The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Crate motors

Alright, I need a new car. After looking around for some time now, I've decided that anything worth investing in has WAY too many miles and therefore, would be unreliable (in my eyes since I don't know the history and quirks).

Got another bright idea to buy an old truck for cheap and drop in some new components (that's why I'm in here rather than the Lounge - don't want to hear about it). If I can get a cheap shell and a crate motor and some of the components, I figure I can be on the road with a reliable vehicle for around $4 or $5 thou...

As for the crate motor, I'm thinking 350 (as they are quite cheap - $1300 from GM Goodwrench with warranty) but wouldn't rule out a 4.3l vortec V6 due to gas milage.

Any ideas? What are the best sources for a crate? Where do you guys see pitfalls in this plan? What am I missing?

Howdy, '59. Sounds like you're on to something there. I've been trying that argument on The Significant Other for awhile now (my Olds is payed for, while we've got awy to go on her Honda). So far, it hasn't worked. The two different options you've mentioned are both good players-both a 350 and a 4.3 will live virtually forever with proper maintenance. Your main concern would be proper selection of transmission and final drive gearing to make the best use of the 4.3 powerband in your early truck, I think it might be heavier than the 4.3's native environment (but I could be wrong). Gm Goodwrench is a good source of reliable crate motors, but there are also several other suppliers out the who build/sell 'em. PAW, Summit Racing, etc. Most offer warranties, too. If you opt for one from such a supplier and economical driving is your goal, beware of the temptation to overbuild it with regards to cam, intake, compression ratio, etc. Big numbers don't help at the gas pump.

Anyway, sorry about the novel-sounds like you're onto a good and realistic plan. Best of luck and remember to do a little homework before spending your dough.

Regards,
Wannabe

The "project" will not go in my '59. The ole one ton with the 9' bed, and wooden bedside extenders and headache rack will keep purring along with the ole 235 (heck, it only has 41,000 miles on it).

I was thinkin along the lines of a '69-'72 or maybe a '47-'55first. I will use a manual tranny (4 speed or 5 speed) and will get a new one of those also. Thinkin of running mid range axle ratio - maybe 3:73 or some such; however, if I go with the V6, I may look at 4:10s. A small light half ton, short box with a 4.3l and a late model 5 speed should pull one of these trucks along at a reasonable clip and have a little power in reserve if necessary.

I'm not building a hot rod, just a unique commuter that is reliable and able to keep up with traffic. My '59 goes about 55 mph (screamin') down hill with a tail wind.

hey 59,
the warranty on the gm crate motor is 3yr or 50k
miles parts & labor. i have put a few crate motors
in 47/55.1 trucks worked out good. my truck has a crate motor, been in there 10 yrs & 93k miles
no problems
you can also get a turbo 400 from gm with the same warranty

I installed a GM Crate engine in my son's '73 Monte Carlo and was quite pleased so I wanted to replace the 350 engine in my '70 Chevelle Wagon but was told that the 3years/50K miles warantee is only applicable to '71-'85 cars/trucks. All other years is one year parts only.

Now I may look at other shops for an engine.

59
I'm "one of those guys"- my 50 is now on a 73 chassis.
Used to drive it to the local pond and back, now we drive all over New England and beyond. I feel safer on the highway with more zip (350, 5 spd) and radials, directionals,belts and BRAKES! I'd have a hard time changing a premo truck but ours had been "altered" considerably by PO.