The Edelbrock TPI base is around $400-$450

This motor has worked Vortecs and a better cam for $550 more. 4 bolt main, roller 1 piece RMS

http://high-performance-engines.com/...duct_Code=HP32

Who are they? Stick with a reputable shop or company. The gta will be good for mid 13's easy with a bone stock vortec motor.

I would look in to that. Looks like a 2 year unlimited mile warranty. But I have never heard of ATK before.

Heard of it from thirdgen.org. I'm trying to find reviews because it's a good deal. $550 more and you get 351hp 400tq dyno tested over the Jegs standard L31 short block's 255 hp 330tq

Plus they will change components if you would like.

Very tempting. That's low low 13s in a 3300lb car.

if your car is set up right you should see 13's all day with any vortec combo.

Give them a call. You also never know if they will work with you a little bit on price.

I don't think that Jegs long block with 255hp 330tq would do 13s. That's just about where a stock L98 is.


Jegs customer service replied that the stock flexplate will work fine as will all accesories and ignition. They also said the cast number on the "headers" (I think he meant heads) is 12558060.

I will be calling ATK in a few hours to work on a price, get the head cast number from their motor and see if I can swap a TPI friendly cam with it.

I only found a few reviews for ATK, only one was bad but it was pretty bad:
http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/af...ver-heard.html

ATK said that they can't change cams or change the price on the motors. I saw ads from them to hire engine builders so I'm not really sure why this is...

Anyway, I contacted Carolina Machine Engines, a very reputable company, and they are going to price out a Vortec 350, 4 bolt main, 1 piece rear main seal long block with a TPI friendly cam. I'm also on the hunt for a used Holley Stealth Ram so I don't waste any money on my stock TPI.

Why not call Josh at JS and ask him what he can do for you? He knows TPI stuff very well. If I were building a TPI setup he'd be call #1 for me.

http://www.jsspeedandcustom.com/

I spoke with him and I have him and an engine as one option. I'm looking into this option to see if it's in my budget and what I could get through CME. With Josh, it's "here's my money, do the best job possible" and I am completely fine with that. I'm just looking into this other build to see what alternatives I have because I want to make sure I do this right and exhaust my possibilities. So much damn money...

Well it's looking like I will be doing one of these two options:

#1:
This L31 long block - $2200 (with core charge)

This cam - $426

Valve springs - $246


Option #2:

Carolina Machine Engines rebuilt L98 "high torque version" long block with Vortec heads and LT1 B-body "police package" cam - $2000 (with core charge and upgraded valve springs for heads)


Both have Vortec heads which will require a different intake manifold to keep my TPI:

Vortec TPI Base - $480

This base says it requires Edelbrock Hi-Flo runners - $450

Instead of spending $930 on new Edelbrock TPI conversion parts, I would probably just get a used Vortec HSR for around the same price.

I'm leaning towards the CME option because I will be able to keep the warranty even with the LT1 cam and Vortecs. I'll void the GM warranty when I swap the tiny L31 cam. Everything is still in planning stages though.

Thoughts?

~Matt

Why not shop local machine shops? Might spend a little more but you will get a motor built around what you want.

I would just call Josh for a custom built motor but you could also go with Paul at RPM if you went with the crate motor(he is closer to you and does awesome work).

If you do option number 1 measure the retainer to guide clearance FIRST and then order a camshaft. UPGRADE TO SCREW IN STUDS! Also remember that 1.6 ratio rocker arms need the pushrod holes machined and you can either go with guide plates and normal rockers or just self aligning rockers. Never both.

I have a request in with 3 different shops but so far no one that will be in budget and let me swap it. Promar is who Paul from RPM uses and they have this short block:

http://www.promarperformanceengines....evy-350-CI.asp


And this L31 4 bolt main long block:

http://www.promarengine.com/searchre...tPart=CH350-18

Do you want an 87 octane engine?

Doesn't need to be. I'd run premium gas anyway.

I am just asking since the 9.5:1 compression ratios seem a little low for a performance engine. With a higher static number you would get more out of a bigger cam.

I can't afford anything with more compression. That seems to be the main issue.

If anyone stumbles upon any good L98 motors, even short blocks, let me know. I wouldn't hesitate to take that option and have a running car again.

I'd go with the Pace long block, personally.

How are you planning on returning the core? That may be something to consider if you have to crate it and send it back on your own dime.

I'll likely eat the core and try to sell my knocking short/long block.

And here's the other issue with a local builder. I've been quoted at the lowest, $2200 to rebuild my stock L98 bottom end and have a valve job on the heads. That doesn't include pulling the motor and replacing it.