Thread: ENGINE TRANSPLANT???

Originally Posted by Brian Hjelm

Why not e-mail GM Goodwrench Performance Parts in the USA. Aluminium Chev small blocks have been available since the 1960's, initially only to selected clients like Chapparal, but by the 80's were listed in the Performance Parts catalogue and available to all & sundry through the goodwrench dealer network. I used to deal with MacPherson Chevrolet in Irvine, CA. They were the closest performance parts dealer to my shipping agent in Long Beach. I don't know if they still exist. I found a reference to an aluminium 350 bare block, iron sleeves, four bolt mains for 2.45" crankshaft. Part No. 366300. There were at least three types of aluminium heads to suit.

That part no. has been superseded by 10185075. Described as a 350 race block tested to 800 hp. 3.986" rough finish bores. Max bore size 4.15". Numerous aluminium cylinder heads available. The fast burn heads look the goods.

Originally Posted by clubagreenie

The LS1 conversion sounds the goods depending on the costs for the kit.

The abundance of parts available for the chevs is why I avoid them. It's just too easy.

I've found when adding things up that the costs to make a compliant dual fuel 350 is about the same as an LS1, unless you are happy to start with a used 350 motor and don't plan on rebuilding it.

The amount of parts available for both conversions is extensive and very few of them are model specific so there is an economy of scale to be had with many of them.

Originally Posted by Brian Hjelm

That part no. has been superseded by 10185075. Described as a 350 race block tested to 800 hp. 3.986" rough finish bores. Max bore size 4.15". Numerous aluminium cylinder heads available. The fast burn heads look the goods.

You forgot to mention that it costs $5k for a bare block. The same as you can pick up a new crate LS1 for complete...

Originally Posted by isuzurover

You forgot to mention that it costs $5k for a bare block. The same as you can pick up a new crate LS1 for complete...

What's a few dollars if you are building up a top class performer.

Here are a few crate engine options:-

LS1, 350 hp, $6171, no ecu or harness.

LS3 376/480 Hot Cam, 480 hp, $7996, no ecu or harness.

Fast Burn 385, 385 hp, $6954, ready to run turn key engine.

ZZ4, 355 hp, $6154, ready to run turn key engine.

CT525, 525 hp, race engine, $8750, requires carb, starter, ignition controller.

The Fast Burn 385 and the ZZ4 are the best value.

Remember these are manufacturer's recommended retail prices in US$. Some dealers try to charge considerably more. Some are willing to negotiate.

Add to those prices, packing and shipping, duty, gst, customs agent and wharf charges, etc.

Originally Posted by Brian Hjelm

What's a few dollars if you are building up a top class performer....

I am surprised that someone who complains long and hard about the cost of craft ales would say that...

Currently on ebay - ex melbourne!

CHEVROLET CRATE MOTOR LS1 355 5.7 LTR ALLOY ENGINE BRAND NEW LONG HQ HZ SS GEN3
Item condition: Brand New
Time left: 16 days 14 hours (27 Feb, 2013 13:41:59 AEDST)
Price: AU $4,850.00

CHEVROLET CRATE MOTOR LS1 355 5.7 LTR ALLOY ENGINE BRAND NEW LONG HQ HZ SS GEN3 | eBay

Originally Posted by isuzurover

I am surprised that someone who complains long and hard about the cost of craft ales would say that...

Currently on ebay - ex melbourne!

CHEVROLET CRATE MOTOR LS1 355 5.7 LTR ALLOY ENGINE BRAND NEW LONG HQ HZ SS GEN3 | eBay

That is a damn good price. If you wanted one then snap up that one. It is about $3000 less than what it costs to buy one in the USA and land it here in your shed. I wonder what the story is? Bankrupt stock sold off at auction, stalled or failed project, divorce?

In mid-2011 I made enquiries in the USA for an ally small block on behalf of a friend who is restoring an open cockpit sprint car for historic events. Almost a twin of the one I had then. I found that a few of the Goodwrench dealers I contacted wanted to charge a premium over list price up to $2000. Ones prepared to negotiate wanted to know what else we were going to buy first. The size of the final bill was important in determining any discount. I got the impression that there is not a lot of fat in these sales and that some dealers regarded the products as "put up a sign and hope for some extra business". Like many of our country Land Rover dealers in the 70's.

He decided to shelve that project and finish his Miller replica first with the pre-war 255 Offy I found for him. This will be fun. Two wheel mechanical brakes by hand lever and 300+ horsepower from the Offy.

As to my complaining about "boutique" or "craft" beers, I will complain about anything I perceive as a rip off and the grossly overpriced craft beers are a rip off. Most of them taste peculiar and I consider not worth buying let alone at their elevated prices. A very few I would buy again if the prices were lowered to somewhere near the prices of mainstream beers.

That one is only a long motor so not as good a value as you may first think.

Add costs of the inlet manifold, injection system, throttle body, headers etc. and it starts to look decidedly exxy.

Originally Posted by PeterM

That one is only a long motor so not as good a value as you may first think.

Add costs of the inlet manifold, injection system, throttle body, headers etc. and it starts to look decidedly exxy.

No chance of finding a buggered/cooked LS1 at a wrecker to get all those bits off? Surely you would need custom extractors anyway?