GM crate engines?

[big_mike]

is this a real question? 4 bolt

Yea it is bc the stock 2 bolt it came with has lasted a damn long time and been used to tow with as well. So it raised my curiosity.

 

[94burbk1500]

Yea it is bc the stock 2 bolt it came with has lasted a damn long time and been used to tow with as well. So it raised my curiosity.

Fine, you got me. But for $100 bucks more you get an even stronger setup, I'd go for it.

 

[big_mike]

I’m leaning more that way just wanted to ask around and get some others opinions before pulling the trigger since I’ll be buying 2 engines at the same time.

 

[rotorjockey]

Hey guys, anyone here used the GM replacement engine for the 96-98 full size trucks? I see they offer 2 different Vortec headed motors. One is listed as a standard replacement with 2 bolt mains while the other is listed as a HD version which comes with 4 bolt mains and I believe different hardened exhaust valve seats.

This motor would be going in a daily driver with occasional towing. Question is should I just stick the stock 2 bolt replacement in or grab the HD? Looking for any feedback from anyone who has bought one of these and installed, hard to beat the price and 3yr 100,000mi warranty. Cheaper than I could rebuild the current motor once I add in machine shop costs.

Here is a screen shot of the 2 motors, prices and descriptions. Just happens both are on sale right now.

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It's all on personal preference. Me personally, I would go with HD.That's a pretty nice warranty and a good choice to go through GM. I bought one many years ago from a company called S&S. It ran good, but I was slowly losing antifreeze and head gaskets blew at 50,000 miles. I had them redone and it runs fine now but I am still slowly losing antifreeze and it's not mixing with the oil. I found that some of these engines can sit for years in a warehouse before being shipped.

You will be good with either one, but 4 bolts belong in trucks.

 

[Smokebomb]

I'm looking at this engine as well.L31 vortec. It's on sale at jegs for 1500 online right now. Free shipping.

 

[El Tigre]

GM may still offer the 383 Vortec long block as a direct replacement. Bolt on your intake,and accessories,and get all the additional torque the additional displacement offers. These are brand new motors,minus intake,and accessories.

 

[JackE]

Agreed the 4 bolt for a few $$ more. What you need to watch is when there is a core charge. A friend of mine made this same decision to go with the 4 bolt. When he tried to return the 2 bolt as the core, they wouldn't take it and he had to eat the core charge and was left with a really big paper weight.

 

[Schurkey]

The GM "advertising" in post 1 specifically says 3 year, 100000 mile warranty WHEN INSTALLED INTO AN APPROVED GM APPLICATION.

I bet you get a 12 month, 12000 mile warranty in non-approved applications, such as stuffing a "HD" 3/4 ton long-block into a half-ton truck.

VERIFY with the seller--or YOUR LOCAL DEALER, 'cause they're the ones that are going to be honoring (or not honoring) the warranty--BEFORE BUYING.

I would not sacrifice the warranty to gain six extra bolts. I MIGHT be willing to sacrifice some warranty if I thought the cylinder heads were more durable based on "upgraded exhaust valves and cylinder heads". I would not put money down until I had confirmation of EXACTLY what is different between the two engines.

 

[Tachyon]

Check my signature.

IMO the HD is definitely the way to go. But then at that price point you ought to consider the upgrade to the 383 and the very welcome torque boost it offers while also including forged crank, 4 bolt mains, "RV cam", upgraded rods and pistons etc.
Just my opinion but I faced this same decision and went the 383 route and have no regrets whatsoever.
If you plan to keep your truck for the foreseeable future and want a tough, reliable engine replacement that will give you a much needed reliability and power boost but is still a drop in replacement. The 383 is your go to. Otherwise the 350HD is second choice. The straight 350 not so much.
Just my 2 cents.

 

[Schurkey]

IMO the HD is definitely the way to go. But then at that price point you ought to consider the upgrade to the 383 and the very welcome torque boost it offers while also including forged crank, 4 bolt mains, "RV cam", upgraded rods and pistons etc.

He's looking at a ~$2000 long-block engine vs. the ~$5000 long-block 383 or 383E. I don't see the HT383 or 383E as a particular bargain.

http://www.crateenginedepot.com/Chevrolet-Performance-HT383E-Crate-Engine-19355721-P10402.aspx
http://www.crateenginedepot.com/Chevrolet-Performance-HT383-Crate-Engine-19355720-P9409.aspx
And, again, there's the question of warranty. The 383 is for '79 and older, the 383E is for '96 and newer. The OP has never said what year vehicle these would be going into.