http://www.goautocenter.com/300hp_tpi_1987-89.htm

Anyone have any experience or comments about this engine?

Also Considering this from scoggin (but it's over $1000 more):
http://www.sdpc2000.com/cart.asp?act...=1577&pid=9009

The cam also seems a little much on the scoggin motor. I will need it to pass emissions as well!

Thanks for the input guys!

 

Well, the Scoggin's engine uses Vortech heads (much better than stock), higher compression, comes with the vortech intake base plate and makes a fair amount more HP and torque. The cam is not too much for that engine and with prom tuning you should be able to pass the smog checks easily.

 

Why are you only looking at engines on the internet? Why not call some local machine shops and see what they can do. Maybe talk to guys at the track/etc and see if they get their engines done anywhere. $2k for a basic 350 longblock it absurd. plus shipping no doubt.

The SD engine is also way overpriced Subtract $1000 between the vortec heads and intake and $2400 is more than the ZZ4 shortblock, which if you're lucky is what this is based on. If it's not a ZZ4 shortbloock you're getting robbed. And again, ordering oline, add shipping. A local dealer could get you the same thing for less.

 

I wouldn't give you 2 cents for that Autocenter engine making 300hp, no way... weak compression, stocker heads, mild cam, stock TPI? No way in hell IMO...

The SD engine looks to be overpriced, though. The shortblock doesn't appear to be the ZZ4 shortblock (that's a 4 bolt), the one included in this setup looks to be the $1100 L98 shortblock from GM performance parts. If it isn't, it's damn close. Seems like you'd be better off to buy the parts seperately unless I'm missing something. It is a nice setup all the way around though. LT4 HOTcam, the modified Vortecs to support it, the Vortec baseplate... It should be a great performer... Just not sure how good their package deal is. I think you can get the heads for $650ish, the cam/rockers for $400ish, the intake for $400ish and assemble it yourself on the $1100 shortblock and come out ahead at around $2600. Then you figure in the bolts, gaskets, balancer, flexplate if needed, etc I still think you come out ahead... In fact it looks like you could substitute the 4 bolt L31 shortblock and come out a little cheaper still, or the 4 bolt ZZ4 shortblock and come at nearly the exact same price they want for their kit with the 2 bolt block. Unless they're including something in that setup I'm missing I don't see how it's worth it, perhaps it includes the water pump, flexplate, balancer and distributor or something?? The description doesn't really tell you all the details...

 

2600 sounds great - without all the little things. I think I'd rather eat the difference to know I'm getting everything I need, them to put it together (professionals I would assume) and a WARRANTY.

 

No ,they won't. My local dealers want from $1,000- $1,500 more than S/D for the same engines and S/D only charges what shipping costs, in my case that was $160 from TX to GA. Your "local" dealers are still trying to sell with a 100% + mark-up.

 

I work for a "local dealer" & have for 25 years & let me tell you no dealer is working off a 100% markup on crate engines. We can't even be competitive marking up 10% over our cost. Unless you are an authorized GM Performance Dealer & can purchase crate engines by the truckload, we pay more from GM than most GMPP dealers sell to public. A handful of dealer do charge very high prices & give a bad name to the rest of us, but don't assume we are all like that.

 

I want to run high 12's or very low 13's on a TPI engine. - no nos.

I think the scoggin motor with my 3.45 rear, T5 (will probably blow) and some good street tires will get me there. What do you guys think?

 

In the 25+ years I have dealt with dealers across this country they have not proven that they are not all like that.
When S/D charges $1259 for the basic crate engine and my 2 "local" dealers charge $1899 and $2200 for the same exact engine, it is safe to assume that they are a rip off.

Don't assume that everyone here is 19 years old and has no experiance with many vehicle dealerships.

 

The S/D enine should put you solidly into the 13's. With suspension mods, good tires, shedding some weight and pratice in launching your car, you should be able to hit the high 12's.