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Topic: Crate engine

in Forum: C3 Engines

Crate engine

Posted: 4/7/22 8:11pm Message 1 of 9
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Milford, DE - USA
Joined: 11/6/2021
Posts: 67
Vette(s): 1977 C3 Auto Coupe Lt Blue/Dk Blue Prev. 1968 C3 convertible 4spd Red 1984 C4 Automatic Silver 2000 C5 Automatic Black

Was wondering what's a good crate engine that won't break the bank? 1977




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Re: Crate engine

Posted: 4/7/22 10:43pm Message 2 of 9
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Overland Park, KS - USA
Joined: 7/9/2003
Posts: 914
Vette(s): 1973 Orange Metallic Coupe (orig owner), L82, 4 spd (WR), PS, (A/C & PW (I installed from wrecked 73)), leather, AM/FM Stereo, ran with '65 FI unit earlier & will again some day. 2023 Accelerate Yellow HTC Stingray

Depends on the size of the bank.  😉

Haven't checked for years but I think a SBC 350/300 could be had for less than $5K w/ a 3 year warranty.




1973 L-82 4 spd

Re: Crate engine

Posted: 4/8/22 7:21am Message 3 of 9
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Equinunk, PA - USA
Joined: 10/31/2007
Posts: 2465
Vette(s): 1972 conv, 4-speed, 350, 200hp, numbers match, rally wheels, war bonnett yellow w/white top. good condition, nice driver.

Is the one you have not rebuildable? A 355 in 300 can be done with less expense. Now is not the time to change engines. Drive it for the summer, if possible, and think about more power in the fall. Winter is a better time.




Re: Crate engine

Posted: 4/8/22 9:24am Message 4 of 9
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Overland Park, KS - USA
Joined: 7/9/2003
Posts: 914
Vette(s): 1973 Orange Metallic Coupe (orig owner), L82, 4 spd (WR), PS, (A/C & PW (I installed from wrecked 73)), leather, AM/FM Stereo, ran with '65 FI unit earlier & will again some day. 2023 Accelerate Yellow HTC Stingray

Good advice. I rebuilt mine about 20 years ago for less than $2,500. And that includes a roller cam.




1973 L-82 4 spd

Re: Crate engine

Posted: 4/8/22 2:16pm Message 5 of 9
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Milford, DE - USA
Joined: 11/6/2021
Posts: 67
Vette(s): 1977 C3 Auto Coupe Lt Blue/Dk Blue Prev. 1968 C3 convertible 4spd Red 1984 C4 Automatic Silver 2000 C5 Automatic Black

This one is rebuildable. But to be honest I rather get one that's ready to go. Years ago, I would be all in to rebuild it. But now at my age, I rather skip it and the hassle. I'll keep it so If I sell the new owner can have the original,




Re: Crate engine

Posted: 4/9/22 10:53am Message 6 of 9
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Huntsville, AL - USA
Joined: 11/15/2003
Posts: 857
Vette(s): 1971 convertible,375 HP 350ci,Muncie 4-speed,Edelbrock aluminum heads and RPM air-gap manifold,HEI distrubiter - old school mechanical tach drive. LOUD side exhaust!

I got a replacement 350 from enginefactory.com. I got the complete turn-key setup. Drop it in and ready to go. That was...hmmm....wow...2006. Still runs like a top, though I've only put about 5k on it in that time. I didn't have to worry about originality as my vette had a 400 small block in it when I purchased it.




Re: Crate engine

Posted: 4/9/22 11:27am Message 7 of 9
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Overland Park, KS - USA
Joined: 7/9/2003
Posts: 914
Vette(s): 1973 Orange Metallic Coupe (orig owner), L82, 4 spd (WR), PS, (A/C & PW (I installed from wrecked 73)), leather, AM/FM Stereo, ran with '65 FI unit earlier & will again some day. 2023 Accelerate Yellow HTC Stingray

Did it come with the 3-year warranty like the Chevrolet ones do?




1973 L-82 4 spd

Re: Crate engine

Posted: 4/9/22 4:24pm Message 8 of 9
Former Member
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Milford, DE - USA
Joined: 11/6/2021
Posts: 67
Vette(s): 1977 C3 Auto Coupe Lt Blue/Dk Blue Prev. 1968 C3 convertible 4spd Red 1984 C4 Automatic Silver 2000 C5 Automatic Black

Thank you, I checked the site and looks like exactly what I want. Plus, they're close to me.




Re: Crate engine

Posted: 4/14/22 6:10am Message 9 of 9
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Huntsville, AL - USA
Joined: 11/15/2003
Posts: 857
Vette(s): 1971 convertible,375 HP 350ci,Muncie 4-speed,Edelbrock aluminum heads and RPM air-gap manifold,HEI distrubiter - old school mechanical tach drive. LOUD side exhaust!
73shark said:

Did it come with the 3-year warranty like the Chevrolet ones do?



No, only 6 months. 




in Forum: C3 Engines


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