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CRATE OPPORTUNITIES
GM Performance Parts Makes Plug-and-Play Horsepower a Reality
Author
Stephen K. Anderson
Photos Courtesy of GM Performance Parts
The Appeal of GM Crate Engines
While engine builders are still thriving across the nation, a new generation of enthusiasts has learned that, regardless of what they are looking to build (be it a road car, an all-out racer or something in between), General Motors has created a line of affordable, highly reliable engines that have captured the imaginations of performance enthusiasts everywhere.
Cutting-Edge Technology and Customization
While there will be individuals that will tell you tales about the benefits of having someone hand-assemble a custom engine suited to your specific needs, know that every GM crate engine is built utilizing the latest technology to maximize performance, reliability and affordability. After all, every one of these engines is created by enthusiasts for enthusiasts, people who understand powerplants and how to maximize particular engine packages from the block up.
Extensive Range and Accessibility
While GM Performance Parts also offers an incredibly wide range of individual components, from bearings and fasteners to blocks, heads, cams, manifolds and other related hardware, their crate engine offerings are truly impressive. From the most basic Chevy 350 HO Deluxe to the heart-stopping Chevy 572 big block, it’s as close as your computer or phone. And if you’re looking for a short block (or partial engine as GM puts it), you can order it within minutes online at http://www.gmgoodwrench.com. Or if you’re looking to talk with someone one-on-one, call your local Chevy dealer and discuss your needs with one of their performance specialists.
Performance and Reliability Assurance
And if you’re wondering just how reliable GM crate engines really are, know that each and every one is subjected to a maximum torque and horsepower test for 50 hours in a dynamometer trial that rivals any other engine builder in the industry. And to top that off, every GM Performance Parts crate engine is covered by a 12-month warranty when installed in a streetcar, which underlines the true capability of these packages.
Revolutionizing Automotive Performance
GM Performance Parts crate engines have, in many ways, revolutionized the world of automotive performance upgrades. Today, it’s likely that many of your favorite cars at shows and in magazines have crate engines under their hoods. And when you ask Chevy owners in particular why they’ve taken this path, you’re likely to hear a variety of reasons that can be summed up in the words, “Because they deliver on the promise, period.”
The Power of GM Crate Engines
It’s a promise of absolute reliability and exceptional performance that always lives up to or surpasses the advertised figures. In the end, it all comes down to one thing: While the most creative minds think outside the box, the engines they use to power these leading-edge creations come in a crate from GM Performance Parts.
ZZ383 : 425 HP / 449 LB-FT OF TORQUE
Certainly one of the favorites of late in GM’s crate lineup is the ZZ383 that, in the company’s words, provides “big block-style power from a small-block engine.” This ultimate performer combines aluminum Fast Burn heads and a 383ci stroker small block to produce impressive performance figures. A carefully engineered balance of torque producing bottom-end power and horsepower, inducing Fast Burn cylinder heads, gives the ZZ383 stellar performance statistics.
The heads incorporate 2.00/1.55 valves and specially designed chambers that draw in great amounts of air and fuel, burn the mixture immediately and completely, and produce great amounts of mid-range and high-rpm power. When combined with the 383ci displacement, this is truly an all-around performer.
The ZZ383 makes use of a specially modified engine block and a 3.80-inch stroker crankshaft that is part of a heavy-duty reciprocating assembly incorporating a 4340, nitrided and induction-hardened forged crankshaft spinning heavy-duty powdered metal connecting rods, all of which add up to performance with a capital GM.
When purchasing the ZZ383, you get the power of a big block with the size and weight benefits of an aluminum-headed small block that, with 425 hp and 449 lb-ft of torque, is as capable as any on the market, and for a lot less money than you might anticipate.
FAST BURN 385 : 385 HP / 385 LB-FT OF TORQUE
Available in various levels of completion, from short blocks to turnkeys, the Fast Burn 385 is another capable choice that has been engineered to satisfy the demands of enthusiasts everywhere, with a combination of effective internal components intended to serve enthusiasts with long life and impressive performance. The base engine, pictured here, is delivered with a ZZ4 block fitted with the latest Fast Burn aluminum cylinder heads. Add to this an aluminum dual-plane intake manifold, HEI distributor, cast iron water pump, vibration damper and flexplate. You’ll only need a carburetor, fuel pump, starter and plug wires to get things going.
Finished off with the recommended components, all of which can be ordered from GM, this engine will produce 385 hp and 385 lb-ft of torque starting below 4,000 rpm, and it will live up to those numbers with some very stout internal components. The cast iron four-bolt main block carries a forged steel crankshaft, hypereutectic pistons on forged rods and a steel hydraulic-roller camshaft (0.410-inch lift on the intake and 0.510 inch for the exhaust). And these are just some of the high-end components that will ensure reliability once the right foot gets the fuel and air flowing from the Fast Burn 385 into pure performance.
HT 383 : 435 LB-FT OF TORQUE
While horsepower is certainly desirable at times, there are other occasions when torque is needed more, and the HT 383 (high torque) is all about low-end grunt. When you’re towing a show car or boat with a ’70s or earlier Chevy vehicle, or if you wish to travel into the off-road boonies, and it seems as if more power would ease the strain of hills or passing on the interstate, here’s a choice that delivers when its counts.
The GM HT 383 crate engine was designed by the engineering staff to provide the kind of low-end power that won’t let you down in these situations as it’s packed with the best displacement to make torque from low in the rpm range over the long haul. The GM Performance Parts HT 383 is packed with durable new components that are good for 435 lb-ft of torque up to 4,000 rpm. With this kind of low-end capability, you’ll know this engine has what it takes to ease the load as you flatten any challenge that comes along.
The cask iron block with four-bolt main caps is fitted with a 383ci stroker crankshaft, heavy-duty powdered metal rods and cast aluminum pistons that will hold up under countless hours of heavy use and come away wanting more of the same.
RAM JET 350 : 350 HP / 400 LB-FT OF TORQUE
It’s referred to as restification, and it represents the blending of the best of old and just the right new technology to produce one of the hottest new trends in Chevy power on the market today. The Ram Jet 350 offers Ram Jet fuel injection for an appearance that suits a variety of uses in cars from the ’50s and ’60s, not to mention a wide range of other favored vehicles.
The Ram Jet 350 has a styled intake plenum that feeds a state-of-the-art, electronically controlled port fuel injection system developed by GM to the same standard of any of its production vehicle induction systems. This engine delivers exceptional throttle response and overall performance across the engine rpm range. This has been made possible through the development of a sophisticated, new-generation MEFI 4 controller that incorporates improved electronics and a closed loop capability that, when compared to previous MEFI 3 systems, offers greatly improved all-around drivability.
Mated to a proven 350ci small block combination of components, including a healthy cast iron small block with Vortec cylinder heads, a hydraulic camshaft and 9.4:1 compression, this engine has established itself as one of the prime choices among rodding enthusiasts everywhere. What’s more, the Ram Jet 350 comes complete with a wiring harness and detailed instructions that make installation a snap on 1976 and earlier vehicles originally equipped with a carburetor. With looks out of the past and modern performance, the Ram Jet 350 is a great way to go.
350/290 : 290 HP / 326 LB-FT OF TORQUE
Without question, the best value in the GM crate engine lineup is the 350/290 small block. No other engine in the lineup can deliver the same levels of performance at such a low price. GM Performance believes that all of us should be able to afford a high-quality V-8 without becoming “engine poor.” The 350/290 is just the thing for car enthusiasts who are looking for the best return on their investment.
Besides being an absolute bargain, the GM 350/290 is also a strong performer, delivering 290 hp at 5,100 rpm and 326 lb-ft of torque as low as 3,750 rpm. Needless to say, this is an ideal replacement engine for literally millions of GM vehicles and rodding enthusiasts on a budget. If your old Chevy engine is just about done, this could be the ideal replacement crate engine for you.
To ensure rock-solid reliability, the 350/290 is loaded with a four-bolt main bearing block fitted with aluminum pistons, a hydraulic camshaft and cast iron cylinder heads that were designed with absolute reliability in mind while still producing adequate airflow.
Delivered as a base-level long block, you can add a number of different manifolds, carburetors, ignition systems, starters, balancers and water pumps to create the engine you’ve always wanted at a price most people can only dream of. What’s more, each of these components is available through the GM Performance catalog. With one call or visit to their website, you can get everything you need for low-dollar high performance.
ZZ4 350 TURN-KEY : 355 HP / 405 LB-FT OF TORQUE
The term “turnkey” certainly brings good feelings to mind, and so it is with the GM ZZ4 350 Turn-Key, an aluminum-headed small block that has more horsepower than it does cubic inches and is ready to drop in your car and hit the road. Built with everything needed, from the oil pan to the air cleaner, this rough and ready V-8 has 355 hp at the ready and a whopping 405 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm.
As reliable as it is powerful, it utilizes a forged steel crankshaft to circulate powdered metal connecting rods topped with hypereutectic pistons. A hydraulic camshaft and heavy-duty lifters make the most of aluminum heads fitted with 1.94 intake and 1.50 exhaust valves. What’s more, these Corvette-derived high-performance heads feature high-velocity intake runners and D-shaped exhaust ports to promote efficiency and unobstructed flow into the combustion chambers; this equates to strong horsepower and torque levels across the entire rpm range.
A dual-plane intake manifold topped with a 750cfm Holley 4-bbl provides plenty of go-juice for the HEI ignition system. Add a cast iron water pump, heavy-duty vibration damper and flexplate, along with an accessory drive package, fuel pump, chrome air cleaner kit starter, plug wires and everything else you’ll need to get it started, and there’s good reason to call the ZZ4 350 a “Turn-Key” engine!
LS7 : 505 HP / 470 LB-FT OF TORQUE
It powers one of the hottest cars on the planet, the ’06 Z06 Corvette, and it makes use of more technology than any cam-in-block production engine in the world. And best of all, it comes in a crate. Yep, your can order the amazing LS7 right now at a price that, while not cheap, is far more reasonable than any engine with anything near the same capability.
Matching numbers with many famous big blocks, this cast aluminum six-bolt main 7.0-liter small block is the same size and uses the same mounts as all other LS-series engines. It comes fitted with CNC-ported cylinder heads and 70mm combustion chambers, a forged steel crankshaft, forged titanium connecting rods and valves (2.20-inch intakes and 1.61-inch exhausts), a high-lift hydraulic-roller camshaft, investment cast roller trunnion 1.8-ratio rocker arms (offset intake only), and dry-sump lubrication. Despite maintaining 11:1 compression, the LS7 is also extremely efficient, returning 28 mpg in the Z06 Corvette, and it pulls like a freight train in fast-forward.
Intended for pre-‘77 vehicles or any off-road applications, the only additional equipment needed for installation are a wiring harness and electronic support from an aftermarket ECM for any applications other than an ’06 Z06. Other than that, it’s only the finest engine ever produced by Chevrolet, and it’s certainly on the most-wanted list for any gearhead with a pulse.
ZZ454/440 : 440 HP / 500 LB-FT OF TORQUE
Take the GM Performance 454 HO and swap out the cast iron production heads with a set of oval-port aluminum castings, and you have the ZZ454 that pumps out 440 hp and a thundering 500 lb-ft of torque at just 3,250 rpm. In addition to producing these impressive numbers, this change also chopped 100 lbs off the total engine weight, which provides its own performance gains.
The aluminum heads alone made an additional 15 hp over the cast iron heads, which were fitted with 2.25-inch intake valves and 1.88 exhaust valves. When combined with 110cc combustion chambers, the efficiency of this package is phenomenal. From there, the air/fuel mixture flows over the forged pistons swinging on forged connecting rods and a forged steel crankshaft. Add a four-bolt main Gen-VI steel block, and you have a recipe for success. Other features include a roller camshaft with 0.510/0.540-inch lift specs, and the loping idle tells of the power that’s ready to be unleashed by this tremendous crate engine.
As with every GM Performance crate engine, this assembly makes use of entirely new components, including the water pump, balancer, intake manifold and 14-inch automatic transmission flexplate. All you’ll need to add to the mix is a carburetor, ignition system and starter to complete the package. And from there, it’s all about fun!
ZZ572/720R DELUXE
When you’re talking about the ultimate crate engine, nothing can compare with the GM Performance Parts ZZ572/720R. Based on the ultra-popular ZZ572/620 pump gas street engine, this beast utilizes 12:1-compression forged aluminum pistons riding full-floating wrist pins on shot-peened forged steel rods on a forged steel crankshaft in a cast iron Gen VI tall-deck Bow Tie block special Y designed for the 572-inch application. The mechanical solid-roller camshaft gives 0.714 inch of lift to both the 2.25-inch intake and 1.88-inch stainless steel exhaust valves. These maximize the airflow through the rectangular-port aluminum heads with stiff valve springs to handle the lift of the camshaft.
To provide these internal components with the mixture necessary to unleash its potential, the ZZ572/720R Deluxe ships with a 1,090cfm Demon 4-bbl carburetor fitted to a tall-deck, single-plane intake manifold. An HEI distributor provides the spark through 8mm wires while an aluminum short-type water pump provides the cool fluids. As expected, all of this specialized hardware produces an amazing 720 hp at 6,250 rpm and an equally impressive 685 lb-ft of torque from 3,500 rpm to nearly 5,000 rpm, and never less than 500 lb-ft.
When you add the special bright orange detailing on those 572 Chevrolet valve covers, the block itself and other trim pieces (like the chrome breathers and bright aluminum heads, manifold and other components), everything about this amazing big block underlines this engine’s dominating presence. There’s no question, there’s nothing else like it!
RAM JET 502 : 502 HP / 565 LB-FT OF TORQUE
While far tamer than its bigger brother, the ZZ572/720R Deluxe, and easily one of the most popular big-block engines of all time, the GM Performance Parts Ram Jet 502 a marvel of crate engine availability, with over 500 horses and 565 lb-ft of torque developed between the cast iron four-bolt block and the oval-port aluminum heads. These particular heavy breathers utilize oval ports and 110cc chambers filled with 2.25 and 1.88 just like the 720R, but this street-based thumper runs on 92-octane pump gas. What’s more, with its Ram Jet intake system, its torque band is spread across a wide rpm range for improved efficiency and a look that is hard to beat, even though it is only a half-inch taller than the standard high-rise/carburetor combination.
Worthy internals ensure longevity, including a forged steel crankshaft and forged steel shot-peened rods joined by forged aluminum pistons. The hydraulic-roller camshaft lifts the intake valves 0.527 inch and the exhausts 0.544 inch, allowing maximum mixture levels into the cylinders before an HEI-type ignition system lights the load all the way to 5,800 rpm.
As one might imagine, this is an ideal power source for a ’55-’57 Chevy or any other classic Chevy that requires more than a little push into the modern age. All you need is a set of exhaust manifolds, fuel feed and return line, coolant and 12 volts of juice to spin the starter and get things moving.
454 HO : 425 HP / 500 LB-FT OF TORQUE
While it might be hard to imagine, GM Performance Parts offers big-block power for a lot less than you might think. Take their 454 HO, for instance, which is assembled with entirely new components (not remanufactured) that are governed by the same warranty and endure the same 50-hour testing procedure. To do some testing of your own, all you’ll need is a carburetor, starter, distributor, fuel pump and ignition system to set everything off.
Beyond its obvious reliability benefits, this big block puts out a serious 425 hp and a very linear 500 lb-ft of torque starting as low as 3,250 rpm when fitted with the appropriate carburetor and ignition system. Intended for pre-1977 street vehicles or just about any off-road application within your imagination, these engines provide enthusiasts with an affordable way to power up their favorite rides.
The cast iron block is joined with forged steel cylinder heads breathing through 2.19-inch intake and 1.88-inch exhaust valves set in 118cc chambers. A hydraulic-roller camshaft raises those intakes 0.510 inch at 211 degrees of duration and the exhaust side 0.540 inch at 230 degrees. Add forged steel rods and forged aluminum pistons, and the makings for a true performance engine are in place.
While there are more powerful engines in the GM Performance lineup, there’s no question that the 454 HO is one of the best choices for those looking to stretch their bucks and lay down some rubber.
502 HO : 450 HP / 550 LB-FT OF TORQUE
If the 454 HO doesn’t quite do it for you, consider stepping up a bit higher to the 502 HO from GMPP. Similar in many respects to its slightly smaller brother, this engine has even more motivation (450 hp and 550 lb-ft of torque) within a similar power band.
Once again, a cast iron block with four-bolt mains has been utilized, along with iron rectangular-port cylinder heads with 118cc chambers and 2.19/1.88 intake and exhaust valves, respectively. A higher lift cam with a 0.510-inch rise on the intake side and 0.549 inch for the exhaust does a lot for good breathing, which comes by way of an aluminum dual-plane intake manifold that is ready for any one of several carburetors suited for this engine. You’ll also need to choose your favorite ignition system to get the air/fuel mixture to light, along with a fuel pump and starter.
Other functional details include a cast iron water pump, 6-quart oil pan with a windage tray, heavy-duty vibration damper and 14-inch flexplate, all of which are built with the same devotion to quality found in every one of the components in the GM Performance Parts catalog. Add the rock-solid reliability of this engine and its affordable price, and you can rest assured that this is an ideal choice for people looking for the best deal.
4.6-LITER NORTHSTAR V-8 VVT: 320 HP / 310 LB-FT OF TORQUE
Considered the Cadillac of crate engines, the 4.6-liter Northstar V-8 VVT is just that. It’s the same engine used to power both the Cadillac XLR sports car as well as other vehicles in Caddy’s lineup. This all-aluminum, dual-overhead camshaft engine breathes through four-valve cylinder heads to maximize the output of its relatively small displacement. Nevertheless, it produces a respectable 320 hp and nearly as much torque across a broad rpm range.
Employing variable valve timing (VVT), this engine also returns great economy at any engine speed while its low-restriction intake manifold and special cylinder heads benefit from the electronically controlled throttle body fuel injection system.
This unique crate engine comes complete with exhaust manifolds, fuel rails, injectors and a water pump. This all-new engine has proven to be a great alternative to other popular GM engines in the world of high-performance rods, customs and even some muscle cars. And if you think it looks good stock, imagine what the right kind of detailing could do for this highly developed Cadillac engine. It’s innovative, powerful and has the potential to bring your automotive fantasies alive. Oh, and just so you know, the 4.6-liter Northstar V-8 VVT is covered by the same warranty as every other engine in the GM Performance Parts catalog.
3800 SERIES III SUPERCHARGED : 260 HP/ 280 LB-FT OF TORQUE
While most car enthusiasts think of V-8 engines as a must in their performance car, new alternatives are being considered lately due to the rising fuel costs, which, while leveling off at the present, are sure to rise once oil companies think they can revive record profits. The GM Performance Parts catalog is filled with all kinds of special crate engines, and one of the most highly developed of them all is the 3800 Series III Supercharged V-6. This is the most powerful V-6 engine in the lineup, and it has more than adequate motivation for a wide range of vehicles, from street rods to whatever you’re looking to build.
Thanks to its Gen-V supercharger technology, which results in part from GM’s Indy car development, this sequentially injected engine develops impressive torque figures, with 200 lb-ft of torque beginning just off idle at 1,000 rpm. What’s more, it climbs to its peak of 290 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm and never drops below 200 all the way to its 7,000-rpm redline. Horsepower numbers are impressive as well, with a peak of 260 at 5,400 rpm, which is nothing short of impressive from an engine that returns impressive efficiency and bulletproof reliability.
While detractors might say that real hot rods need a V-8, chances are that when they see how well this engine rockets your ride down the highway, most will forget their claims and consider following in the tracks of this compact and potent power source.
ECOTEC 2.0-LITER SUPERCHARGED : 205 HP / 200 LB-FT OF TORQUE
While originally intended for GM’s compact car lineup, the Ecotec inline four-cylinder has proven to be as potent by the pound as any engine in the GM Performance Parts catalog. Forcing out 205 hp from just 2 liters (122 ci) in stock form, this crate engine has already made a name for itself, as have reworked versions that are capturing records at dragstrips and dry lakes across the nation.
Fitted with a Roots-type supercharger and stout internals that are up to the loads created above, this is definitely the little engine that could. Its cast aluminum block and cylinder head, along with other lightweight components, keep its weight extremely low, and as we all know, weight eats horsepower.
Thanks to a sequential-port fuel injection system, this engine is not only powerful, it’s also very efficient, returning surprisingly high mileage when in the cruise mode. However, when the pedal is down, it’s horsepower that determines the mileage. Then again, when you take into consideration Ecotec’s 2.0 Supercharged engine and the power it pulls up on command, not to mention its diminutive dimensions, rodding enthusiasts everywhere will be considering ways to bring this engine into the fold of innovative ways to set their cars apart.
CIRCLE TRACK 350/350 : 350 HP / 390 LB-FT OF TORQUE
Not all of the engines in the GM Performance Parts crate engine lineup are designed for the street, as can be witnessed from the legions of circle track racers who depend upon the Circle Track 350/350 weekend after weekend. These well-priced and factory-sealed bulletproof 350hp V-8s belt out 390 lb-ft of torque that pulls hard out of the corners and down the straights lap after lap, race after race.
Based on GM Performance Parts’ popular 350 HO engine, the Circle Track 350/350 utilizes a brand-new four-bolt main block with a nodular iron crankshaft rotating powdered metal rods and hypereutectic aluminum 9:1 pistons beneath a set of GM iron Vortec cylinder heads capped with a high-rise, dual-plane intake manifold. The 350 HO’s dual-pattern cam is included, too, and is the same one found in ’65-’67 Corvette 327 engines, but it has more lift and duration to clear the engine exhaust quickly and move in more air, which translates to excellent mid- and high-range power, which is exactly what’s needed on the track.
To keep the oil flowing, these engines are also fitted with an 8-quart kick-out circle track oil pan, valve cover-mounted breathers, special “kool nut” rocker nut design and loads of other special features needed in a competitive racecar. From there, it’s up to you!
CIRCLE TRACK 350/355 : 355 HP / 405 LB-FT OF TORQUE
Another hot member of the GM Performance Parts racing family is the Circle Track 350/355, pumping out 355 horses and a healthy 405 lb-ft of torque that is capable of keeping competitors in the mirrors. This is due, in part, to the combination of technologies utilized in the ZZ4 street crate engine based around a cast iron four-bolt main block joined with ZZ4 aluminum heads. These are fitted with 1.94-inch intakes and 1.50-inch exhaust valves that allow for tremendous power levels, thanks to a special 58mm chamber design.
Other special features include a steel hydraulic-roller camshaft and hypereutectic aluminum pistons with a 10:1 compression ratio that allows this engine to run reliably on 92-octane pump gas. An open-plenum, high-rise intake manifold promotes excellent breathing, as do the 1.5:1-ratio aluminum roller rocker arms actuating 1.94-inch intake and 1.50-inch exhaust valves.
Along with the valve cover breather kit and “kool nut” rocker arms, these engines come fitted with an 8-quart circle track oil pan with a dual kick-out design to handle the oil storage. Add all of these features together, and it’s no wonder that this factory-sealed engine is so effective in providing racers with the performance it takes to compete and win without worrying about reliability and costs as these engines are well within most budgets. If you like to win, then this is one GM Performance engine to consider.
CIRCLE TRACK 350/400 : 400 HP / 400 LB-FT OF TORQUE
The strongest race engine in the GM Performance Parts catalog is its Circle Track 350/400, a powerplant that’s easily capable of winning races thanks to its highly reliable and potent combination of internal components. Factory-sealed, these brand-new engines are also based on the poplar Fast Burn 385hp street crate engines and feature many of the same hardware as their 355hp brethren. They, too, come complete with an 8-quart circle track oil ban and feature a dual kick-out design, along with a valve cover breather kit and special “kool nut” rocker arms design. This assembly also includes an open-plenum, high-rise intake manifold and 1.5:1-ratio aluminum roller rocker arms.
As expected, the Circle Track 350/400 offers bulletproof performance that remains strong over the long run, returning 400 hp and equal amounts of torque. Anchored by a forged steel crankshaft and hypereutectic pistons, it breathes easily through 23-degree Fast Burn aluminum heads that enable exceptional power thanks to their unique chamber design that quickly and completely burns all of the air/fuel mixture to provide maximum power all of the time.
Like every GM Performance crate engine, the Circle Track 350/400 is rigorously dyno-tested prior to delivery, ensuring that it will perform at the track just as advertised. And because it has been fitted with high-revving matched components, it has the potential to stay ahead of the competition time and time again.
ARTICLE SOURCES
Gandrud Chevrolet
919 Auto Plaza Dr.
Green Bay, WI 54302
888.284.7491