350/290 HP Economy Performance Engine ?'s

[mjo8585]

Hey I am starting on my first resto on my 68' C-10 and was looking for a decently priced motor. I have heard a lot about this engine and was wondering if anyone has or knows much about it. I just have an old tired out 307 and really want to break above the 300+ horsepower range without spending a ton of money. I'm only 26 and all ive ever had is slow turds for vehicles. I really want something QUICK!! Any help would be really great. Thanks again and have a good day

[69heavychevy]

my friend put one in his 74...its nothing special and its not going to be fast out of the box. basically its a great stock replacement for a daily driver or weekend cruiser.

[mustardjimmy71]

i put one in my caprice 2 years ago. It runs great. The thing about the gmpp crate motors is they are 100% new, not rebuilt. This is a great motor for a daily driver.
Do you want something quickly or thats fast?
The boys at power block played with one a while back with 3 different setups the edelbrock e-tec heads will push it well over 400hp

http://www.powerblocktv.com/sites/bang4buck/0602/

[cdowns]

horsepower aint cheap

to really make an old truck with the profile of a barn quick is a full package deal/ transmission,rear end,tires front suspension all factor into the equation

the GM crate engines are a great deal and a good easy way to upgrade performance at cheap price


to buy a GM crate engine then start "upgrading" and "hot roddin" the motor is quite foolish as you void the excellent warrenty that the motor comes with

if you want a 400horsepower motor buy a 400horsepower unit then you'll still b covered by a great warrenty

[FLDBRED]

You should take a look at the Year One crate 350.It has over 400 hp for 2,900 bucks!

[hugger6933]

Unless something has changed, the 290 hp "goodwrench" motor has a 3yr/36,000 mi warranty.

[96blazr]

I have this engine and it's Reliable and runs like a champ. With a Edelbrock intake and Carb combo and Hedman Hedders I know I'm over the 300 HP mark.
Not by much, but I don't drag race or thrash my truck, so it's just fine by me.
You want more than that, then cdowns is right, more dollars = More HP.

IMHO, it's the best bang for your buck. It's a really solid starting point and you can always modifiy it later when, and if, you have more funds.

[wwotr]

Originally Posted by FLDBRED

You should take a look at the Year One crate 350.It has over 400 hp for 2,900 bucks!

This may be the way I go.
On my last 67 C-10, I spent $5600.00 on their GM ZZ383/425 Crate engine.
Would I do it again, if I had the Money.....You Bet!
But I dont, so at this point I'm shooting for the 350HP-400HP range for under $3200.00 if I can.

[406 Q-ship]

The GMPP 290/350 crate engine is a great daily driver engine that is all new with a great warrenty. They are low compression and will run on the crappiest of fuels, and if you want to up grade later 400 hp isn't very difficult.

[MARKDTN]

This is a good basic engine. Should last a while and is easily upgradeable. With a Tuned-Port fuel injection conversion to go with it you should be over 300 HP and would have lots of torque and good mileage. Just something to consider.

[mjo8585]

Oh man thanks everyone. I really appreciate all this input. I will keep that in mind and really keep my eye out. I know money is the biggest factor and I am really not in a huge hurry. Thanks again you all rock!

[70cst]

Originally Posted by mjo8585

Oh man thanks everyone. I really appreciate all this input. I will keep that in mind and really keep my eye out. I know money is the biggest factor and I am really not in a huge hurry. Thanks again you all rock!

Scince you are willing to wait a little while...save some money and buy the HP that you want...then you will get a warranty that goes with it. Good luck

[cparman]

I installed a 290 crate motor in a 70 El Camino. I do not know what converter was in the TH350 trans, but the Camino was not good at Idle? IMO the converter had too little stall. I also own a 72 Blazer with a 330 crate engine that Idles perfect behind my 700r4. I have a 2200 stall converter, and my Blazer Idles as good as the bosses Lexus. I chose not to install headers on my Blazer, and IMO it is really quick, and VERY dependable. My recommendation is the 330 crate.