Engine Chosen..

[ssn696]

My fault on the delay...I've been getting my pennies together. I finally narrowed it down to two different motors:

• L31 (12530283) Vortec/Roller Chevy Performance engine $1,827 shipped.

it's $1,000 cheaper. I do have a question for you guys though, if some reason I do get the L31, what's a good vortec intake to get with it, along with a cam? (model numbers please). Also, would the engine fit? I have a 2" cowl hood.

Nice to know I may have made a difference. The motor I built uses an Edelbrock EPS manifold. It is supposed to enhance the torque at 3500 RPM. I suggest this cam, as it uses the existing lifters and timing chain and is under the .460 lift limit for OEM Vortec heads: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/nal-14097395/overview/

I returned a chinese Weiand Warrior manifold - crappy casting - and paid a bit more for a USA-made Edelbrock.

The cam is $100 to $150 less than others, and being a roller, it can be reused/remarketed later if you decide to have the heads machined for more lift / stronger springs.

 

[gbodytoys]

I didn't realize the l31 doesn't take a mechanical fuel pump

 

[ssn696]

I didn't realize the l31 doesn't take a mechanical fuel pump

Yes, that is true. And important.

 

[ssn696]

Yes, that is true. And important.

Sorry, that's a deal breaker, I think.

 

[gbodytoys]

Sorry, that's a deal breaker, I think.

Yup, I'm back at the ATK right now, with the YearOne CT350PC1 right behind it, those are the only two. $376 difference between the two for 50hp, both with 400 lb/tq. My car NEEDS to be back on the road in April, so I have until the end of this month to make my decision. I know 50hp is a lot, but I feel like that money can be put towards a 200r4 or a headers.

 

[truracer20]

Between ATK and Year One, I would choose the ATK. The Year One description sounds like a Blueprint engine. Year One uses their own "proprietary" camshaft specs...

 

[gbodytoys]

Between ATK and Year One, I would choose the ATK. The Year One description sounds like a Blueprint engine. Year One uses their own "proprietary" camshaft specs...

I don't think I could go wrong with either one and from what I've read on some forums. I do have a rather...idiotic question to you guys though. What is the technical term for the stuff on the front of the engine? Accessory drive kit?

Meaning, when I buy a crate motor, it's from intake to oil pan usually. You still need all the brackets and all that, do they sell those as a kit? I already have that stuff on my old engine, I'm just curious as to how much a new kit would cost, plus new hoses and all that.

 

[ssn696]

If yours is a 305, everything will swap over. Make sure what starter bolt pattern the new motor will have. I believe your 305 will have a straight pattern...and should bolt on. But find this out to see what additional parts you'll need. The fuel pump and oil filter adapter plates should swap over from a 305 with a little cleaning. You may have a little tweaking to do to the alternator mounting plate where it bolts onto the intake manifold. You'll need the auto trans tubing clamps from the passenger side oil pan rail. Spring for new oil pressure and temperature senders. You may need a couple of pipe plugs for the intake. Get new heater hoses, radiator hoses and clamps. Run a bunch of water through the radiator to wash out any crud. See if you can find a the two plugs that fit the trans cooler in the radiator to cut down on the mess when they are disconnected. I get a heavy ziplock from the kitchen, put a couple paper towels in there, then stuff the lower tube in there as soon as it's spun off, and zip it mostly closed. Take the chance to put a new filter in the Quadrajet if you are keeping it.

 

[truracer20]

You can buy complete accessory drive packages but they are pricey, March Performance is pretty popular, billet Specialties has a few kits, Edelbrock has a kit and Chevrolet Performance sells one with or without AC. The Chevy version is the cheapest and most basic, no flashy polished or chrome parts. It is a true serpentine belt setup.
http://www.jegs.com/i/GM+Performanc...ogsfPeKjU7WECtgBFiauP0k1fbMpQpOI2YaAqFm8P8HAQ

http://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet-Performance/809/12497698/10002/-1?parentProductId=752514

Keep in mind the Chevrolet Performance kits require a slight modification to the alternator wiring and use a reverse rotation water pump, the water pump is important because future replacements need to be the same.

Or you can reuse what you have. You can also piece everything together yourself from most suppliers. Alternator brackets to replace your existing ones are inexpensive. Stock power steering brackets aren't too bad to clean up and paint even if you can't separate the pump from the bracket. Hoses will be the same part number as the stock engine used.

And depending on how much work you want to do there are swaps that can be dome from junk yard vehicles, there are some 3rd gen Camaro drives that work and some early 90's Chevy and GMC truck drives that work both are similar to the Chevrolet performance kit.

 

[Yav8]

If you can find a hot wire a electric fuel pump is not a big deal to install. As for the L31 crate motor and the cam listed you will have one heck of a motor. The set up is the same one GM sells as the 350 Ram Jet motor only it got a carb instead of the FI. I have the very same cam and motor in my bracket truck and it runs deep in the 14s with a th350 and a 3.42 gear. I might add the truck weighs in at 4,426lbs at the track. Not sure what the other motor is but I do know how this one performs for me. Should be one heck of a ride in a light weight ride.