Crate Engine(s)

Dynaglide92 · December 18, 2004

I'm looking at repowering my '90 Blazer K5. It's time to repaint and want to change the engine first. The TBI 350 is up to 150k and was a bit 'underpowered' so I've been looking at 383's. The main goal is a lot of torque and reasonable economy.

I prefer to stay with TBI, either a TurboCity rework of my stock or Holley.

There is the HT 383 from GM, which I would prefer. Will this be possible to pass emissions with (or close to it)? Is there too much cam? I like the idea of an all GM engine. There is an intake for this to use TBI.

There is a 'smog legal' aftermarket crate engine but it doesn't have Vortec heads and all GM parts. It does come with an Edelbrock TBI intake. http://www.high-performance-engines.com/spc1.html

This place offers another version with Vortec heads but not all GM. http://www.high-performance-engines.com/spc2.html

I want to keep things as compatible as possible with the vehicle computer and realize I will need a custom chip. Headers aren't my first choice, would 'ram's horn' Corvette manifolds work in my truck? Since this isn't a high RPM/high HP engine, I would like manifolds.

Some other points: gears are 3.73's, trans 700R4, tires 31", electronic speedometer recalibrated.

Has anyone done this before? I hate to reinvent the wheel.

facn8me · December 18, 2004

either one of those sounds pretty good. i would go with the first. As far as stock exhaust manifolds or headers thats a toss up. With a performance engine (flows better than stock. It is just a big air pump after all) you need to get the added exhaust out. I personally dilike headers also but they are a nessacary evil for "more power" exspecially the ealier model cast manifolds. Shorty headers will boost low and mid range tourque better than full lenght but give up where the full lenght start working. You can port your stock manifolds for better flow but there is only so much you can do. If i were addig that particular 383 running a stock computer with a chip I would run shorty headers with a good exhaust sysem and good mufflers. should produce plenty of power and not be to loud in the cab.

on a side not if you do use headers put a set of these onstage8 I have a set on a V8 sblazer with full length hooker headers and have NEVER had to touch them and NEVER had a leak in 30,000 miles so far.

good choice on engines you will be satisfied with the added drivability.