[Chevelle-list] GMPP crate engines

[John Ziomek]

Hi Folks, 

I was hoping that some folks out here can shed some light on the GMPP crate 
engines. I have decided to stick with a 350 for my 70 Clone and want to use one 
of the 'turn key' motors with the serpentine systems already installed. I'm 
using a small block because after all of the projects that I undertook since 
high school (i'm 42 now!) I finally decided that I wanted a project car that I 
can actually drive to where ever I want to go without loading up the trunk with 
tools and parts, etc...  Plus now that I have been married for almost 10 years, 
and the fact that my wife has 3 gear head brothers and father, I have been put 
on notice that she will 'need' to drive this thing on occasion as well 
considering where that the funds come from the joint checking account now.. :)

Anyways, I am looking at either the 350/355 or the 350/385 'fast burn' with the 
Aluminum heads. The specs on the cam's for these motors suggest a slightly 
lopey idle which is what I would want. Has anyone installed or know of anyone 
who has installed one of these motor's? Are you/they happy? Is the 
performance/reliability everything that was expected? The car will have an M21 
along with a 12bolt with 3.73's. The car will also have to make an annual run 
of about 175 each way every summer. The small blocks are available to me for 
slightly under $5k delivered to my home via the local Chev dealer. The primary 
reason I am sticking with the small block is the price as even the 454/HO when 
all is said and done will come in closer to $10k. The small block turn key 
motors also allow me to re-use the A/C with the included compressor as well. 
You only need to change the 'stock' valve covers, add a fuel line, and your up 
and running. 

So, any and all info, good or bad, etc  would be very much appreciated. I want 
to order one of these next week and get it here for the weekend of July 4th, so 
at least my fellow gear head family members as well as friends can drool over 
it at the picnic we throw on the 4th...

Thanks for your info on this. I really appreciate it. 

John Z from CT.