Crate engine for 95 gt-maybe 331 or 347

sick95gt

New Member
Sep 11, 2005
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Las Vegas
So I have decided that I need to get a new engine. My current one has problems beyond me wanting to even attempt to fix or rebuilt it (again). I am pretty sure I have decided on a 331 or maybe a 347. I really want to get a crate engine so I can just have someone drop it in and go. Where is a reputable place to get a good crate engine, but not overpriced? I am probably looking at AFR or Edelbrock heads with an RPMII intake. I have an Edelbrock 70mm tb and the C&L 76mm maf. I can use anything I have in my signature if needed, but would rather just order the engine as complete as I can get it. Also, I think I'm going to go back to 3.55's so I can actually use first and second gear. I have a highway commute and plan on using it as a daily driver, so reliability is important. Any suggestions on where to buy(from experience) or comments on what I should go? Maybe suggestions on the combo? I would also like somewhere around 350 rwhp, which shouldn't be a problem with 331 or 347.
 
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I've seen good stuff said about CHP :)

I like the 347 over the 331 :nice:

I'd wait until the new combo is all sorted out before going to 355's ;)

350 to the wheels should not be much of a problem :nono:

Grady
 
What is your budget?

Honestly budget is not too much of an issue. I want to get the best bang for the buck meaning I don't want to spend 8k on the same exact combo I can buy for 6500 elsewhere. But I know I gotta spend probably 6-8k unless there is something less expensive. I don't need to bullet proof anything. As soon as I get it running, I don't plan on a power adder.
 
oh, I also forgot to ask.... Do crate engines come with bigger injectors or do I need to order them? Which ones would I need for something like this and will my 190lph fuel pump even support what I want to do? I might need to change it...
 
oh, I also forgot to ask.... Do crate engines come with bigger injectors or do I need to order them? Which ones would I need for something like this and will my 190lph fuel pump even support what I want to do? I might need to change it...

You'll probably want at least 30lb injectors and you're 190 fuel pump should do if you're not planning a power adder.

As said above, CHP and DSS are the two most commonly used vendors. Since you're on the west coast (well almost) you might want to call CHP. You'll save on shipping.

For 350rwhp, a set of AFR 185s will get you there on either a 331 or 347.
 
ok, so I have been thinking..... Am I retarded for wanting to keep my current block- stroking to 306 with a rebuild and blowing it instead of replacing it with a 331 or 347? I am looking at how I can spend my 6-8k without being pissed that I should have done something else. The only trick is getting a good shop in Vegas that knows what the hell they are doing that will do it with reliability. I am thinking that a blower will end up making more high end power, but at the same time, I am wondering about long term reliability...
I am so confused. I need someone to seriously tell me what they would do given my situation and money available. Keep in mind my current setup most likely needs a new crank. It's vibrating all to hell and I have replaced every single bolt on piece that can cause vibration (balancer,clutch,flywheel, driveshaft etc). So, I can either get a whole damn crate engine and call it a day, or use the current bolt on's I have and either get a block or rebuild mine. And I might still have to change some of my bolt ons to make it work with a mild supercharger setup.
 
ok, so I have been thinking..... Am I retarded for wanting to keep my current block- stroking to 306 with a rebuild and blowing it instead of replacing it with a 331 or 347? I am looking at how I can spend my 6-8k without being pissed that I should have done something else. The only trick is getting a good shop in Vegas that knows what the hell they are doing that will do it with reliability. I am thinking that a blower will end up making more high end power, but at the same time, I am wondering about long term reliability...
I am so confused. I need someone to seriously tell me what they would do given my situation and money available. Keep in mind my current setup most likely needs a new crank. It's vibrating all to hell and I have replaced every single bolt on piece that can cause vibration (balancer,clutch,flywheel, driveshaft etc). So, I can either get a whole damn crate engine and call it a day, or use the current bolt on's I have and either get a block or rebuild mine. And I might still have to change some of my bolt ons to make it work with a mild supercharger setup.

In your situation I would get your current block checked out, then stroke it to a 347 with this:

AFR 185 Competition Heads with shaft mount rockers and LSx valve train
Custom Cam Shaft
Holley Systemax II intake
42 Pound Injectors
Fox Throttle Body setup with an Accufab 75MM Race Throttle Body
90MM LMAF
4 inch intake piping
1 7/8 mid-length headers to 3 inch collector
Some kind of 3 inch X pipe (Dr. Gas?)
3" Magnaflow Cat-Backs
Custom Tune
4.10 gears
GForce T5 transmission (or get the upgrade kit for your old one)
Auburn Differential
31 spline axles

Easily an 11 second pump gas street car with all the accessories. If you go to a an engine builder they will sell you everything from a bare block to something you can drop right in and fire up. You gotta pay to play.

Adam
 
Ask some hot rod shops if they recomend a local engine builder. Find the common guy that everyone mentions and go to him for a quote on a rebuild with the parts you want. You may get away with something potentially cheaper than mail order (after shipping costs) considering you can pick the parts you want (i.e. not have to overspend on certain pieces).

I have what amounts to a CHP street fighter 347. After shipping, that's about $2300 from CHP. I paid $2400 but that included a balancer, cut flywheel, MLS head gaskets, and oil pump from a local reputable engine builder. I got it 3 or 4 days after I brough him the stock block. I guess the savings is in the core? Anyway, it's worth a shot to go that route IF the builder is reputable and you feel good about his operation (ask for a tour, he should be more than happy)