Junkyard Vortec 350 build or new Goodwrench motor?

[CWALK]

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? 

[jaredts]

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?

[CWALK]

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? 

[Fairlane514]

Good thing about the Vortec motor is a roller cam set up is already in place.

[Jason S]

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

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

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. 

[CWALK]

Thanks Jason, that sounds like the perfect motor!

[klaussk]

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.

[slammed79]

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.

[klaussk]

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.