I love the Edelbrock crate motors, but the General Motors Performace Parts engines are fine. Here are a couple of links to check out:     http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive_new/mc/crate_engines/chevy_sbc.shtml                      http://store.gmperformanceparts.com/store/Welcome.do

______________

Rick, Its sounds as though your not worried about having a numbers matching engine. If you would rather have a machine shop in your area rebuild an engine for you I have the motor from my 74 that is just sitting around. We could work a deal on it if you want. I am not that far from you.
Now if you are going to go crate engine I like the GM crate motors. They give a good warranty with them as well and you can buy them as just a short block or as a complete engine. Up to you on what you what on it and how much you want to spend.
Good luck with what ever way you decide.
Rodney


______________

I went the rebuild route on mine, but if I were going crate I'd consider this one as a good buy:

______________

I have the GM Performance ZZ4 engine in my Vette and I love it. It comes with a 3 year 36K mile warrenty, it's a 350 with 355 HP and they are very reliable. You can get short block all the way up to a turn key (which I got). The turn key comes with everything, a serpentine set up with all the accessories, AC, alternator, water pump, starter, carb, all you need to add is gas & oil. I get 21 MPG highway with it ( I have a 700R4 overdrive trans). Get thier catalog, it shows everything. They also have other engines besides the ZZ4.

______________

 

Lifetime Member #116
Dave's '82

   

I've been in this animal! It's a fun drive! and sounds great when you put the pedal thru the floor board.....not that Dave does that....."Just Sayin"

______________

Click on image for larger view!
LIFETIME MEMBER 151

It depends on what you want out of the engine and your driving habits.  A ZZ4 is a great engine but lives for higher rpm's.  If you don't spend a lot of time at those rpm's, you won't get the most out of it.  Maybe a different package will do.

I've been happy with the GM 350 HO 330hp crate engine I put in bank in April '01. The block is set up to easily accept a roller cam with GM parts. I converted it to a roller cam (LT4 Hotcam) a few years ago. A word of caution with this engine. This engine has Vortec heads. If you ever get an engine with Vortec heads and you want to put a cam in with more than .480" lift you must do screw in rocker studs and upgrade the valve springs if it hasn't already been done.

I've run this engine hard many times and have taken many trips and never had any issues. It still runs strong, has great oil pressure, doesn't leak and doesn't burn any oil. The Mexicans did a good job putting this engine together. lol. Yes these are "Hencho en Mexico." Better than China I guess.

Like the GM "Gen 1" 290 hp replacement engines, ZZ4's, and GM/Edelbrock crate engines these are decent engines for the money. To bad I wasn't ready to do my LSX conversion, I'd sell you this one cheap.

Good luck in your search!


______________

GEN III 5.7L "LS6" Engine swap
TKO500 5 spd.

I had to address my engine back in June and went with a stock 350 crate engine from City Chevy in Charlotte. 3 years and I believe 100,000 miles warranty, no rebuilt could touch that. Very please with my choice so far, she be running fine, no problems to date. 

______________
Tommy

Thanks to all for the advice ,I'm leaning toward the GM performance 350/290hp.From what I read and heard here it sound like that motor will meet my needs.I don't need a real high horse powered motor ,because I'm a cruiser not a racer.And like I said the shows I do are are about 100+ miles of driving one way.Again thanks all.

Besides, Rick, anything beats your current 165!!!!!! (sorry, had to say it   ) As long as you're happy with it, it doesn't matter! I'd like more HP, but as long as mine is running like it is, it'll stay (unless I find the money tree!!!!   ).

______________
"Down on the Boardwalk...

(Click image to see a larger version}

All depends on your budget and how much power you're looking for Rick. Low $2K and up once you break the 300 HP barrier basically...