Motor

[REDROCKER652002]

My son has been talking about motors now. Not knowing much, I am leaning towards a Chevy Crate 350. He is a 19yo kid with a light foot and a good head on his shoulders, but still a 19 year old kid. LOL. When I was his age I had a 65 Ford Galaxie with a 302 and I pushed it as often as possible without my old man knowing, so I think the apple won't fall far from the tree My reason for post is simple, given the age of the driver and the experience level, looking for opinions on what to go with. I know, this is opening a can of worms and there is no right answer, just looking to start a conversation and see what you all think.


My opinion is, a new Chevy crate 350 short block, and let him put his touches on it. Intake, Exhaust and all the stuff he wants.

https://www.gmperformancemotor.com/parts/19420194.html

Thoughts?

[geezer#99]

You’re opening up a can of worms.
I see they’re upping the hp rating on that basic 195 hp engine up to 265. All the more is better crowd will be pleased.
Have you ever or are you prepared to break in the cam on that chunk of iron?
If not then an already run and tested motor is the best bet.
And this one is likely the best bang for the buck.
Uses a seasoned block (preferable) compared to the gm new block. Seasoned is better. Many heat cycles make for a better build platform.


https://blueprintengines.com/product...-cam-bp3503ct1

[REDROCKER652002]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

You’re opening up a can of worms.
I see they’re upping the hp rating on that basic 195 hp engine up to 265. All the more is better crowd will be pleased.
Have you ever or are you prepared to break in the cam on that chunk of iron?
If not then an already run and tested motor is the best bet.
And this one is likely the best bang for the buck.
Uses a seasoned block (preferable) compared to the gm new block. Seasoned is better. Many heat cycles make for a better build platform.


https://blueprintengines.com/product...-cam-bp3503ct1

Good info, and just to say I have never broken in a brand new motor. If memory serves, I put in a rebuilt motor into my 79 Z28 years ago. I remember having to run it at a certain RPM for a period of time and that the stupid thing started to get hot. Also, the number 8 cylinder valve leaked and would foul out the number 8 plug. Never got it to go right after at least 3 tries to rebuild the head. That is why I was thinking new. But, I like the input, thank you.

[57taskforce]

I like the l31 vortec engines my self. You get the roller cam which is a lot easier to break in and the one piece rear main seal. They do make more horsepower but not enough that my once 19 year old self would get into too much trouble. They can easily run a carburetor with a vortec specific intake. The only downside is they don’t have the boss machined for the mechanical fuel pump. Here’s an example.

https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/059/0282/10002/-1

[REDROCKER652002]

Originally Posted by 57taskforce

I like the l31 vortec engines my self. You get the roller cam which is a lot easier to break in and the one piece rear main seal. They do make more horsepower but not enough that my once 19 year old self would get into too much trouble. They can easily run a carburetor with a vortec specific intake. The only downside is they don’t have the boss machined for the mechanical fuel pump. Here’s an example.

https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/059/0282/10002/-1

Awesome. Thanks for the info. I'm gonna let this thread run and then let my son read it. See what he thinks.

Thanks to all so far.

[geezer#99]

While the L31 is an option, they’re not just a bolt in.
Can be lots of mods needed.
This member could tell you all the changes needed.
Search more of his threads for more info.

https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=813111

[gmc684x4]

Coolant flow bypass easy to do with vortec water pump and preformer intakes have a provision for this
Roller cam needs roller cam distributor gear
You can put temp sending unit in intake

L31 can have fuel pump provisioned if for a 1 ton type vehicle

You can also get it machined out for fuel pump

[3767]

Well red, your son works n a parts store and keeps modifying this truck. Sounds like the next gen of hotrodder. U have some good options. If u want to keep the old sbc style engine, then get 1 with a roller cam and 1 pc rear seal. Roller cam is better on break n and less of a chance of the cam lobe wiping out. There are plenty of crate engines as well as parts for the do it yourselfers. If u decide to rebuild 1. With the rise of the ls engines, some of these parts are now selling for less. While it’s true, the newer blocks don’t run a mechanical fuel pump, there are plenty of inline electric pumps that are up to the task. I would like for u to entertain this idea...get a 5.3 ls. Go carb. If yours is n good working order, u can find the correct intake with msd box on places like e bay, facebook marketplace and the like. The engine are plentiful and therefor cheap. The are already broken n, are good for 200k and more miles of service. Have replacement parts readily available, just like the old sbc engines do. They have the same or more power than the basic crate engine does. The motor swap plate are made by many companies and are cheap enough. Use shortie headers and or the cast iron aftermarket exhaust made for a chevelle. They will work with your frame. If u good this route, then find 1 made before 2006. They don’t have the dod option and won’t have the lifter tap that you hear so much about . Again....food for thought. Good luck kid. It’s gonna b fun to c how this plays out for u. Post pics of your problems and progress. As always....someone here and do it and broke it before u did so someone can tell u how to fix it. Lol.

[bigmac73]

find a 2 Barrel intake and keep the carb around 450 CFM.

no need for a 4 barrel carb for a youngster starting out

[truckster]

Originally Posted by bigmac73

find a 2 Barrel intake and keep the carb around 450 CFM.

no need for a 4 barrel carb for a youngster starting out

If he works in a parts store that will last until the next paycheck...

[Steeveedee]

Set up the linkage so that WOT doesn't happen!

[gmc684x4]

Kids 19 not 8 he will figure out jow to re tune his truck especially if he is starting to learn from other gear heads
I like the roller cam blocks have a new 350 eagle rotating assembly vortec heads comp cam 4x4 extreeme roller build for my 72
My 69 getting a 350 l31 with 4l80e tranny good running motor i picked up cheap

[REDROCKER652002]

Thanks to all for the replies. Ultimately it is his call, but I like some of the ideas I am seeing here. And yes, if I try and mess with it, he will figure it out very quickly and change it back. LOL

[cj847]

If I were putting in a new motor, I would prefer a used LS engine to a new small block. Especially for a 19 year old. Or at minimum, a nice EFI setup for the small block.

Most of the performance and reliability problems I encounter with a SBC are fuel system related.

Also, kids tend to have a short attention span. They will quickly tire of tweaking and tuning and re-tweaking and returning.

I am 60 years old and absolutely hate carburetors......I do have one on my71, but as soon as I start having problems it is going directly to the trash can.

My $.02. Other opinions my vary.

[sick472]

My first car was a 67 GTO with way more power than a kid needed, but it's what got me hooked...36 years later and I'm still a happy hotrodder. Don't stifle the build on "crazy kids" sake especially if they have more sense than most (and the money to fund it). If you need to cut back on the build, draw the limit at One HP per Cubic Inch. This keeps the motor street-able. Any more HP and you start to experience racer's repairs. This rule of thumb really applies well to the older carb motors, but is still good for fuel injection builds...that, and it keeps the tire bills a bit lower.

[Lanman1972]

https://www.speedwaymotors.com/GM-12...oaAmf1EALw_wcB

I recently installed the 12681429 GM crate in my 1971 Cheyenne and I am very happy. Good power and very smooth.

[REDROCKER652002]

Great info, thanks guys. I am thinking of something maybe used to curb any break in issues as I have not done anything like that in years and not very confident. But ultimately his call. How reliable is it to go grab a used motor from a wrecking yard from a vehicle with no front end damage? I know I will have to get all the computer stuff and probably the gas pedal too, as I have read in other posts. Are they better for a budget and weekend warrior than a rebuild or new motor? Just trying to get my ducks in a row when I talk to him

[garyd1961]

Originally Posted by bigmac73

find a 2 Barrel intake and keep the carb around 450 CFM.

no need for a 4 barrel carb for a youngster starting out

When I was a teenager I bought a 69 442 olds without a motor or trans. I took a 455 with a 2 barrel carb out of a Delta 88 and dropped in it. It had the best off the line hole shot of any car I ever own, a little lacking through second gear but a top end that seemed to have no end. Of course I over revved it and spent a bearing.
Just saying a 2 barrel can get up and go also.