I'm looking for a crate motor, probably just a 350..... Any ideas on where I can look for a good cheap one? I've checked with the Chevy dealerships - they're about $1600 for real basic motor. Ebay is about the same...... C'mon, somebody give me a good idea! Thanks! Ben
Look in your local "Little Nickle"...usually engine machine shops advertizing 350 longblocks @ $750.....or @ $950 for a 300hp 350. Napa and Shucks/Checker/Kragen @ $950 as well......
If you don't mind assembling, try the Performance Parts Warehouse. They stock so much stuff, you have to get a catalog in advance, to order online. Also try www.speedomotive.com for turn key crate and stroker engines.
at $1600 , i assume you are talking about the basic GM Goodwrench motor. Jeg's has them for $1479 plus $149 shipping , so it's about the same money . if you shop around you may find a place to sell one cheaper...i bought a couple of them this year and got them for $1400 delivered to my door
I know it's not exactly what you are asking, but several guys on the board (J. Cougar, JeeperCreepers, Firedome, Lux Blue etc.) have gotten remans from http://citymotorsupply.com/ . As far as I know, they've all been happy with them. I know that's what I'll most likely do when the time comes on the '58.
For about double the GM and Jegs engines you can get a complete and tuned engine from these people. http://www.smedingperformance.com/350Magnum.htm If you just want a real cheap one try Craig's List.
Check your local adverts. It's not uncommon to see an ad similar to: "1985 suburban, rebuilt 350 w/1500 miles, bad trans, some rust. $900 cash call 555-xxxx"
when you buy a crate motor read the warranty carefully as you will find it must be installed by a certified asme mechanic or the warranty is void! and if you read further of the list of parts that must be installed in association to the engine the $1,600 you just spent on the motor just doubled. in the 80's i worked for a engine reman. plant that mainly supplied the ford dealerships and unless the warranty was followed exactly it was tough luck! we had different labels so if you bought a motor at :the ford dealer,napa,sears,montgomery ward or us directly they were all the same just different prices!
I've used a rebuilder in Houston for decades(A.G.M.) for Chevy short blocks with excellent results, for under $600/trade in. I always specify Moly rings, and they give you a choice of a few different cams. Getting them without the core plugs or heads installed gives you the oportunity to clean the cooling passages really well, something a high volumn machine shop has no time for. Small blocks don't need forged pistons unless you are going to spin them into the stratophere, like over seven five, so a Duntov 30-30 is still do-able. You can source the heads elswhere, like I recall Scoggin's-Dickey had a great deal on Vortech's that already had the valve guides machined for higher lift, think they were under $500/pair, is that price still current?
Montclaire has made an excellent point with his idea.I bought a used Chev PU recently with a very good running 454,turbo 400 trans. I was able to check out everything before I laid out the cash. After getting all the parts I needed I traded what was left for a running 440,with a rebuilt 727 trans. The 454,turbo 400 is now in my 1949 Packard. The 440 is getting stroked for my race car. Two complete engines and transmissions plus alot of small parts. Total out of pocket $ 900.00. Ter55409
I know of a few guys that have bought completes from auto zone . They seemed to work out very well. A shop can buy one for around a grand ( 1000) and thats a 350 four bolt engine with a three year warranty.
Like GMC Bubba sadi check with autozone, pepboys, and advance auto parts stores there pretty cheap and knock off a good couple hundred when you give them a core. Ive done it with many t350 trannys and they have worked out perfect plus you get the warrenty. which is real NICE unlike on craigs list or the paper
About 6 months ago I could get a 350 long block at a Nashville dealer for 1350, or a 290 HP Chevy performance for 1800 long block as well. I used to buy the 1350 ones and deliver them to local areas for 1600. Helped pay for mine ! 48 Poncho
Try these guys. Their right up in Lubbock, I bought one from them 6 years ago and nobody around could come close to them on price http://www.sdparts.com/
This was the one I was eyeing... Freight to ATX was in the 150.00 range... http://www.sdparts.com/product/10067353/196985GMVehicles350GMGoodwrenchCrateEngine.aspx
1200 bucks will get you brand new gm crate engine go to there web site 13000 will get you a 505 hp Ls7 complete mtr
Competition products oshkosh wisconsin has a 350 shortblock pn.sb350-d for 750 dish 770 flattop no core.
Ben, are you looking for new or rebuilt? what's it going in and how long do you plan on owning it/how often do you plan to drive it? a rebuilt will be cheaper, a new will be more than worth the extra few hundo $$. for new, check ScogginDickey, Summit and Jegs. Rebuilt, just go with a local shop near you and make sure it's a place that you're able to talk to more than a few guys that've gotten rebuilds from that shop. GMPP(SD,Summit, Jegs) has the 330hp/350H.O., it's a vortec head hypereutectic piston, PM rod engine with a healthy cam...and it's all brand new. they come in three option levels: long block, 'deluxe' carb-oil pan w/ water pump and 'turn key' which is complete with serpentine accessories and ignition; best thing is, for being all new, it's pretty dirt cheap.
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