Thread: SBC Crate Motor

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Hey Guys,

I will be putting in a SBC in my project soon and I wanted to get everyone’s opinion. I am planning on buying a “Crate Motor”, definitely a SBC. I used an old 350 engine block to mock everything in place. Considering I want 350-400 HP and I still want to get good enough mileage to drive everyday, what are some good options? Any thoughts on carb vs. FI? I have looked at the Ram Jet 350, but I have not heard enough about it. Are there any other FI options? What is the word on Strokers? Will it bolt in place using the motor mounts I used for the Mock up? Any contributions would greatly be appreciated.

Thanks for your help!

Brian Hix

I think the best Crate engine that would suit your needs is the GM performance parts 350 HO Deluxe crate engine, it's not the full 350 HP minimum you listed but 330 HP, still should provide adaquate MPG and it is 3,495.95. yes the motor mounts will work. I don't know of any other FI crate engine. Probably with a diffrent cam and valvetrain upgrades to match, that 350 HO deluxe would probably touch 350 HP

The Ram Jet is suppose to put out an honest 350 HP. GM also has the Fastburn 385. This is supposed to be 385 HP out of the crate, but with the recommended camshaft and rockers (additional items sold seperately) the engine is suppose to give 430 HP. I believe this engine is carbed but without the carb. I was looking at this engine before deciding on an LS1.

If you want all of your criteria met the Ram Jet is the one. Quite a bit more money than the ZZ, but more complete too, and with a relatively simple computer. You will have more expense in the fuel system to support it. All that I've heard has been rave reviews for drivability, economy, and power. It has the same mounts as the block you mocked with. If you get into the LS engines, then you'll run into having to change mounts again.

Along with the motor mount change, an LS series engines accessories are wider along the bottom of the engine. Not real good with narrow frame rails without changing the brackets and pulleys. Bob is absolutely correct about the Ram Jet. This looks like a great package!

Well you guys are helping to convince me the Ram Jet might be the best fit. Anyone have an idea comparable mileage Ram jet vs. 350 HO Carb engine. I would think the FI of the Ram Jet would be better but I'm not too sure. I would really like to talk some people who are running the Ram Jet, and I would love to hear one run. I will have to start attending some Hot Rod show or something. I have also heard that changing to a closed loop helps with economy. Here is the link to the company that makes it:

http://www.azspeed-marine.com/azspeed/ramjet350.html

Anyone heard if this is worth the money, and if it works well?

Thanks!

Brian Hix

Brian, mileage, in hot rod terms, is variable to the car the engine is in. Unless you find someone running the exact combination you plan to run, mileage figuires are worthless. A '55 Chevy with a Ram Jet will not get the mileage a Duece with a ZZ4 and a carb simply from a weight stand point (and aerodynamic for that matter). A computer controlled engine, all things being equal, will get better mileage than a carburated engine. Will the close loop system increase your mileage and performance? Yes, but will the mileage make up for the cost driven on a part time basis? Over time yes, but the time will vary by the amount the vehicle is driven.

Oh, and check the pricing with your local GM dealer. Many will cut an extremely good deal on crate engines. Shop around, especially with dealers that have a performance reputation (i.e., dealers that like selling Corvettes).

And in agreement with Swif, the carbed version is more prone to how heavy your foot is. The Arizona boys have a great reputation, and their products I've seen are very high quality, but as the man said, the payback will be longer the larger the up front cost, even with the somewhat better performance of a fully sensored, closed loop system. If you can afford it though, it's the best of all worlds in today's technology.