Gm performance 350SB 'economy' engine

[Elpresidente]

I've been really considering picking one of these up for my daily driver, has anyone bought one/heard of somebody who bought one that could give me a decent review?

http://store.gmperformanceparts.com/store/SelectProd.do?prodId=7665&redir=true&manufacturer=GM&category=Engines&name=350/290%20HP%20Economy%20Performance%20Engine%20&model=%3C!--12499529--%3E

It seems like a wicked deal for what I'd be getting out of it.

[eventhorizon66]

I think that engine is a bad deal.  It's just a 260hp Universal Goodwrench with a cam that's a tad too big for the compression.  The result is 30 more hp at the tippy top of the rev range and a loss of 20-25 ft-lb of useful low-end and mid-range torque.  You can cam a Goodwrench just right and increase both hp and low-end torque.  Also the heads on that engine suck from a performance stand point.

If you are just wanting an affordable crate for a daily driver I would recommend the lower-hp version of that engine.

http://paceperformance.com/i-6484484-10067353-5-7l-ls9-l-lm1-6-1971-1985-gm-cars-trucks-up-to-7200-gvw-with-chevy-350-v8-also-known-as-the-universal-350.html

Or here is an even better stock replacement engine for about the same price as the 290 hp engine:

http://paceperformance.com/i-6484921-12530282-5-7l-l31-r-1996-2000-chevy-gmc-full-size-trucks-1996-2002-g-van-savannahexpress-vans-under-8600-gvw.html

It is the L31 out of the 96-99 CK pickups/SUVS.  It requires a vortec-specific intake, but it offers roller cam, higher compression, and the awesome vortec heads.

Also the following crate is offered exclusively through Pace.  It is the same basic deal as the 290hp GMPP crate, but with a better cam choice and the intake (for square bore carb) is included for about $100 less.  Looks like a better deal than the GMPP 290hp crate to me.

http://paceperformance.com/i-5146377-pac-10067353-pace-pac-350cid-300hp-crate-engine.html

[Stewart G Griffin]

1) i can't really comment on the 290 horse engine as i've not had one.  But i can say with the 260hp base version i was able to cut a 16.8 quarter mile, which i think is pretty good considering everything is stock---stock exhaust manifolds and 2.56 rear,  AND get the same gas mileage as i'm getting now---i have a 305 with 2bbl now.   So what i'm trying to say is that it is lively without being an excessive gas eater like some small blocks.


2) RE: the L31 roller engine: Hmmm, no core charge either?   Can you find me the v-6 equivalent?

[eventhorizon66]

Can you find me the v-6 equivalent?

http://paceperformance.com/i-5135121-12369214-4-3l-l35-w-1997-1999-g-20g30-van-1997-1998-p-van-over-8600-gvw.html

But it's for the high GVW vehicles which may mean the dreaded "low-flow" valve seats.

[Grim 82]

I think you could build a much better motor for the same or less money.

[roger97338]

I once bought a 300 hp 350 crate engine. I got it home and was in the process of bolting on all the hardware. Well, two of the intake manifold bolts wouldn't tighten, so I pulled everything back off. Those two holes were stripped out. And there were some chunks of metal in the lifter valley! After looking around, those chunks came from the back of several of the intake manifold bolt holes. I sent the engine back and got a refund. After checking around, those crate small blocks are cast in Mexico, and they don't have very good quality control. They seem to have problems with consistently being able to produce good, dependable blocks that don't do things like crumble and crack.

Not to say that they're ALL like that. And, the problem may have been solved by now. But, I thought I'd throw it out there for you anyway.

[ToddN]

I agree with Grim

[rwhit57]

I have the 250hp Goodwrench motor in my truck. I have over 40,000 trouble free miles on it. About a year ago I put an Edelbrock intake, carb, and a good set of headers on it. It runs great, and pulls hard even with my high rear end gears, and I get decent mileage. I'm sure you could build a motor for the same money with more hp, but no warranty and a lot more time involved.

[Stewart G Griffin]

Can you find me the v-6 equivalent?

http://paceperformance.com/i-5135121-12369214-4-3l-l35-w-1997-1999-g-20g30-van-1997-1998-p-van-over-8600-gvw.html

But it's for the high GVW vehicles which may mean the dreaded "low-flow" valve seats.

What does "low-flow" mean?   i basically want an economical transportation engine that can occasionally haul and tow some weight.  Don't care about performance.  Anywhere i can find the specs?

i noticed that the 6 has a core charge while the 8 doesn't.   i don't get that.

I have the 250hp Goodwrench motor in my truck. I have over 40,000 trouble free miles on it. About a year ago I put an Edelbrock intake, carb, and a good set of headers on it. It runs great, and pulls hard even with my high rear end gears, and I get decent mileage. I'm sure you could build a motor for the same money with more hp, but no warranty and a lot more time involved.

i concur!  

[Stewart G Griffin]

P.S.  Why would an engine (the 260 and 290 horse crates) that is only rated to withstand 350HP max come with 4 bolt mains?

[jaredts]

P.S.  Why would an engine (the 260 and 290 horse crates) that is only rated to withstand 350HP max come with 4 bolt mains?

My opinion:  they knew they would sell more of them that way.

[reload]

I have the 250hp Goodwrench motor in my truck. I have over 40,000 trouble free miles on it. About a year ago I put an Edelbrock intake, carb, and a good set of headers on it. It runs great, and pulls hard even with my high rear end gears, and I get decent mileage. I'm sure you could build a motor for the same money with more hp, but no warranty and a lot more time involved.

Off subject for one small question, where did you get those headers and who makes them?

Thanks
-Matt

[Grim 82]

They look like Hooker comp's.

I agree that the "4 bolt main" is probably a sales pitch, or else they had a whole run of those blocks laying around that they could get for cheap.

[rwhit57]

They are Hooker Comps, I Cermatel coated them. They are a great fitting header and work well. I've got 2-1/2" exhaust with Turbo mufflers, pipes are dumped just beyond the differential. People are always asking "what's in it?" It sounds a lot healthier than it is. LOL

[reload]

They are Hooker Comps, I Cermatel coated them. They are a great fitting header and work well. I've got 2-1/2" exhaust with Turbo mufflers, pipes are dumped just beyond the differential. People are always asking "what's in it?" It sounds a lot healthier than it is. LOL

I asked because I recently rebuilt the 350 in my '84 K20, and I used aluminum heads with angled plugs.  They were ebay specials, assembled for less than $500 (don't worry, i wont make that mistake again), and I went through 4 sets of headers before finally finding a set close enough to work with.  I ended up with FlowTech's and had to customize the drivers side. 

Thanks for the info!
-Matt