Quote:
Originally Posted by jocko
any issues with replacing a 2-piece rear main seal motor with a 1-piece, other than it won't leak anymore? Non I can think of, but have never done it. I despise the vortec valve covers, but this is a good motor. Could always use the spacers to allow original valve covers, but also double the leak potential (if the valve covers bother you like they do me). Anyway, I've gotta do this eventually too and am a bit torn between 1-piece and 2-piece rear main seals. No pun intended. There are 2 summit options for the 2-piece seal engine, a 195 and a 290 hp version that have the original style valve covers (I thought there used to be a 260 hp version??). Most folks seem to have been happy with those motors too. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/n...7353/overview/ and https://www.summitracing.com/parts/n...9529/overview/ (note the 2nd is more expensive than the vortec though)
Sorry to hear about your engine lunching itself, that sucks. Any gauge indications noted leading up to the incident? I've chasing an oil pressure indication problem right now and it's driving me nuts (newer truck). |
Two things that will always leak on a SBC sooner or latter is a two piece seal and old style valve covers. The center bolt valve covers are way better than the old style.The vortec heads add 30 to 40 hp with better fuel mileage than the old smog heads that are on the 290 hp motor. You will actually have more hp with the vortec engine, 300+ with a four barrel and headers.
You have to run an electric fuel pump, vortec intake and weighted flexplate that fits the one piece rear main seal crank. Most cars on the road today have an electric fuel pump so it's not a big thing to me. I run the Summit brand intake which was around $150 and I believe I gave around $80 for my flexplate but you can get one cheaper.
You get a lot for your money though, vortec heads, hydraulic roller cam, 9.4:1 compression, balancer,not to mention it's a brand new motor not a rebuild.