Crate Motor? What would you do?

[MadRatt]

So I thought I knew what motor I was going to order from GM performance.
350/290Hp but its only got 8:1 compression and that just wont do. So after carful consideration and a lot of research I am now thoroughly confused. LOL

So what I was going for is not a race truck, but I don't want it to be a dog either. I want at least a 9:1 compression ratio anything lower sounds like a fart in bathtub when you let out of a good throttle pull. I also plan on using this truck for hauling my bike to several events so being able to drive it long distances and not thinking twice is the goal.

I would like it to be a roller cam if possible for reliability and longevity also a quicker throttle response. and fuel economy.

I have bought a Holley Stealth Ram fuel injection system for earlier style heads, but for about $380 I can change the manifold to a vortec style intake.

So Im down to these 2 motors unless some other product can be suggested.

#1 http://www.summitracing.com/parts/na...make/chevrolet
it is a Vortec 350 with 9.4:1 compression (which should sound tight) and a roller motor. $2059+$380 for a vortec style intake and $178 for a Lt1 style cam to take it from 255hp to around 350hp
Total = $2617

#2 http://www.summitracing.com/parts/hp...make/chevrolet
This one is from ATK Performance and already has everything on my need list and I don't have to purchase an intake is 10:1 compression and 375hp with aluminum heads, for only $482 more. but is this starting to be to much motor for a dd and long hauler?

My dilemma is the price is starting to get out of hand I was hoping to stay around $2200 and i'm not familiar with ATK. and The chevy performance motor would probably be enough but since its out and open when I get it, the cam upgrade is a no brainer. also just hate having to buy another intake if I don't have to (seems a waist)I can live with the price (of the ATK motor)if that's the right motor to get. I just don't want to regret buying the wrong thing. whether its not enough motor or to much motor, or the wrong brand. Just want it to sound good, run like a brand new truck would. (hence the fuel injection and roller) and not be a pooch.

Sorry so long winded! Just want to be specific to what i'm looking for.

So any suggestions? let the opinions fly!
Thanx

[Indian113]

After putting a 5.3 in my S10 I'm going to replace the 350 In my 64 with one if it go's bad! I have less than 3000 dollars in my conversion for my S10.

[G&R's57GMC]

I've installed a bunch of ATK engines, Short blocks & Long blocks. Great warrantee good builds.

The only problem I had was on a Toyota Cressida 6 cylinder. It developed a coolant leak because of a porous casting next to a spark plug. They paid for the engine R&R and Head R&R and supplied all the parts. Customer was happy.

Happy Customer with a VW Type 1 Long Block.

Happy Customer with a Chevy SB Long Block.

Happy Customer with a Chevy SB Short Block.

Happy Customer with a Chevy SB Long Block.

Etc.

[MadRatt]

Originally Posted by Indian113

After putting a 5.3 in my S10 I'm going to replace the 350 In my 64 with one if it go's bad! I have less than 3000 dollars in my conversion for my S10.

Yea I looked into doing one but I have a hard time trusting a used motor. I know most places stand behind their stuff but didn't want the headache if something would go wrong. also with the holley FI if I want to do any power adders down the road its completely tuneable.
thanx for your opinion thou.

[QUOTE=G&R's57GMC;6357071]I've installed a bunch of ATK engines, Short blocks & Long blocks. Great warrantee good builds.

Thanx for the vote of Confidence in ATK. I didn't think Summit would carry these if they were a problem. I read some older threads that gave me some concerns but it sounds like in the past couple years they've come backaround.

So you would trust that ATK 375hp motor to be a good and reliable engine to drive anywhere?

I take it you are a mechanic that uses these with customers. My question is if something happened would they warr. it being i'm doing all the work and not a business?

[G&R's57GMC]

I'm putting a 5.3 L 4L60E combo in my '57 GMC. (3500#) with 4.11 Gears and a Gear Vendors O.D. 28" tires.

Great engine lots of power moved my Avalanche (6000# 4.10 gears 31.8" tires) like it weighed 4000#s.

Makes my SSR like a rocket (4.10 gears helped 30.5" Tires) .

[G&R's57GMC]

Originally Posted by MadRatt

So you would trust that ATK 375hp motor to be a good and reliable engine to drive anywhere?

Yes.

I take it you are a mechanic that uses these with customers.

Yes I am, But I retired in 1998. The last ATK we did was in '97. We used them from the late 80's to '97

My question is if something happened would they warr. it being i'm doing all the work and not a business?

You would have to ask Summit and ATK about the coverage.

[MadRatt]

Originally Posted by G&R's57GMC

You would have to ask Summit and ATK about the coverage.

Thanx for the opinion G&R..

Anyone else have an Opinion they'd like to share?

[1963chevyshort]

With Low compression have you thought of a single turbo to help it out. That is what i want to head towards.

[gimmy 64]

also check on the drivetrain or engine section of this website a lot of guys in there know there stuff

[Indian113]

I bought my 5.3 out of a wrecked truck it had 64000 miles on it and I did a compression check also they started it for me before they pulled it out.

[johnny's classics]

I installed the GM performance 350/290 HP and am very satisfied. I got it from Jegs, free shipping. The truck moves along quite well with it. No disappointment. one benefit is it runs on regular gas. Also bought the GM performance serpentine system that came with the alt, air comp, p/s pump and all brackets and bolts to install. That came from Pace performance for 699.
Just thought I would add my 2 cents.

[MadRatt]

Originally Posted by 1963chevyshort

With Low compression have you thought of a single turbo to help it out. That is what i want to head towards.

It crossed my mind but I figure since i'm doing my first Injection system I better not complicate it by also learning to design a turbo also

Originally Posted by gimmy 64

also check on the drivetrain or engine section of this website a lot of guys in there know there stuff

Yea I did before I posted here didn't see much current info on ATk. or much on what i'm looking at. I should post this there as well.
But thanx for the idea

Originally Posted by Indian113

I bought my 5.3 out of a wrecked truck it had 64000 miles on it and I did a compression check also they started it for me before they pulled it out.

I couldn't find any around my area that weren't already pulled. so I kinda wrote that off. That and I finally can afford something brand new so I figure what the hell and now I'm so undecided on what too do. I think i'm leaning towards that ATK motor, it seems to be the best deal. I'll just have to work twice as hard to make up the difference for the other things i'm going to be doing to her.

[Snailed]

I would get a used Vortec with a warranty. The stock ECM is pretty much just as tunable as any standalone EFI and may have some other features that actually make it more valuable for a street truck.

[MadRatt]

Originally Posted by Snailed

I would get a used Vortec with a warranty. The stock ECM is pretty much just as tunable as any standalone EFI and may have some other features that actually make it more valuable for a street truck.

appreciate the info.. I have already purchased a Holley Stealth Ram FI system. Needing to decide on the right crate long block now.

[Captainfab]

I am a fan of the Vortec engines, but I do understand your dilema with having to buy another intake manifold. Although you should be able to sell the 12 bolt intake and recoup some of your money. The other thing with the L31 long block is if you change the cam, does that void the warranty?

Now with the ATK engine, I would suggest checking to see if the cam that is in it is one that would be tuneable for the Stealth Ram? Are the injectors that you have big enough to support 375hp? I don't think this would be too much engine for a DD.

I did find this video of the ATK engine on the dyno. Sounds good and has a little lope to it at idle.

ATK ENGINES HP89 Bang for your buck 355ci! -...

[pdxhall]

I just bought a GM Performance 350 with Vortec heads. It has 330hp and 380ft/lbs torque (GM#19210007) for $2930. What I like about going with the GM motor is I can get warranty work if needed at a local dealer without the hassle of shipping the engine somewhere for work and having to pay the costs of shipping. Just something to think about.

[MadRatt]

Captfab the L31 is the alternative I was thinking about but the ATK motor is only $500 more for a lot more motor. And if u don't put the L31 into a vehicle that came with one originally then there is no warr. Or it is only 12 mos. And if I do the cam upgrade there is no warr. Without the cam upgrade its only 255hp and save an extra $178

Thinking either go for the ATK 375hp or save $1000 and just suck it up and go for the 350/290hp Chevy crate:, just don't want any regrets. Have to decide by tonight so it gets here before the Thanksgiving weekend.

[MadRatt]

Is it worth $1000 to upgrade to aluminum heads, roller cam, 10:1 compression vs. 8:1, and an additional 185hp and over 100 more ft lbs of torque?

[MadRatt]

Originally Posted by johnny's classics

I installed the GM performance 350/290 HP and am very satisfied. I got it from Jegs, free shipping. The truck moves along quite well with it. No disappointment. one benefit is it runs on regular gas. Also bought the GM performance serpentine system that came with the alt, air comp, p/s pump and all brackets and bolts to install. That came from Pace performance for 699.
Just thought I would add my 2 cents.

Thanks for the 2¢ I still may go this route. I may be over thinking this. Got modern roller and injected on the brain right now.

[Reyals Bemus]

GM Performance and Goodwrench crate engines are AWESOME. You can pretty much count on them being built properly and will last you a long, long time. I love my crate L31 Vortec.

[MadRatt]

Originally Posted by pdxhall

I just bought a GM Performance 350 with Vortec heads. It has 330hp and 380ft/lbs torque (GM#19210007) for $2930. What I like about going with the GM motor is I can get warranty work if needed at a local dealer without the hassle of shipping the engine somewhere for work and having to pay the costs of shipping. Just something to think about.

problem with this option for me is its only $100 cheaper but I would still have to buy an intake for the stealth ram injection I have and that's an additional $380 so this option would cost me $280 more and I wouldn't be getting the aluminum heads and 45hp less.

So I guess i'm answering my own dilemma with each post. I either step up to the $3099 ATK motor or just save myself a $1000 and go with the 350/290hp
for what I already have these are the only options that make sense.

I guess i'm just struggling with is it worth $1000 for aluminum heads, roller cam and 185hp or not

[markeb01]

For what it's worth, I went the cheapest route I thought practical. I bought the 350/260 version and added the Comp Cams 268H cam and kit (K12-210-2) for less money than the 290 hp version. Has a nice rough idle which sounds very nasty with the exhaust cutouts open. My truck is just for fun with a 4 speed with 4.10 rear gears so it doesn’t matter how much ultimate power or mileage it gets.

[Snailed]

I think you want the ATK engine. It's pretty hard to get 185 hp for only $1000. The tunnel ram Holley stuff is better suited to something that wants to rev a little too anyway. The GM crate 290hp engine is pretty tame and wont exploit the powerband of the tunnel ram intake manifold. As long as the ATK cam is not too big (under ~.65) I would go that route. You should have enough injector for around 500 hp at 43psi if you ever get more engine.

[1restorick]

I would buy the ATK motor too. It's nice to have some good torque and top end charge. I built a 355 C.I. over twenty years ago for my truck. I spent more than you are spending and have never been sorry. It's also been dead reliable for ages! Also Summit will stand behind what they sell!
Rick

[rusty76]

I looked at LS motors but I'm not sold on it being cheap to do. After you add up the cost of mounts, intake and ignition and other hardware, it seems cheaper to go the traditional route. I could be wrong and may be looking at this different. I've seen them listed reasonable around here but not that reasonable either. Even wrecked trucks don't come cheap. If I had the funds I'd go ATK. I'll probably end up with a Goodwrencher in the end. But it will be the cheapest.