rebuild or crate motor?

[jp0863]

Starting to plan my big tear down/rebuild. the engine in my burb is on its last leg and needs to be replaced. I'm trying to decide if i should get a gm crate motor and replace it with stock powerplant, or should i have it rebuilt with an rv style cam and bored 30 or 40 over for a bit more power?

if i do a rebuild, is it worth the extra money to have it balanced?

 

[4X4HIGH]

The overbore won't add any power that you would ever feel. Balancing isn't neccasary unless you're throwing together a bunch of parts from different engines. Balancing will however make it run a little smoother and last a little longer. Keep this in mind, power is made in the cam and heads so choose wisely and you'll be very happy if you rebuild your engine. Also keep in mind that all components must work together as a single package to optimize the power.

 

[jp0863]

I only ask about balancing because i've never had it done before. i will probably have it done just for the longevity. i'm leaning toward the rebuild because i can spend the money where i want. i'm not looking for a ton more power, just a bit more in the right places. i'll have 4.56's with 35's and a th400 which should put me in a decent spot for the powerband & gearing. the only advantage i see with the gm crate motor is it's stock and i get a bit longer warranty, which from what i hear about gm warranty,... well i can at least use the warranty paper to start a fire... i haven't heard much good about gm crate engine warranties

 

[scooter122983]

I would deffinately rebuild. Go with a reputable machine shop that specializes in what you want and they will ask what you want to do with the engine, how much power you want and such. You could be looking around 1500-2000 for a decent motor.

 

[TDAWG1]

If you have the Money why are you even asking Crate MOTOR all the way. 383HD in particular. Cant go wrong.

 

[thewestwon]

I'd go for the gm crate motor. You can't beat that warranty.

 

[jtrapani]

I'm rebuilding my 350 to 383. 1200 bucks. I thought about that too. You can buy a 383 short block rated around 400 hp for 1300. I just don't have a place to store my old motor if I went that route.

 

[jp0863]

Being in california and having to smog it may mean i have to keep it simple. I'm not sure how far i can go, so i wanted to keep it simple