The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 228GMC engine parts

So today I dropped my 52- 228GMC engine at the machine shop.I'll know next week what needs to be done.When I was there He asked if I need engine parts,pistons,cam,etc I could save some money if i got them myself.So the question is where?I'm leaning towards Patrics and or Egges.So what do you guys think?


Pete

I know a lot of guys that have had good things to say about both. You will need to wait and see what your machinst finds when he opens it up.

I just have to put it out there... the cost to rebuild a 270 or 302 is the same as rebuilding a 228. The 270 and 302 can be made to bolt where a 228 was.

OK, sometimes pistons and cams can be found on ebay. I know I have a couple spare NOS 302 military cams on my shelf which came through ebay.

In addition to bigbadswingdaddy's comments above, the 228 and 248 are poor candidates for increased horsepower. Other than Intake and exhasust manifolds there's not much available. Yes you can get Camshafts, but you're pretty much limited to stock pistons. And remember, stock pistons weigh 42 (forty two) ounces each. So a basic overhaul to stock specs will cost as much for a 228 as it will for a 270 or 302, but the possibilities on 270's and 302's are exciting!

The man asked about his engine and immediately you guys start talking in favor of one he doesn't have. Try sticking to the subject matter boys. His interest is in the eggs and so you start telling him about ham.

I think Egge is the only one making pistons for these old motors, these days. You will probably find that the pistons they make are different from the originals with new style thinner rings. That is what I found with new pistons for my 216.

I was just reading a thread somewhere about the theory and development of the Ring and gaps and gap-less rings and was wondering if that could be incorporated into our engines. Thanks for that Trucker, now I'm going to have to check and see what went in my 270 as they came from Egge.

I was quite shocked when I saw the rings and the pistons. I guess I don't handle progress too well!

I think with over 1300 posts, the OP can figure out what is useful information on his own. The fact of the matter is there are more parts available for a 270 or 302 motor, and those motors make more power than a 228. If you look at the HP a 228 makes compared with the HP of the 270 or 302, you will find the 302 to give the most HP for the least amount of money.

If it costs $3000 to rebuild any of these motors to stock specs,
The 302 with 160 HP will cost $18.75 each HP.
The 270 with 140 hp will cost $21.43/hp
and the 228 with about 110 hp will cost $27.27/HP

True this does not take into consideration the cost of getting the other motors to rebuild, and does not factor in the type of build. Perhaps the 228 is being used to do a numbers correct restoration.

I believe the cost/hp to be an important factor in rebuilding an engine.

There are plenty of companies out there that will make custom pistons for the 270 and 302 motors such as Venolia and Arias. I don't know if they also make custom pistons for the 228. Finding parts for the gmc engines can sometimes be frustrating. The above referenced post(s) were not intended to be snotty.

Talked to the machinist today looks like 30 over pistons and rings,stock bearings cam,mains and rod.I called Patrics and they have the bearings and the 30 over cast pistons.Is there any place that I should get a price for the parts?


Pete

Just a hint. Check Egge's price on the pistons. That's where Patrick will order them from.