crate engine suggestions - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

lifted k10 · 05-24-2012, 04:01 PM

hey guys I have a 2wd 86 stepside, sm465 truck with a $6,000.00 budget for a new engine. Im torn between the year one aluminum headed power crate 350, gm performance parts zz4 or gm performance parts fast burn 385. This truck is not a high rpm race machine and will be used as a cruiser and to tow my bass boat around. Im also planning on keeping the stock sm465 transmission for the time being. Let me hear ur thought's on helping me pick an engine.

munice · 05-24-2012, 04:54 PM

720hp 572!!!!!!!

in all seriousness maybe the 400hp JEGS 383?

http://www.jegs.com/p/Blueprint-Engi...61056/10002/-1

RandyP · 05-24-2012, 05:17 PM

Back in the mid 90's I put a 350 crate in that was advertised at 350+ hp with aluminum heads and such. I remember it said on it "NOT FOR STREET USE". I had it in an 86 GMC long bed with a decent 350 transmission that was built up. I loved that truck, I swear it would break the tires loose at 50mph if you stomped on it. Sports cars would get me off the line, but if we went more than a 1/4 mile I'd go past them. Wish I could remember the part # or find the invoice where I bought it years ago, had a GM dealer do the install and everything on it. Went through 2 of them in the long run, kept melting a head down and then I'd make them warranty it. Finally quit treating it like a nascar and it lived a nice life until someone took it that wanted it worse than I did.

What I was getting at though before I went down memory lane, anything over 350hp and you'll be happy I imagine.

wyattglock · 05-26-2012, 01:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandyP

Back in the mid 90's I put a 350 crate in that was advertised at 350+ hp with aluminum heads and such. I remember it said on it "NOT FOR STREET USE". I had it in an 86 GMC long bed with a decent 350 transmission that was built up. I loved that truck, I swear it would break the tires loose at 50mph if you stomped on it. Sports cars would get me off the line, but if we went more than a 1/4 mile I'd go past them. Wish I could remember the part # or find the invoice where I bought it years ago, had a GM dealer do the install and everything on it. Went through 2 of them in the long run, kept melting a head down and then I'd make them warranty it. Finally quit treating it like a nascar and it lived a nice life until someone took it that wanted it worse than I did.

What I was getting at though before I went down memory lane, anything over 350hp and you'll be happy I imagine.

That sounds like the old ZZ3 crate motor. I helped a friend modify and install it into a 1990 Trans Am. LOTS of fun!!

As to the original post, I would go with the HT383 from GM Performance Parts.

carboncrew · 05-24-2012, 05:27 PM

I bet it was one of the ZZ motors. I had one with the 'hot cam' option. Same thing, not a bunch or torque but top end was sweet.

SBTork · 05-24-2012, 05:36 PM

If I was in your situation, i'd buy the HT383, Part number 12499101. Loads of low RPM torque.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/NAL-12499101/GM

**hatzie** · 05-28-2012, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SBTork

If I was in your situation, i'd buy the HT383, Part number 12499101. Loads of low RPM torque.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/NAL-12499101/GM

The HT383 has it where it counts. I've driven a buddys truck with an HT383 using a regular 750 CFM Rochester Quadrajet.

**old Rusty C10** · 05-24-2012, 05:33 PM

for a reular use truck id just go buy a regular 350 jegs has em for under $2000

RandyP · 05-24-2012, 05:38 PM

I did have issues keeping the back end from being all over the road, you could not just nail it and take off. You'd either sit and create a smoke show or start wandering in a stationary circle. Even with the weight of a long bed, I can imagine how much worse it'd be with a short bed or stepper.
I guess if you put some huge meats in the back it would help a lot, I ran street tires.

Damn I miss that truck.

harleyhouser · 05-25-2012, 08:53 AM

http://www.unitedracingengines.com/s...evy-383/Detail

Pro/StreetPete · 05-25-2012, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harleyhouser

http://www.unitedracingengines.com/s...evy-383/Detail

Nice !!

Desert1957 · 05-25-2012, 11:02 AM

GM crate motor's go on sale often, I purchased this one through Jegs.

It was on sale for $1249.99 with free shipping

Just completed the swap in my 83 3/4 ton truck with an SM465 trans.

Engine even came with a "Pilot Bushing" installed for my manual trans.

I couldn't be happier, runs and sounds GREAT!

Desert

cory d · 05-26-2012, 01:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harleyhouser

http://www.unitedracingengines.com/s...evy-383/Detail

and think of what you can spend that extra 12 bucks on!

big10ratrod77 · 05-26-2012, 08:15 AM

i have always wanted to get the gm 330 horse 350 crate motor its a good motor for the price iot would be realy streatable and have plenty of punch and it will keep the truck where you could use it as a dd if ya wanted to. i dont like a realy built up engine for a dd but thats just me

heres a link
http://paceperformance.com/i-6255512...te-engine.html

its what i would run but thats just me im sure you can find this engine cheaper somewheres else but this engine is perty complete it comes with all new parts

05-24-2012, 04:01 PM	#1
lifted k10 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: new britain , ct. Posts: 19	crate engine suggestions hey guys I have a 2wd 86 stepside, sm465 truck with a $6,000.00 budget for a new engine. Im torn between the year one aluminum headed power crate 350, gm performance parts zz4 or gm performance parts fast burn 385. This truck is not a high rpm race machine and will be used as a cruiser and to tow my bass boat around. Im also planning on keeping the stock sm465 transmission for the time being. Let me hear ur thought's on helping me pick an engine.

05-24-2012, 04:54 PM	#2
munice regular everyday normal guy Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: SW Ontario, Canada Posts: 125	Re: crate engine suggestions 720hp 572!!!!!!! in all seriousness maybe the 400hp JEGS 383? http://www.jegs.com/p/Blueprint-Engi...61056/10002/-1 __________________ -Andrew- 1987 Chevrolet V10 SM465 NP208 w/ '89 454 dual plane hi-rise 750cfm 1407 w/ '86 10b /14b new motor on the way: GM#990 heads 25cc speed pro pistons COMP XE 274h crane gold rollers

05-24-2012, 05:17 PM	#3
RandyP Getting Old; Going Broke Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Owasso OK Posts: 2,764	Re: crate engine suggestions Back in the mid 90's I put a 350 crate in that was advertised at 350+ hp with aluminum heads and such. I remember it said on it "NOT FOR STREET USE". I had it in an 86 GMC long bed with a decent 350 transmission that was built up. I loved that truck, I swear it would break the tires loose at 50mph if you stomped on it. Sports cars would get me off the line, but if we went more than a 1/4 mile I'd go past them. Wish I could remember the part # or find the invoice where I bought it years ago, had a GM dealer do the install and everything on it. Went through 2 of them in the long run, kept melting a head down and then I'd make them warranty it. Finally quit treating it like a nascar and it lived a nice life until someone took it that wanted it worse than I did. What I was getting at though before I went down memory lane, anything over 350hp and you'll be happy I imagine. __________________ *Why is every used 350 sbc out of a corvette?* There's only two things that excite a man, expensive toys and real expensive toys. *VEGETARIAN: That's an old Indian word meaning "I don't hunt so good."* When the going gets tough, switch to power tools.

05-24-2012, 05:27 PM	#5
carboncrew Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Arizona Posts: 446	Re: crate engine suggestions I bet it was one of the ZZ motors. I had one with the 'hot cam' option. Same thing, not a bunch or torque but top end was sweet.

05-24-2012, 05:36 PM	#6
SBTork Garage wrench Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: LaCrosse, WI Posts: 1,855	Re: crate engine suggestions If I was in your situation, i'd buy the HT383, Part number 12499101. Loads of low RPM torque. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/NAL-12499101/GM __________________ -Adam 90 V1500 GMC Suburban 350/700R4/NP241..... 01 Saturn SL1 stock DD.....

05-24-2012, 05:33 PM	#8
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,310	Re: crate engine suggestions for a reular use truck id just go buy a regular 350 jegs has em for under $2000 __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

05-24-2012, 05:38 PM	#9
RandyP Getting Old; Going Broke Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Owasso OK Posts: 2,764	Re: crate engine suggestions I did have issues keeping the back end from being all over the road, you could not just nail it and take off. You'd either sit and create a smoke show or start wandering in a stationary circle. Even with the weight of a long bed, I can imagine how much worse it'd be with a short bed or stepper. I guess if you put some huge meats in the back it would help a lot, I ran street tires. Damn I miss that truck. __________________ *Why is every used 350 sbc out of a corvette?* There's only two things that excite a man, expensive toys and real expensive toys. *VEGETARIAN: That's an old Indian word meaning "I don't hunt so good."* When the going gets tough, switch to power tools.

05-25-2012, 08:53 AM	#10
harleyhouser Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: valliant oklahoma Posts: 97	Re: crate engine suggestions http://www.unitedracingengines.com/s...evy-383/Detail

05-25-2012, 11:02 AM	#12
Desert1957 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: New Freedom Pa. Posts: 1,335	Re: crate engine suggestions GM crate motor's go on sale often, I purchased this one through Jegs. It was on sale for $1249.99 with free shipping Just completed the swap in my 83 3/4 ton truck with an SM465 trans. Engine even came with a "Pilot Bushing" installed for my manual trans. I couldn't be happier, runs and sounds GREAT! Desert

05-26-2012, 08:15 AM	#14
big10ratrod77 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: hillborough nc Posts: 410	Re: crate engine suggestions i have always wanted to get the gm 330 horse 350 crate motor its a good motor for the price iot would be realy streatable and have plenty of punch and it will keep the truck where you could use it as a dd if ya wanted to. i dont like a realy built up engine for a dd but thats just me heres a link http://paceperformance.com/i-6255512...te-engine.html its what i would run but thats just me im sure you can find this engine cheaper somewheres else but this engine is perty complete it comes with all new parts __________________ 77 chevy BIG 10 350/sm465/12bolt w 3.73 bout 240 horse power NO power steerin 79 chevy 1/2 ton 250/three on the tree/3.08s soon to get built 250/floor shift conversion/3.08s 81 mercedes 300d 25 MPG 77 chevy BIG DOOLEY 454/sm-465/14 bolt 4.10s "fully loaded" 73 plymouth duster 225 slant six/230 3 speed/8 1/4 trying to acheve 300 horse six http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3135091 '77 chevy trucks. built to stay tough. life is short build a hot rod



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