looking for a new motor for my 78, has anyone here bought the GM crate 350 Package?
likes/dislikes?

Pro/Cons on buying new crate vs rebuilt 350, besides price?


GM Performance 10067353K1 GM Goodwrench 350 Engine & Packages - 1973-1985

 

Is that the base 350, I think they list it at 260 or 275 HP, I have installed a lot of these motors. They are a good solid motor and covered under GM 3 year 36 month warranty covered at any dealer. It will not snap your neck but it is a nice upgrade from you stock 305. It will also respond well to mods down the road. I think 325 HP should be pretty easy if you add a Cam/intake/headers later on.

 

I'll be looking for a motor in a couple of years so I'll be watching this thread close.

 

motor sounds good pete, nice work. think i might go with the gm motor, the warranty sounds pretty good and it looks like a decent motor. thanks for your input guys. also i was told this 350 will bolt right up to my stock trans on my 78, is that true? or do i need to upgrade when i do the engine?

 

i believe it is the THM350

 

I'll have to watch this one also. I was already debating on a crate 350 when it comes to it. This one looks like it would do great with some upgrades.

 

when buying one of these crate motors, what has to be done to it, (besides putting it into the car) is the timing all set from factory? carbs ready to go? is it just a simple motor swap and i'm ready to go?

 

The crate engine is the way to go if you've never rebuilt an engine and want an almost plug and play engine, plus a great warranty. Downside of course is the price, although that's not all that bad either. Plus if you don't have an engine at all, it's a good place to start.
I've always felt more comfortable building my own, and used the savings towards other performance things on my engine or car. The last two I built cost me under $1500 including boring and machine work, plus all the parts.
I also think that with the economy the supply of really mnice low mileage or no mileage rebuilt engines is very good. I see some excellent looking buys on Craigslist on a pretty regular basis.

 

That pretty well decides it for me then. I've never rebuilt an engine and its probably not a good way to go for a first car restoration so I'll definatly get one of these during tax time when I'm ready.