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| | | | Joined: Mar 2012 Posts: 193 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2012 Posts: 193 | It seems the idea of building a 350 motor for our 51 3100 isn't going to materialize like we hoped.
After finding out our first block had two cracks in it, we bought a block from the machine shop that they have had for a couple years on the shelf. $250.00 They started out by magnufluxing the ENTIRE block and no cracks.... but after measuring the bores, they had already been oversized to .040" at one time and were worn past that even. So, back to square one! (The did refund my money by the way) Seems as though I cannot find a good block to start with right now, so I am gonna focus my efforts and funds on a different part of the resto-mod. The enthusiasm I once had to build this motor has turned to disgust and headaches. Brian
1952 GMC model 473 dump truck
1951 Chevy 1500 stepside
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2011 Posts: 71 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: Oct 2011 Posts: 71 | Why not a crate motor..... My dad just bought one from the local GM dealer here in B.C. for $2,200.00 taxes included and great warranty.
Hard to build an engine from scratch too match that.
I'm sure they're even less money on your side of the border!!?!
Hang in there.... Your efforts will be rewarded !!! | | | | | Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 166 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2010 Posts: 166 | Another vote for a crate motor. Hard to beat the prices vs. building one, mild to wild depending on budget. And a warranty to boot! No warranty if you build one.
Darren | | | | | Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,596 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,596 | Plus with a crate motor all the parts are new. Definitely not the case with a rebuild. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2000 Posts: 5,228 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2000 Posts: 5,228 | Depends on the crate motor builder. Some rebuilders who sell to local parts houses use the cheapest parts available so the warranty is worthless if you have to change it a few times. Most builders start with used blocks and cranks, so If you don't pull one apart to check, you could be in the same boat you are now with way oversized bores or undersized crank.
The only way I would buy a crate motor is with paper work to show all new parts were used and a parts list with part numbers and who's parts they are.
Joe | | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 2,393 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 2,393 | Brian, I had the same happen to me on a couple of different inlines. Just gotta keep plugging away. There are always complete Chevy V8s on our local (south jersey) craigslist. Some you can even hear run before purchase.
Drew
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,953 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2003 Posts: 2,953 | Crate motors seem to be the answer BUT most are made in Mexico from leftover parts. There was an article in Hot Rod magazine about them. many times the cylinders are over-bored to different sizes, mainly to match the pistons on hand. However having said that I would probably buy one. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2012 Posts: 193 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2012 Posts: 193 | I thought about the "crate motor" route, but I already have this nice set of aluminum heads waiting to be put on a SBC. What I want for internals is probably not offered as a package..(pretty potent linup of aftermarket parts.)
The issue of overbored cylinders, some not even matching the rest.. has me concerned too. I don't believe in undercutting cranks more than .010" if even at all. I am pretty picky when it comes to used engine parts, as are most people. While the "crate motor would most likely be a financial savings in end, I don't think it will be our route for this truck, but who knows, maybe my patience will run out and I will say "screw it" and just buy it? Tough to say right now...especially since this would have been my first engine rebuild with my son. Kinda lookin forward to that experience. Brian
1952 GMC model 473 dump truck
1951 Chevy 1500 stepside
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,971 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,971 | There are millions of small block chevys around. They can't be that hard to find. | | | | | Joined: Oct 2002 Posts: 4,066 Bolter | | Bolter Joined: Oct 2002 Posts: 4,066 | perfect plan for both of us, buy my hot rod and you can have the 350 in it free attached to a muncie four speed.. you can't catch me
Last edited by joker; 09/21/2012 3:21 PM.
Redryder pixMy HotrodA veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard, or reserve - is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to The 'United States of America', for an amount of "up to and including my life."I am fighting cancer and I am winning the fight | Pain is part of life; misery is an option. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,844 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,844 | Aluminum heads on a street engine? Your troubles will just be beginning when you get it on the road.
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt!
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway
Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,636 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,636 | Fix the cracks in the block you have. Find a machine shop to stitch the cracks, or do it yourself. You won't have any leaks if done right, and you already have the machine work done. | | | | | Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,596 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,596 | Depends on the crate motor builder. Some rebuilders who sell to local parts houses use the cheapest parts available so the warranty is worthless if you have to change it a few times. Most builders start with used blocks and cranks, so If you don't pull one apart to check, you could be in the same boat you are now with way oversized bores or undersized crank.
The only way I would buy a crate motor is with paper work to show all new parts were used and a parts list with part numbers and who's parts they are.
Joe I was referring to a GM crate motor. I wouldn't mess around with a crate motor from anywhere else. Up here you can get a 290 HP 350 for $2100 with a 3 year warranty. I imagine it's much cheaper down there. I know many guys that have had great success with them, and with the GM motors all parts are new. | | | | | Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,438 Extreme Gabster | | Extreme Gabster Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,438 | I put a Goodwrench 350 in my '56 about 20,000 miles ago. I have had no problems with it. | | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 487 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2005 Posts: 487 | brand new SBC with GM warranty -300 ft lb $1800 including shipping link -330 HP $2800 including shipping link Hard to rationalize building it yourself. regards, Leon | | |
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