Originally posted by 48bigtrucks:
Fred,
I've installed a few crate engines and feel that's the way to go. Shop around (especially to the bigger dealerships) for the best price. Stay down in the 300h.p. or less range so you don't get the newer Vortec style engine. It costs a bunch to adapt that engine to the older applications. You won't have to buy the priciest fuel for them either. They should come with a 3 year warranty also.
Scott
If you have a good machine shop locally, i respectfully disagree.
I believe that Vortec refers mostly to the heads, which need a different manifold. However, they do have a little different set up in the cam valley which best allows for roller lifters.
For me, I searched out that engine for my vette (used the old vette 350 in the ’58 after rebuild). Anyway, I wanted the roller lifters and the one piece rear main (no leaking). Chucked the Vortec heads and used a pair of Dart 64cc, .202’s, roller rockers, lumpy cam, etc.. way more than 300 horses (we think 425), and completely street able – I drive it nearly every week day.
Cliff note = In my opinion the bottom line is that whether you like horse power or not, and you just want a dependable, easy to work on and get parts for all around good engine – find yourself a 350 small block as the base and build it to suit your needs…
Engine pics - certainly nothing special, but these too ain't show puppies neither..
The ‘58
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/Avette4me/My%2058/HEI%20conversion/th_HEIdone.jpg[/img] The vette – dirty, but a daily driver…
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/Avette4me/Vette/th_IM000223.jpg[/img]
