Crate Motors

[airboatgreg]

Since I put the Muncie in I am trying to figure out the best fit for an engine in the EL C. I am leaning toward the 350/357 HP crate engine. I do not want a radical idle. Am ok with premium pump fuel and with a stock rear end(at this time) I think it may be a good fit as has good warranty and I tend not to rag my stuff out.
Thoughts?
Pros and cons?
Suggestions?

 

[DRIVEN]

Muncie with tall factory rear gears? I'd shop for torque over peak horsepower.

 

[airboatgreg]

Good point. My initial thought is after the motor go about a 352 gear locking/limited slip. Moderate yet can have some fun. It seems the Muncie has a pretty tall 1st gear. Not really familiar with what you can do. Overall goal is to have some fun, decent drivability, dependability, idle quality and mileage. Had my go fasts. No weight in rear of El C. 60 series BFG TA's

 

[fleming442]

The drag ratio ideal of 10:1 works on the street, too. That being said, 2.20 first x 3.73 rear gets you 8.206. Conversely, a 3.42 gets you down t o 7.5x. I don't know where you plucked the 3.5x from, but I don't recall it.
Just remember that, when you ease the clutch out,, you're instantly going 30 mph!

 

[Kwik_Cutty88]

It sounds like the SP350 crate engine ticks all the boxes for you. And I like that it has Vortec cylinder heads for a little growing room later on. 9:1 compression means it'd probably run pretty well on the crap pump fuels we have today. I like that is already has a roller camshaft for longevity, ease of oil selection (and once again, some growing room for later on 😎). The power band seems appropriate for what you are wanting to do 357hp @5500 and 407ft/lbs @4000

 

[airboatgreg]

I may be mistaken on the 3.52/3? gear maybe I am thinking of a 3.73. What came stock in a 82 El C with the small block smog motor? Driving around it seems tall to me. Like I said I seem to have a lot of first gear

 

[airboatgreg]

I built a lot of rear end in the day but figuring out the ratios with the trans is out of my area of expertise so I appreciate all the help

 

[fleming442]

<----- has an Autogear M22w. It used to be a straight M22, and I have 3.70 gears in the 9" out back. Most M21s &22s have a 2.20 1st gear. If you can get an M20 set, it'll have a 2.56. Just multiply that by the rear to get the launch ratio that should be close to 10:1 to get out of the hole.
I went with the 'w' last year after not being able to 60' at the track with the 2.20 1st. It would burn the clutch for the first 150' on drag radials. I've only run it 3 times with the new 2.56 1st, and it blew the tires off at 3000 & 2000 launches. I'm still working on the technique; 3rd run was a stop light launch because I just wanted to put a number down on the last run (12.11@116).

 

[airboatgreg]

I have the M22. So it seems that about a 3.73 is the one to go

 

[fleming442]

Yeah, 3.7x over 4.1x is a better overall. I can hold about 68mph on the highway at about 3300rpm. I wouldn't go with 4.1x unless it's a mostly track car.....