Does anyone have expierience with a GM crate engine?? If so where'd ya get it, Jeg's Scoggin-Dickey?? How is the warranty applied? I plan on getting either a ZZ4 or other 350 prebuilt. Any help will help. Thanks

I went online to some of the more popular sites/places that sell the crate engines. I got an online quote and went to a local dealer that sells them and asked if they would match the price. They said they would, and I picked it up the same day. I got it for a couple of hundred dollars off their price since the other guys price was lower. I am close to firing it up (ZZ4).

I would go with the GM engine. For the price, you can't beat it. I got a ZZ3 from www.paceparts (http://www.paceparts) a few years ago, and have been drag racing it without any trouble at all. The problem with rebuilt engines is that you don't always know what kind of parts they use or their condition. With a crate engine, everything is new.

i have compared prices for GM crate motors, and the prices they have at the bigger places like Scoggin Dickey and Pace are right at dealer cost for all the "normal" dealers. they can't usually match or beat the prices. but at least if you get it from the local dealer, you pick it up there, and they might give you discounts on purchases later on down the line.

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1971 Nova(looks like 69 camaro from underneath!)
355sb, vortec heads, HOT cam,T-10 tranny, 3.70 gears 16X8" IROC wheels
see pics here http://community.webshots.com/user/novaderrik

Call Bobby Raburn in the parts dept. at Bill Heard Chevrolet in Houston. He will come close to matching prices and he is just down the road from you. Tell him Glenn on La. told you to call.

I was damn close to doing the same thing, buying a carte engine from GM. It depends upon how much work you're willing to do, both in terms of labor, and research. I looked at the ZZ4, and was planning on putting a hotter cam in it (ZZ430...). After talking to my engine builder, who did an outstanding job on my big block, I came to the conclusion that it comes down to a matter of convenience. If you go with a good engine builder, you can build an outstanding 383 for the same, or better price thatn a new GM crate motor. Again, if they're good, they'll do a better job than the GM factory guys, because their individual pride and reputation are laying on the line. You can save alot by picking the parts yoursefl, but don't skimp. Jeg's offers a great Eagle stroker kit for an incredible price.

I agree, if you decide to go with a crate motor, I agree with a previous posting. Stick local. They may be able to beat the price on mail order, but once you figure in shipping, which is alot for an engine, and the fact that if there are any problems you can talk face to face rather than over the phone, there really is no comparison.

Bottom line, if have a couple extra days/weeks, have one built, you'll end up happier. If you need it tomorrow, buy a crate.

Mark

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69 SS, Stroker 489, Tremec TKO, Tight Road Suspension

Thanks for all the help. I think I'll be going with the Crate engine. I'll probably drive out to Bill Heard tomorrow. One more question, do you think/know if the dealer retains the same 12 month warranty offered? And do they offer labor to be added into the warranty? Thanks again. Sorry about the delayed response.

or you could buy a bill mitchel crate engine http://www.camaros.net/forum/biggrin.gif

I was told that Bill Heard here in Huntsville had an engine sitting on a stand in the parts dept. 750hp for only $3500. I immediately said Bull(cough)hit. No way! Now i haven't been down there to see for myself,but i've never seen a good deal from a dealership even closely resembling that!

Thanks for info about 750 hp engine in huntsville, but I don't think I'm wanting that much power to be a daily driver. http://www.camaros.net/forum/smile.gif

I was searching through Sallee Chev. today and noticed they had a 350 h/o super deluxe. Basically better heads, rocker arms, roller tips and carb. Is Demon carb a reputable carb, or are they one to stay away from. It was a 625

Thanks for all the info, it is helping me with my decision a bunch!