I would like to purchase a crate engine for my 65 non original daily driver project. I would like to run pump gas, but have a little cam and retain some power. Any suggestions?
Doug 42330
Doug 42330
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Re: The best crate engine for a 65 C2
Doug
Whichever one your wallet can afford. The 330 or 350 hp should be good middle of the road motors. Remember that hp was measured at the crackshaft in the old days, so the new engines are more powerful given the same hp rating. Your local Chevy store has a pretty good mark up on these. Go to www.greenwoodchevy.com to compare pricing.
Terry
Terry -
Re: The best crate engine for a 65 C2
A friend just had a Ramjet 350 installed in his '66. The hood frame did need some cutting to clear the throttle body, but not too radical.
So far, I'm not impressed by how it's running, but it just may need some sorting out.
With what he's experienced so far, I'd recommend sticking with a basic carbureted motor and not deal with the computer controlled EFI.Comment
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Re: The best crate engine for a 65 C2
Doug when I bought my crate engine back in 91 I got the ZZ1, this was the second evolution of the original ZZZ engine. Avialable now is the ZZ4 with changes from the original ZZZ. The ZZ4 is a popular crate engine for Corvettes.
The 350/330 HP GM crate engine is a pretty good engine choice. Back when I bought my ZZ1 GM crate engine this engine was offered with different heads had was a 350/300. Now the GM 350/330 has the vortex heads which increased the HP from 300 to 330. This engine has 380 ft lbs torque and would make a real good engine and would give very good all around performance. Today given the choice between a ZZ4 and a 350/330HP crate engine I would have to decide if the roller cam and alum headed engine would be worth the extra money difference for the difference in HP. I was attracted to the aluminum heads and roller cam of the ZZ crate engines. Both of the current engines have their advantages. Either of the engines will fit in your 65 and use the original exhaust manifolds.Comment
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Re: The best crate engine for a 65 C2
The 350/330 seems a good bang for the buck. The Vortec heads limit intake availability and create hood clearance issues with some carb combos, so check out overall height.Comment
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No one mentioned the 502
This seems to be a bit more common than most think, if you check the cars on eBay.Comment
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