This isn't going in a 3rd gen...but I figure more guys in this forum would be swapping to crates than in other forums. The engine would be going into my 64 Impala 2dr HT.

http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerc...28&prmenbr=361

Thats the link, I think for 3350 it'd be damned hard to beat a new engine setup like that...330hp, 380ft/lbs all its missing are the accessories (alternator and power steering is all the 64 has anyway) and a set of headers to be ready to rock.

I'm getting deployed in like 2 weeks (again ) so I'd buy the engine, and have a shop back home put it in the impala after the body work gets done around february-marchish.

Any experience with the engine, or GM's crate motors in general? I've heard only good things, and they seem to be damned hard to beat for the price - while still carrying a warranty. Keep in mind I'm just building a cruiser, 330hp/380tq is enough for the Impy.

 

Hard to beat an engine with a warranty. You don't feel as bad when you're beating on it. Anyway, for that price you get pretty much everything you need. Just bolt it in and fill it up with fluids. And if you get the itch for more power, a hot cam would probably bump the power up to 360 or so. I wouldn't hesitate to get a GMPP crate.

 

That engine is awesome. Car craft just dynoed the engine and let me check the numbers real quick...ok, they got 348hp @5200rpm and 388 ft/lbs tq @4000 rpm with a 2 1/2" Borla exhaust and 650cfm carb on 91 octane fuel with 37 degrees of initial timing. So basically it is the best bang for the buck and throw a lot more cam onto it and you'd wake it up a whole lot more. I know thirdgens that have run 13's flat with this engine out of the box. so it's pretty good.

 

it is a sweet engine. I installed one in my uncles 69 camaro with a summit hei, 625 road demon jr., perf rpm and 1 3/4 hooker headers and runs very very well. I know the vortec heads will really take to a bigger cam as this motor idles like a stocker.