Poundz9oh9 Posted July 13, 2003 Share Posted July 13, 2003 Ok guys, here's the deal. I've been planning the SBC swap for a few months now and have started getting the parts together and doing the research. Now for the opinion part. My dad has an 81' 350 in his motorhome that's never been bored or rebuilt. I think he said that the way the motor is set up is only rated at 160 hp. Now, I know that's completely unacceptable (to me anyway), and he'll give it to me for free. Now, my question is... would it be worth the time and effort to rebuild that engine, or should I go crate motor. I've found a crate motor online that's all new parts in a turnkey assy, for around 5 grand (430hp/425tq). How much would it cost to get about the same hp if I just rebuild my dad's motor? Anybody with any input let me hear it. It'll be greatly appreciated.......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest zfan Posted July 13, 2003 Share Posted July 13, 2003 Alot less if it is rebuildable. You can build a good stout 350 for less than 3k. Is the block an already bored block if so how much? Is it a four bolt block? Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poundz9oh9 Posted July 13, 2003 Author Share Posted July 13, 2003 Hey Mike, 2 bolt block (if I'm not mistaken)-- never been bored. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
baddriver Posted July 14, 2003 Share Posted July 14, 2003 A motorhome engine is going to be a heavy-duty engine, small valves and a torque-making low-revving intake manifold & cam. To make it perform, you'll need heads, intake, and whatever fuel system you choose. The shortblock is probably worth using, but once have it rebuilt, add heads, cam, and a new intake, you'll be getting close to crate-motor prices. Crate motors tend to be priced a little high, but it'll save you a lot of work and time. it's really up to what you want to do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpeedRacer Posted July 14, 2003 Share Posted July 14, 2003 Use the old motor for core value - you can get a brand new crate motor from GM (260 HP & 350 foot pounds of torque) with a 3 year/50,000 mile warranty for $1,189.00 http://www.paceparts.com/product.asp?3=3169 Better yet, pick up a 330HP 350 for $2299.97 !!!! http://www.paceparts.com/product.asp?0=239&1=241&3=886 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim240z Posted July 14, 2003 Share Posted July 14, 2003 Yeah...I agree. Unless you really want the 'bragging rights' to say "I built it myself", go crate motor! The prices are very reasonable (esp. if you can pick it up yourself, and not pay shipping) and you get a warranty. If you make a mistake putting it together and blow it up.......you'll have to start all over again. You can use the RV motor as a dummy though! Use it to put in the Z, make all the bracketry and fuel lines, fans etc, then order your crate weight.....that way you won't have a bunch of $$$ tied up sitting in your garage while you're building. Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poundz9oh9 Posted July 15, 2003 Author Share Posted July 15, 2003 Great info guys, Thanks a lot!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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