Considering the crate engines I see run from 290 to 335 horsepower and up,  how much power can the stock 4 speed handle? I believe it is the standard Muncie.Has the transmission been downsized from the higher horsepower "Vettes of previous years?  My understanding is that the engine isn't that different from the previous versions, just lowewer compression heads.

Any experience with the GM performance 290 HP 350.  Does it really have 95 hp more than the stock L48, or is it dyno power?  That seems to be the bottom of the performance crate ladder and more than I would expect from a rebuild.

All input appreciated before I explore options with the mechanic.  He personally used to build racing engines, but labor rates aren't what they used to be.  If I could get 50 hp more at the rear wheels with a moderately rough  idle, I would be happy.  I really doubt if I would use it except for highway passing.  I don't rally want to upgrade the transmission.

Thanks,  Ray

The stock trans will handle the extra torque/hp....unless you get plumb silly with it, that is. It will handle up to around 400ft/lbs with the stock driveline/tire sizes. Put slicks on it, and launch at 6000rpm.....might be an issue then.

I got my engine from Phoenix engines...go for the turn key.  When you get a crate engine make sure you check on the break-in procedures.  Some can be more elaborate than others.  You should also check with local shops.  Go to local car shows and talk to some of the folks there.  There are three things car people love to do, talk cars, drive cars, work on there cars...maybe not in that order but you get the idea.  Going with a local shop can make things a little easier.  They might do the install as well.  That makes for a nice smooth transplant.

Thanks for the input. Sounds like an entire summers worth of research ahead of me.

Ray

I have had all the above, first I had a 383 stroker with the big mother thumper cam it sounds good but!! no vacume and you need a canistrer. I took it out and put an extreme energy 268 which was far better and gave me about 75 more HP with my build.

My motor: although I agree that a crate motor is the better choice for the vast majority of us, for some reason I went the other way and built my original block.  Found a good machinist that was willing to work with me - he bought all the parts and did the work, but I put it together.  (He built the heads).  I think it was a good choice for me because I enjoyed doing it and I got exactly what I wanted, but I don't think it saved me any money and it certainly didn't save time!!  I'd only recommend it if all that time sounds like fun, not work.