corvette 427 engine - Page 2

ds1 · #11 12-15-2014, 02:22 PM

I just mentioned warranty because I figured some one would throw that out there. Buying a used engine is a leap of faith. All you can go off is instinct and the sellers word. I build my own so I know who to blame and what is in them.

EZ Nova · #12 12-15-2014, 03:08 PM

MOST of the crate-motors are slugs too. I known a few that although they ran "well", they didn't PERFORM well. Everything from the ZZ430 all the way up to the 572/720 motors. Maybe I'm too picky, IDK!!

As for the warranty, well the shop I deal with, they STAND behind there work! EXAMPLE is my 498 1260Hp motor. They built out of used stuff from THERE past. We "tried" something in the oiling system. DIDN'T WORK and hurt it. They went good on ALL labor, rings, bearings, and gaskets, AND custom BME rods. I'm paying for the crank. Not a bad deal on a strictly on the ragged-edge motor that making in excess of 2.5Hp/inch with a cast single to boot. This shop is looking at doing "CRATE STYLE" motors, I believe for about 6K, that will give you a SB, pump-gas with 600Hp.

IF it were me, I would get the 427 if he would knock off some? OR if these guys are right, and you can find a fresh LS-6 for about 5K, grab it. I myself am partial to 3.75/76 stroke motors though.

Smokey · #13 12-15-2014, 06:14 PM

When I was with GM I watched a lot of crate motors get handled and would be happy if I was in those customers shoes when one went south. The thing everyone forgets about is communication. I bought a handful of crate GM stuff and had to use the warranty....once my fault and once GM fault. But when your 1,000 miles from home in a hot rod and your crate motor goes south, you learn who the good Chevy Dealers are and aren't. I was lucky to find Friendly Chev in Dallas Texas. Pulled in on a Thursday and was out on Sat at noon. The time it was my fault was on a 34 month old motor and the rad went south and took out the motor. The dealership still stood behind it as they got paid on it.

**PxTx** · #14 12-15-2014, 06:34 PM

I've heard my share or LS motors with piston slap. Heck, my 496 has had it from new too and I'm reminded of it now the cold mornings are back. Presently, I am with 250k on that 496 and she still runs fine. Though it has held up, I wish it wasn't there. Goes away once things warm up.

I've never bought a crate engine, but this is my experience with production engines GM has put out in the last 10 years. I just feel better assembling myself, or for the real high performance stuff relying on somone I know and trust.

The choice you present is tough, not knowing much about the end user or the car. There are some great 496 packages like the one Eric has in his 67 Chevelle. Something like that could be worth considering, though it's not ideal for everyone.

I tend to be the most satified with choices I arrive at the decision. If things go bad, I own the situation. How does your friend feel about your opinion?

rat tuned · #15 12-15-2014, 07:10 PM

someone bought the motor. It was assembled by a known engine builder with a solid reputation. I'm not a numbers guy or corvette guy. But love the sound of a high winding, solid lifter 427!!

**earntaz** · #16 12-15-2014, 07:46 PM

I know it's not worth a hill of beans to some -- but the 71 Nova I am currently building will get a .030 out 427 including a "rattling" solid lifter cam (close match to the 3863143 L-72/LS-6). I don't think there is anything sweeter than the sound they produce whether at idle or winding up ... TAZ

**x77-69z28** · #17 12-16-2014, 02:42 AM

My CE engine out of my 70Z project is at my engine builder in South Carolina as we speak. He can not believe what a piece of crap it is. It has been off the road since 1978. The short block was not painted at the dealership. It has the wrong cam in it, the wrong size main bearings, mismatched rods and several other anomalies. I don't think a lot of time or effort went int their assembly.
Buddy

the427king · #18 12-16-2014, 02:52 AM

"My CE engine out of my 70Z project is at my engine builder in South Carolina as we speak. He can not believe what a piece of crap it is. It has been off the road since 1978. The short block was not painted at the dealership. It has the wrong cam in it, the wrong size main bearings, mismatched rods and several other anomalies. I don't think a lot of time or effort went int their assembly.
Budd"

Buddy ,have you ever brought an engine to any machine shop and have them tell you how nice it is, and that it wont need much of anything? I know I never heard of that ever happening [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img]

**SuperNovaSS** · #19 12-16-2014, 03:00 AM

I agree Chuck. What exactly was mismatched about the rods?

Jason

**MosportGreen66** · #20 12-16-2014, 03:45 AM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: x77-69z28</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My CE engine out of my 70Z project is at my engine builder in South Carolina as we speak. He can not believe what a piece of crap it is. It has been off the road since 1978. The short block was not painted at the dealership. It has the wrong cam in it, the wrong size main bearings, mismatched rods and several other anomalies. I don't think a lot of time or effort went int their assembly.
Buddy </div></div>

I'm just as shocked that you have an engine builder 1000 miles away when my mechanic (best on Long Island) is about 4 miles from you...

Dan