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350 engine questions

1K views 8 replies 3 participants last post by  Zartan 
#1 ·
Pardon my ignorance and/ or naiivete, but i've got a couple questions that i've gotten several different answers to, so i've decided to come to the real "answer place".

here we go:
1. what is and how good are GM Goodwrench (CR) crate engines?

2.Are all Goodwrench engines -350- 4-bolt mains?

3.IF i want to rebuild one and reap @ 300-325 hp, does it have to be a 4-bolt main, or am i pushing it on a 2-bolt?

4.Can a 2-bolt be made to a 4-bolt and would you want to?

5. i have a 4-bolt main, am i too obsessed w/ this minor detail?

6. i was told a quadrajet carb isnt as reliable as a simple holley 600cfm?

7. if i'm cleaning an engine by myself, what is the best product to get it clean?

thx
frank
 
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#3 ·
Most GM crate engines I`ve seen are 4 bolt blocks. however, this isn`t important in the horsepower level your looking to acheive. 2 bolt blocks can support up to 500 horsepower. the GM targetmaster engine line is made in mexico, and some haven`t had real good use out of them, some have, the problem being some are crack prone from the use of poor material. several aftermarket companies like American Speed have crate engines also, and some of them are 2 bolt blocks. yes a 2 bolt block can be made to a 4 bolt, but it`s expensive after you round up new main caps and have the block align honed and machined to fit the new caps.
A carb is a simple device and it`s job is to monitor and flow the desired air / fuel ratio per the engines demands. Quadrajet carbs are just fine, most avoid them simply because they don`t understand them, but they work the same as any other carb. they have small primaries for great low end cruise and economy and huge secondary`s when top end flow is needed. Most Holley`s are square bore, meaning the primaries and secondary`s are the same size, but Holley also makes Spread bore carbs. a Holley, like a Quadrajet, has it down sides just as all carbs do, but both work just fine. a Holley is easier to tune, and easier for the beginner to work on and maintain.
 
#4 ·
I agree with DoubleVision on pretty much everything he says, and thank him for saving me having to type a lot of it. :p

My only concern is with a Holley carb on a new engine set up. If the timing has issues and you backfire the Holley you're facing having to replace the power valve in it. And if you're unaware of this potential problem you can waste a lot of time trying to hunt down a problem. That's purely my opinion though.
 
#5 ·
thx !
being tha this is my first time, i'm getting worried that i bought a hunk of junk!
i paid $200 for the engine from the salvage yd and dont need a cracked block! but, it's too late--i own it now and am going to tear it down and go at it.
maybe i should just rebuild this one for learning, then sell it for what i put into it (is this realistic?) and then buy a "good" engine to rebuild for my camaro project i'm still looking for?

the original idea was to learn by doing, but then put it into a car and enjoy!
any comments on that?

btw, you guys are great with your insight..thx!
 
#6 ·
Kevin45 posted this article to a thread about rebuilding an engine a while back. It's for a Ford, but will give you an idea of what you're getting yourself into.

http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/116_0111_build/

I'd also recommend going down to the local bookstore, or even the library and checking out some books on rebuilding an engine and read through them before starting. That way everything doesn't look and feel like an alien landscape when you start.

Buying is better because then you can keep the book handy and get it greasy in the garage. (The library doesn't like it too much when they come back covered in sludge.)
 
#7 ·
thx.
i've already bought and pre-rread chiltons SB chevy guide, also "how to rebuild your SB chevy engine",
as well a s a video of rebuilding for performance (stock to 500 hp).
i agree, w/o reading it first, i wouldnt know where to start.
i'm learning a little more each day, and am ready now to tear it down. we'll see how it goes and if i can do it or not or if it keeps my interest when it get's monotonous and real technical.

thx for the link!
 
#8 ·
I should go ahead and say this. I wasn`t saying Target Master engines are bad engines, these were made with old style heavy duty parts. Some people had problems with them, some didn`t. as far as cracking goes, I don`t let it worry me any. because if a blocks gonna crack, it`s gonna crack regardless. is why i say have it magnafluxed, if it`s not cracked run it.
 
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