Which crate to go with?

[Stewart G Griffin]

Just curious about eveyone's opinion on another crate 350---this one is more of truck engine, well really it IS a truck engine:

http://www.jegs.com/p/GM-Performance/GM-Goodwrench-1987-95-350-Truck-Engine/753961/10002/-1

It's a few hundred$$$ more than the regular crate 350 and the torque and hp are lower as well.   But much higher compression probably means better mpg?  Plus, i tend to use the truck for hauling and transportation, not performance.

Just only curious about opinions for interesting's sake as the cheapest way for me is to probably keep the 305 and/or rebuild the 350.

[joesgarage71]

This one is cheaper and more HP for towing/haulin'
http://www.jegs.com/p/GM-Performance/GM-Goodwrench-1970-85-350-Engine-Packages/752506/10002/-1

[eventhorizon66]

I don't like either of those crates, Stewart.  You should rebuild your 350 with vortec heads and 18cc dish pistons.  Have the block zero decked to arrive at about 9:1 CR with those pistons.  Then go with a modest cam and adapt a junkyard TBI setup.  You'll be hittin 20 mpg on 87 with 300 hp.

[joesgarage71]

I don't like either of those crates, Stewart.  You should rebuild your 350 with vortec heads and 18cc dish pistons.  Have the block zero decked to arrive at about 9:1 CR with those pistons.  Then go with a modest cam and adapt a junkyard TBI setup.  You'll be hittin 20 mpg on 87 with 300 hp.

 Sure you can do the above for about 23 hundred dollars, or go with the crate engine for 16 and have a 3 yr or 100K warranty.

[Irish_Alley]

or you can go here http://www.yearone.com/serverfiles/fbshopmain2.asp?hid=C26DK73495
and pick this little baby up for
http://www.yearone.com/serverfiles/fbshopmain2.asp?pid=CT350PC1&c=0&e=1&cat=C&hid=C26DK73495&trk=

Engine Specifications:
* Horsepower: 400+
* Torque: 400+ ft/lbs
* Compression ratio: 9.5:1
* Dyno-tested: Yes, includes balancer and 14" flexplate
* Dyno sheet: Included with engine's output
* Vacuum produced: 12hg @ 800RPM
* Recommended fuel: 92 octane
* Max recommended RPM- 6000
* Block: Seasoned 4-bolt iron
* Crankshaft: Nodular iron
* Pistons: Hypereutectic
* Connecting rods: Powdered metal
* Camshaft- Hydraulic roller
* Valve lift:.520"
* Duration @ .050" (int/exh): 218deg/228deg
* Rocker arms: Stamped steel 1.6:1 ratio
* Cylinder heads: Ported Vortec
* Valves: Stainless steel 2.02 int/1.60 exh
* Valve springs: Heavy duty
* Bore x Stroke: 4.030" x 3.48"
* Intake manifold: Dual-plane aluminum
* Oil pan, timing cover, valve covers included
* Engine fasteners: High tensile strength
* Warranty: 12 mth/12,000 mi
 FOR ONLY 3K

[eventhorizon66]

I don't like either of those crates, Stewart.  You should rebuild your 350 with vortec heads and 18cc dish pistons.  Have the block zero decked to arrive at about 9:1 CR with those pistons.  Then go with a modest cam and adapt a junkyard TBI setup.  You'll be hittin 20 mpg on 87 with 300 hp.

 Sure you can do the above for about 23 hundred dollars, or go with the crate engine for 16 and have a 3 yr or 100K warranty.

LOL, the only thing the warranty on my Goodwrench engine means to me is that this piece of crap is guaranteed for 3 yrs.  The heads are garbage, the compression is so low you could run 81 octane, and the performance is dismal.  If we are comparing long block to long block, Stewart could rebuild his 350 with vortec heads for less money than a new Goodwrench 350 (it was low mileage so all he needs is some machine work, new bearings, and rings).  The vortec heads would not only improve performance (to the tune of 20-30 ft-lbs everywhere in the rpm band) but also mpg.  They are light years ahead of the heads used on the Goodwrench motor.

[Stewart G Griffin]

i'll definitely consider the new heads----i have a hunch one of them is/was warped.   And yes, i'm definitely going to rebuild the crate, it's just a question of when.


What i was mainly asking, mainly just because i was interested, not because i was seriously thinking about purchasing, was the differences between the basic "universal" crate 350 we all know and love (except event) versus the "truck" crate 350.

i'm thinking the truck crate is more a low rpm torquer, whereas the crate 350 is more livelier?

P.S., will the vortech heads bolt on with no issues?   I.e., will stock pre-87 manifolds bolt on without any modifications?

[joesgarage71]

LOL, the only thing the warranty on my Goodwrench engine means to me is that this piece of crap is guaranteed for 3 yrs.

 Well Mr. knowitall why did you buy one then if its a piece of crap.

[TexasRed]

P.S., will the vortech heads bolt on with no issues?   I.e., will stock pre-87 manifolds bolt on without any modifications?

Nah, you'll need a new manifold too. Unless you get some of those RHS which I believe can take either one. Summit has some cast iron heads that aren't too $$$.

[eventhorizon66]

LOL, the only thing the warranty on my Goodwrench engine means to me is that this piece of crap is guaranteed for 3 yrs.

Well Mr. knowitall why did you buy one then if its a piece of crap.

Because, Mr. Wanttoknowitall, I didn't realize it would be such a piece of crap at the time.

I was just going on alot of (bad) advice I had recieved.  Now I try to spread the gospel so some else doesn't make the same mistake.

[eventhorizon66]

i'm thinking the truck crate is more a low rpm torquer, whereas the crate 350 is more livelier?

Both are intended as potential truck replacements.  The more expensive one is a stock replacement for 87-95 TBI truck engines, whereas the cheaper one is for pre '87 applications.  The Universal 350 is fine for someone who doesn't care about power or efficiency and just wants "any old" 350 to drop in.  But for me it's just a really expensive stock short block, because the heads are garbage.  The reason I so strongly recommend the vortec heads (or dart iron eagle 165cc, or World S/R torquer) for you, Stewart, is because I know you are not someone who is indifferent to efficiency.

Also, rumor has it the the Summit heads TexasRed mentioned are just reboxed/rebranded Dart Iron Eagle SS 165cc heads.  Which are very good heads for engines in the 250-350hp range.  I would be wary of using heads that are "Vortec" with both early and late bolt patterns, though.  The manifold may bolt up fine, but there is a significant difference in the shape of vortec intake ports compared to earlier castings.  The port alignment is bound to be poor and may be so far off that port matching is impossible, depending on the manifold used.