Where to get Chevy Crate engines?
 

Hey guys, I have a 1965 Chevy C-10 stepside pickup that I am considering to buy a new engine for. I don't have the time to build one myself, so I am looking for an assembled (mostly) crate engine. Right now it has the original #'s matching 292 V6 with a #'s matching 3 speed on the column. I'm looking for something with a little more punch in it. (for example, I also have another 1965 C-10, Fleetside, but it has a 400 Small block on it and it will haul!) But I am selling my fleetside with the 400 small block and I'll need that engine in that vehicle so it will sell for what I want it to. ( or I would have done an engine swap) I am not wanting to spend more than $2700 for an engine of equal or higher. (I don't want a 350 nor a 383 Stroker) My maximum would be $3500.
I have been searching for about 40 minutes and all the engines I am finding are ridiculously expensive. Does anybody know where I can get a new (or refurbished) engine for my price range?

Also, how much do you think a 1996 Ford E-150 Conversion van made by Starcraft with 86,000 Miles on it sell for? (includes aftermarket cd-player, original- Tv with VCR, cloth seats, Rear radio, electronic rear folding seat, 4 bucket seats, and rebuilt tranny) All in pristine condition of course.


Thanks for ANY help at all!

Well, it depends on how much power you want to crank out of that 400. Crate engines usually have much more power than say a stock verson of the same displacement, hence the insanely high price. I dunno where you're at, but here in Nor Cal, there are many engine shops thats sell rebuilt or remanufactured long and short blocks for good prices (like $900-2000). Check with your local parts store (like napa or kragens) and they should be able to tell you where you can get a stock rebuilt enigne.

you need to get that new chevy crate motor that pushes out 702 hp *droool* :D

You can get a chevy performance crate engine from any gm dealer.

http://www.gmpartsdirect.com talk to Jason Chromer

He IS the cheapest anywhere

Thanks Spyder, I'll check that site out. Also, if it helps anyone, i'm looking for about 400+ hp and about 400-500 tq. Also it doesn't really need to be a 400 small block or better. Just not a 350. I also will really need a small block because I think if i put a big block in that truck it will be too much weight in the front.
Thanks!

Actually, a big block with aluminum heads and intake would weigh about the same as your 292.....

Are you sure that's right extra? That doesn't sound very accurate to me. I'm sure I have room for a big block but I would need to lower the suspension so it would ride better. (that's what I had to do to my other truck) I don't want too drop that much either since it's a stepside. That's why I was looking for a small block.

It would all depend on the 292 and what acesories you have on it. 99 times out of 100 you should beef up the front end when going to a big block. The block itself is signifactly heavier and BBC alu heads are damn near the weight of cast SBC heads. - then factor block weight.

Right. But, the 292 is an inline 6 cylinder. The inline 6 cylinder engines are very heavy. Heavier than a small block, but lighter than a big block. So a big block isn't too much of a penalty over the 6. Well worth the cubes if you ask me.

eBay is also a good source for built engines, there are a number of engine builders on there who sell anything from mild 350s to full on drag race big blocks,

worth checking out.

CamaroRS1967, let me get this straight:

you want a beefier engine, but dont want to go to a big block

BUT, you also dont want a 350.

what am I missing here?

why dont you want a 350? I can understand not wanting the 383 stroker, but a 350 is a very good engine to start with. they are plentiful and relatively inexpensive. they are about the easiest to work on and have the largest aftermarket supply of parts of any engine ever made, as well as a near infinite level of support/help from the millions of gearheads around the world. anything you might want to do to a 350 has likely already been tried and perfected. and with the help of the internet, you can find out whats the best setup for you needs before you ever spend a dime.

Plus they can be modded to no end. I saw a guy on tv once with a 350 that was modded to produce 1500hp, he was racing (and beating) big blocks on the strip circuit.

sounds like exactly what you want: an inexpensive. easily modded engine that can produce lots of HP.

Sion, you're right. I do want a beefier engine, but I don't want to add excess weight for that Big Block. I want to keep the engine as beefy AND as light as possible. I'm not interested in dropping the truck "4 or so, so I can compensate for the added weight giving it a better ride. I will be putting some larger tires on here and I don't want the tires nearly rubbing the wheel well. (problem I have on my other '65 fleetside) Though I am positive that lowering a stepside will be no big deal on a stepside.

Thanks for the concern.

If you're looking for 400/400 or better numbers for less than $3500, its not realistically going to happen coming from a crate motor. Your best bet is to have a local machine shop build it for you. Find a decent 350 or 400 block, order a kit from Northern Auto Parts for between $400-600, and find a decent, used top end. My last 400 sbc cost me about $3k to build, and it was making mid to upper 400's on motor. Cast rods and TRW's, good sized solid cam, and a Dart/Victor Jr top end that I picked up used for 1K.

Whats wrong with a 383? I've seen some pretty wicked 383 small blocks.

there is nothing inherently wrong with the 383 stroker, but after it has been done, you are very limited in what else you can do to squeeze more HP out of it. that is why I wouldnt want one.

I'm still not quite sure why you wouldn't want a 350, but even still, adding a smallblock chevrolet will not add that much extra weight to worry about ride height, etc. Most of the aftermarket built smallblocks out there are going to be 350s, so you may want to reconsider purchasing one, and for the price range you have, you can find one that is very nicely built. Good luck with your search. You can also check out www.paceparts.com, I'm sure they will have what you are looking for.

Better yet, here's a link with some of the engines they sell :

http://www.paceparts.com/subcat.asp?0=343

Krazy, I know a smallblock wouldn't add much weight. That is what I am talking about. I WANT a smallblock with big block power. (Crazy huh?) I may just stick with a 350 and mod it. I wanted a built engine for my price range that way I WOULDN'T have to mod it. I really wanted just a complete (mostly) ready to swap in. Money is kinda tight right now, so I am trying to keep costs down but performance up, ya know?

Nitrous, anyone? :D

yeah you can get some decent bang for your buck. Not crazy to want bbc power from an SBC... it's been done before.

get yourself ZL-1 big block. no wieght worries there ;)

$$$$$ Try a wreckin yard for a low milage 5.3 out of a truck or sub or a 5.7 out of a vette or camaro take the complete package and swap it in if money allows then put a supercharger on it and have fun. by the way or you planning to change the tranny?

I will not mess with the transmission unless I decide to switch to an automatic which more than likely won't happen. I really want to keep it stock and original, but have the POWER I am looking for. You guys understand?

And Yoda, that is the smartest idea that I would have never thought of. I take a looksy.
Anybody else have any more sites I can check out?