Motor on last leg

I'm sure a lot of you may have encountered this problem at one time. My mechanic whom I trust said it's time for a new motor. All the symptoms are there, even for a novice like myself. It's an L48 and of course I would like a little more power, but I can't afford to spend more than $3000 total on this. Reason being I have already spent over $10,000 on it for everything else. In other words, all I need now is a new motor to complete the car. Is GM Goodwrench 350 the way to go for the money. My mechanic says he can get one installed, using my rebuilt Q-jet and intake and stay within my budget. Does this sound reasonable to you folks. Thanks in advance for you input. Hoss

[78SilvAnniv]

I replaced my L48 with a GM crate long-block engine 5 years ago. Total cost for the engine, 2 expensive AC parts and install by mechanic family member was $3,000.00. Very happy with the outcome and I think you would be too. A fresh engine will be LOADS better than your tired, old one!

I don't have the receipt for the engine, mechanic family member wiped his greasyhands on it and tossed it out. (oh, well...)Recently found out my engine is a 4 bolt main, if I find the engine stamp would I be able to learn more about it?
Heidi

[Dave L.]

Hoss,I think that that is a great idea. By just adding GM#12353917 cam kit and an Edelbrock Performer intake to this 'base ' 350 you can achieve approx 280 hp. I am considering the same for my car. For the price it is hard to beat.In completely stock form with no cam change that motor produces approx 245hp. For more info you can visit salle-chevrolet.com and enter 10067353 in product search.

Dave

Ok

here you go I have an older copy of that SDPC catalog and here are some of the engines within your budget.


"330hp/350"
Pt# 12486041
$2222.80

330hp@5000rpm/380ftlbs@3800rpm
9:1CR
4 bolt 4" bore
3.48" stroke
Vortec, 64cc chamber
**includes valve covers, minus intake, fuel pump,distrib. Keep in check it has a vortec heads so you are going to have to purchase a manifold for these things which will cost you about $200. You can transfer some of the parts over from the old engine.

or

"330hp/350 Deluxe"
12496968
$3349.8

Comes with aluminum dual plane intake
holley carb
HEI dist
water pump
harmonic balancer
flexplate


OR

THE 502HP/502

pt# 12496963
$6169.3

IT COMES WITH 502HP@5.2K RPM & 567FTLBS@4.2K RPM!!

......sorry just getting carried away with my self

hope this helps (whisper) get the 502 get the 502

Frank

Thanks for the info Heidi,Dave...I think that's the direction I'm headed...for a few dollars more, it only makes sense to get the 280 HP deal. And Frank, thanks for the info also.....but 500+ HP....I would be arrested in no time.

[AmosF16]

You might also want to compare the HP crate motor with the ZZ4--355 HP/400 lb/ft. It's a great motor, comes fairly complete (needs carb, headers, wires), but is a bit more expensive. I had one in my 68 Camaro and was very pleased with it. A friend with a 66 Chevelle went the other route (330 HP motor) and wishes he'd spent the extra $$$ for the ZZ4. Of course budget plays a huge part--believe you'll be happy either way compared to your old motor.

[Jack]

Originally posted by 77vette
of course I would like a little more power, but I can't afford to spend more than $3000 total on this. In other words, all I need now is a new motor to complete the car. Is GM Goodwrench 350 the way to go for the money. My mechanic says he can get one installed, using my rebuilt Q-jet and intake and stay within my budget. Does this sound reasonable to you folks. Thanks in advance for you input. Hoss

Hoss:
YES, for your stated purpose & budget ... at under $1600 the Goodwrench pn 10067353 is the way to go. That motor specs out virtually same as an L48 ... an apples-to-apples comparison/replacement. Also, consider warranty. GM Goodwrench motors have GM-backed 3yr/50,000 mi warranty. For all intents & purposes, the GM Performance Parts crate motors (ZZ4, 350HO, HT383 etc) DO NOT have such a warranty ... if any at all. Sallee offers the Goodwrench w/ 280-285hp cam-intake upgrade while retaining the nice Goodwrench warranty ... however, I believe that particular turnkey combo (sallee pn SC285GW) is specific to Sallee. Dunno if your local dealer offers similar combo with 3/50 Goodwrench warranty?
http://sallee-chevrolet.com/ChevySma...8s/gen350.html

Originally posted by 78SilvAnniv
if I find the engine stamp would I be able to learn more about it?Heidi

Heidi:
With the motor's stamped id, someone here'll probably be able to tell you more about it ... stream of characters stamped into small pad (~3/4" x 3") that is part of block but extends from front of passenger cylinder bank where pass head mates to block. Pad may be obscured by A/C comp/bracketry. Suggest new thread "help me id my motor?" I don't have the x-over ref ... but there are several good folks here that do.
JACK

[AmosF16]

Good point about warranties--believe the GM Perf Parts motors come with 12/12 warranties.

[Jack]

Originally posted by AmosF16
Good point about warranties--believe the GM Perf Parts motors come with 12/12 warranties.

Amos ... er ... Andy:
Welcome aboard CACC! I see you're at Sumter ... cool! We're actually very nearby in countryside of Timmonsville. Occasionally I go over to Jessamine Mall w/ sweetie (shopping!). Don't believe the GMPP warranties includes any labor though. BTW, out here in country have lots of flyovers by C17, F16 etc ... some are low & slow ... others low but FAAAAST ... really enjoy them! Used to love the A10's ... believe most have been tasked elsewhere ... can't remember when I've seen an A10.
JACK

Thanks Jack for the info.....My mechanic can get that same GM engine through a local Chevy dealer with the 3 yr. warranty. I will be adding an Edelbrock intake. It'll all cost me around $3000. Can't wait.

[techrondon]

hmm...my engine threw a rod a couple years back and i had a friend mechanic rebuilt it with mods he wont even tell me about..dont know what he did but it just screems now.!
if your motor is still running it should be rebuildable,,and while your at it why not just put in a 383 kit..??check on the price there and see how it compares..

[Evolution1980]

Here's a good thread to reference...
Once you get a crate engine....you can stroke it to 383