350 / 290 crate engine fail

[Clarkwb100]

About 3 years ago I purchased a New GM Crate 350/290 long block (part # 809-19355658, along with HEI distributor, and Edelbrock Performer intake. I had an almost new Holley Avenger carb that was used. Lotsa other stuff to make the swap into my 1987 El Camino.

Here after almost 3 years and almost 5000 miles, the #5 cylinder appears to be dead. Along the way to those 5000 miles a quart of oil every 600 miles was required to be added.

With this news I am thinking of a rebuild for a little more power, maybe 350 - 400HP. I want to use this engine.... What would you suggest to be done?

Thanks

 

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[Texas82GP]

You might want to go with a retrofit roller cam so you don't have to worry about running zinc-rich oil.

Before you decide to overhaul it, I'd say a teardown and forensic examination of what happened would be a good place to start.

When you say #5 is dead, what do you mean? Oil fouled plug? Low or no compression on that cylinder?

What kind of oil did you run in it and how did you break it in? How did the break in go? Did it ever run good/right?

Sorry man, this just sucks.

Vortec heads would be a nice upgrade.

 

[Mac442]

What do you mean by dead cylinder? I’ve seen someone disassemble a brand new engine because a cylinder had no compression. For some reason the very last thing they did was pull the cam and sure enough, a lobe or two was flat.
How are the valves opening and closing?

 

[motorheadmike]

El Es Won?

 

[bruisedbanana79]

Also check your crankshaft endplay. I just tossed one of those motors in the trash due to a massive failure. You also might want to price out just getting a crate long block delivered from a reputable builder.

 

[airboatgreg]

Wow, that really sucks as they are supposed to be one of the best. Thinking about putting one in my car. Before I used that block i would find out what the failure was.

 

[Cuse99]

Was this the 265 HP or the 290HP? How is the power and drivability of the Elco? I'm looking at this option now for a daily driver, not looking for much power but even the 265 will double what I have now. Thanks in advance.

 

[Clone TIE Pilot]

About 3 years ago I purchased a New GM Crate 350/290 long block (part # 809-19355658, along with HEI distributor, and Edelbrock Performer intake. I had an almost new Holley Avenger carb that was used. Lotsa other stuff to make the swap into my 1987 El Camino.

Here after almost 3 years and almost 5000 miles, the #5 cylinder appears to be dead. Along the way to those 5000 miles a quart of oil every 600 miles was required to be added.

With this news I am thinking of a rebuild for a little more power, maybe 350 - 400HP. I want to use this engine.... What would you suggest to be done?

Thanks

Sounds like it wasn't broken in correctly. A new engine will use a lot of oil until the rings are seated. If the engine has sat around for long periods like over winter, it may simply have sticky valves which can cause a cylinder to not fire.

 

[bruisedbanana79]

Was this the 265 HP or the 290HP? How is the power and drivability of the Elco? I'm looking at this option now for a daily driver, not looking for much power but even the 265 will double what I have now. Thanks in advance.

I had this same motor in one of my cars for a daily driver and it did great! Be mindful that the 265hp rating is with long tubes and a 4 barrel carb. Would I buy it again..... not right now with the price being $2,800 plus tax and freight, there are better options for just a little more money.