons, etc for like $700-1000 if you shop around. You can probably get a new shortblock w/ forged pistons instead of rebuilt for somewhere near the $1000 mark as well...

Make sure you check both routes.

------------------
Ray87Z
-Vortec headed 350.
86 IROC w/ a cammed 305 TPI.
Formerly Ray86IROC.
www.inter-scape.com/Ray

[This message has been edited by Ray87Z (edited October 02, 2000).]

 

well my plan in this whole build up is similar. I read the Goodwrench Overview articles from CHP magazine. (over 7 months) and decided to do something similar. performer RPM intake, alum heads (pocket-ported)(maybe TFS), holley 750 double pumper, 1.6 rockers, hot cam, hooker 1 3/4 headers, hi-flow cat (random tech), 3inch cat back...maybe flowmaster, and the little things thin gaskets for higher compression, etc. this is all over a period of time but i dont want to waste money on a engine that has semi decent heads etc. when i can just get an engine with the cheapies. is there anyone that offers like just the block or something like that so that i can put everything that "I" want on it without wastimg money. also...what am i looking at here. tbi tpi??? help. thanks
Rick
also..i plan on boring it out .030 and stroking it. I WANT A GAS GUZZLER. hehe.

[This message has been edited by Black Beauty (edited October 02, 2000).]

 

any help??

 

?

 

does anyone offer just the block or something so that i can put the heads, intake, cam, rockers, lifters, etc of my choice?? also. in regards to the SDPC2000 baseline engine for $1295 is this a TBI TPI or what? or do i retain the same as i have now? ok thanks. Rick.
also how much will it cost me to bore it out .030. Thanks. Rick