I've decided to buy a new engine before my car is smog exempt, can't wait. I've decided to switch out the exhaust, intake, air pump, and carb for smog. If this isn't enough I will add methyl alcohol as suggested before. If this still isn't enough! I'll buy an old neon to drive around untill my car is smog exempt. I want a streetable daily driver engine with 400-500 HP that will run off of 91 octane. I've found a few companies that sell crate motors off of E-Bay. Of course, I want the most bang for the buck so help me out here... Are these good deals? Should I have a professional shop build my motor instead? Any thoughts are appreciated.
355cihttp://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7927524275&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT
383cihttp://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33615&item=7927957282&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

Check out the GM crate motors http://www.gmgoodwrench.com/perfpartsjsp/partlist.jsp?section=ce&cat=9274

|UPDATED|10/14/2004 3:57:48 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

Try the engine factory and ask for Matt. Their prices are a bit high but you get what you pay for. I live in the town where there shop is located and I can say they have quality equipment, process and people. And no, I have no affiliation with them but maybe someday I will have them build and engine for me.

http://www.enginefactory.com

I installed a GM crate 454HO 2 yrs ago & have been very pleased. It put out 425hp and with a few mods makes between 450 -500bhp. The tq is 600' lbs. & runs on 91 octane. I have a holly 750 double pumper, but switched to an Edelbrock #1411 750 ( not as much power but much more streetable and much better gas mileage. When you put this much power in a vette it makes for a very fast street car. I also installed a TKO-600 5 speed and when it hooked to a 3:70 rear almost lifts the front wheels off the ground (probably would if I used slicks)
Good luck
Alan

just make sure if you buy an engine from anyone that you buy it on a visa/mastercard with buyer protection...

it has saved my a$$ a number of times on expensive items in warranty disputes.

by the way... i like the 383 better

|UPDATED|10/14/2004 10:11:56 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

you should get a LT1 from a doner Camaro,Pontiac, or Vette, and stroke it to 383. I would even get some AFR heads for it and you put in a LT4 Hot cam kit, and have a fuel injected 480 hp rocketship.

Thought about a modern LT1 when I did the tranny swap, but I don't like computers. I'll pay for the extra gas and save myself the headache! Besides old 350's are a lot cheaper to buy parts for... But what do you guys think about A.R. Racing?

I believe it was either car craft or super chevy that just recently did a crate motor comparison. It must have included over 30 or 40 engines from private and corporate builders (like GM). They included a multitude of big and small blocks and started in the $3K range and went astronomical, the more sophisticated the motor got.

If I recall correctly,a small block 350 putting out over 300 HP could be had for under 4Gs. 383s putting out close to 400HP were closer to 4Gs.

If I come across the magazine, I'll send you some more accurate info with the dealer names.

Good luck!

Saw this on 2 Guys Garage


http://www.blueprintengines.com

I have an "IN" with GM, i picked up a 502/500 crate motor for $7,900 for my friend's camaro. Have a look at the links below and if you see something you like let me know and i'll get you a price.


Small block:
http://www.gmpartsdepot.com/store/category.aspx?SID=2&Category_ID=63&

Big Block:
http://www.gmpartsdepot.com/store/category.aspx?SID=2&Category_ID=64&

tommyab@juno.com


Tom