73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Engine/Drivetrain => Topic started by: CWALK on May 16, 2012, 06:53:38 pm
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Simple question here. Buy a used Vortec 350 to be rebuilt, or buy a Goodwrench 350 for roughly $1,500 and then add Vortec heads, cam and maybe pistons?
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I don't like the idea of buying a Goodwrench 350 just to rip the top end off it and use it only as a short block. For a little more money you could have an engine built with the vortec heads and cam you want with a warranty. What's your budget? If you you've got more money to spend an LS motor is the ultimate. Nothing wrong with a sbc with vortec heads, though. Have you looked at prices of a crate 350 with vortec heads?
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My budget is a reasonable one. I was first considering the Goodwrench motor because I wanted something reliable to get me down the road. Then after reading about how good the vortec heads are, it got me thinking about a build where the compression was 9 or 10 to 1 to up the hp. I by no means need a race motor. On the other hand, 350 hp compared to 265 does sound nice. So i'm flexible. A solid, well built dependable motor that has some get up and go would be nice. I have the Muncie SM465 trans and stock height 31 x 10 tires. Any thoughts?
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Good thing about the Vortec motor is a roller cam set up is already in place.
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Have you looked at the GMPP 330 hp 350? Vortec heads and 9.1: 1 compression. It comes with all the sheet metal installed, you'd have to supply the Vortec intake, water pump, exhaust manifolds, ignition, correct flywheel (external rear balance), etc.
http://www.jegs.com/p/GM-Performance/GM-PERFORMANCE-PARTS-350CI-330HP/1231165/10002/-1 (http://www.jegs.com/p/GM-Performance/GM-PERFORMANCE-PARTS-350CI-330HP/1231165/10002/-1)
Whether or not it really means anything, the GM Performance parts engines have a 24 mo./50,000 mile warranty
http://www.jegs.com/customerservice/GM_Warranty.pdf (http://www.jegs.com/customerservice/GM_Warranty.pdf)
I'm running the earlier version of this engine in my '73 GMC K2500. It's been in there about 14 years, has well over 100,000 trouble free miles and still going. I never had any issues with the engine itself in that time. My GMPP 350 spent a lot of it's life at 3,000 rpm (i.e. 70 mph with no-overdrive and 4.10 gears) and is burning some oil now, but it's still running fine.
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Thanks Jason, that sounds like the perfect motor!
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Personaly I would build a motor out of a junk yard. It is more satisfying and you can build exactly what you want. And then you will know what you have. I dont completly trust crate motors. Ive heard about them not living up to the claimed horsepower.
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Personaly I would build a motor out of a junk yard. It is more satisfying and you can build exactly what you want. And then you will know what you have. I dont completly trust crate motors. Ive heard about them not living up to the claimed horsepower.
I agree with the satisfaction of doing it yourself, if you are so inclined, plus you can put a 383 together which will pull more hp and torque for close to the same money.
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I'm putting together a 400 sbc for under 2000. I looked into crate motors and it doesnt seem worth it unless you are in need of a quick fix due to the truck being your only vehicle.