New idea. 1996-2002 GM HD truck replacement 'R' engine. You don't have to buy from Summit, but they have an ready description of the crate engine. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/nal-12530283.
This is a late model, one-piece rear main seal with basic Vortec heads, roller cam and lifters, and four-bolt main caps. The pistons give 9.4:1 compression withe the Vortec heads. Swap in a better roller cam for <$200, and Vortec intake for another $150, and the appropriate flywheel and you have your basic go fast motor. One catch is that you need to swap the gear on the end of your distributor with a 'melonized' one (10456413) so it does not eat the steel roller cam. A fair cam to consider is the one used in the Ram Jet 350, the 14097395 marine cam. It is compatible with the existing 'R' motor Vortec valvesprings. It uses the same 'R' motor lifters and timing chain. You'll be in under $3K with this approach and it has a 3-year warranty.
The 19210007 GM crate motor looks like their 330HP 350. Hydraulic flat tappet cam 24502476 is best used with high zinc oil, whereas roller cams are less at risk. Heads are the same, with somewhat lower overall compression, 9.1:1. You'll still need the Vortec intake and flexplate. I'd go with the 12530283. You'd still have budget for some roller rockers!
This is a late model, one-piece rear main seal with basic Vortec heads, roller cam and lifters, and four-bolt main caps. The pistons give 9.4:1 compression withe the Vortec heads. Swap in a better roller cam for <$200, and Vortec intake for another $150, and the appropriate flywheel and you have your basic go fast motor. One catch is that you need to swap the gear on the end of your distributor with a 'melonized' one (10456413) so it does not eat the steel roller cam. A fair cam to consider is the one used in the Ram Jet 350, the 14097395 marine cam. It is compatible with the existing 'R' motor Vortec valvesprings. It uses the same 'R' motor lifters and timing chain. You'll be in under $3K with this approach and it has a 3-year warranty.
The 19210007 GM crate motor looks like their 330HP 350. Hydraulic flat tappet cam 24502476 is best used with high zinc oil, whereas roller cams are less at risk. Heads are the same, with somewhat lower overall compression, 9.1:1. You'll still need the Vortec intake and flexplate. I'd go with the 12530283. You'd still have budget for some roller rockers!
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