Maybe this should be in the engine swap board, but I think it's pretty TPI specific...

I'm shopping around for a crate engine that would be an easy replacement for my stock 350. I would like to use the Stealth Ram intake and stock computer with a custom burned prom.

I know there's a 330hp GM, and also a mild SDPC 350. But from what I've heard they might not have quite the power I'm looking for. I would like to run atleast high-mid 12s with good tuning and suspension work. Emissions are not an issue. Must also get decent gas mileage.

If you have experience with a crate engine in your 3rd gen, I'd like to hear about it.

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks all.

ZZ4 crate motor in my car.... very strong. That has 355hp/405 tq... thats not enough for 12's.... but if u get it with the LT4 hotcam swapped in and 1.6RR's you'll be right over 400hp/400tq. That will get u 12's with the proper suspension and driver. Need any more info just IM me.

It seems odd that a 355hp motor can't make 12s, but LT1s with stock heads and cam do.

I dont think you'll find a stock cam'd and head'ed LT1 in the 12's...

LS-1's maybe, not LT1's

I completely disagree. There are many stock head and cam LT1s that run 12s.

It takes good tuning, headers, torque convertor, gears, sticky tires, rear suspension mods, plus all the easy bolt-ons like cold air and exhaust.

Does anyone know of a GM engine I can get with everything but the heads and cam?

Everyone says the 330hp crate engine is "strong" but nobody seems to have track times with tpi on it...

Scoggin dickey has a 357hp tpi crate motor, and I heard somewhere that they might be making a limited production tpi 383. I think that this is what I am going to do.

you might be able to find something you like here......

http://www.golensengineservice.com/

I don't know if you're looking for a GM crate motor only, I got a good price on a shortblock from the company listed below. I would assume that if you want a complete motor built to your specs they will do that too. I spoke with Herb and he definitely knew what he was talking about and seemed personally interested in the project. I also got top notch feedback from other members of this board regarding this place, so I was very encouraged that I would have good results using them. As it turns out I got a much better deal on a 406 so I bought that.

Precision Engine Rebuilders
3225 North Freeway
Houston, Texas 77009
Herb 800-275-7371 herb@precisionengine.com

383ci stroker, 87 or later roller block supplied by him, Eagle cast crank & SIR rods, fully assembled, balanced & ready to use with LT1 flywheel (I have a T-56). 12mo/unlimited mileage warranty, at his discretion. $1699 + 155 shipping to Louisville, Ky. These prices were quoted to me ~ 3 months ago.

If I had to buy a crate motor as a replacement engine, I would get a 383 short block. There are several suppliers for 383s listed in the posts above. If you have to go out and purchase a crate engine, dont stop with a standard 350 size, get the 383.
That is my advice.

Part number 12513151 is a 350 GM motor with forged crank, hyper pistons and PM rods, It is a long block... pan to heads. T he motor cost about $1500.00-Jeff