Conflicted on engine choices

Ty. · Oct 24, 2012

Kickin' around my options. I can run a stock 2000 Vortec V-6 that I already have on an engine stand in the shop, (minus a 250 dollar 4 barrel intake), or I can pick this older 86 engine up, http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/pts/3362786098.html and take my chances on an engine that this guy says runs great. He is guessing 250-275 h.p. vs my stock one that is prob 190 or so. Either way it will be running on propane.

Just not sure if I wanna spend the money on an older engine that I can't hear run.

---Or one of you can beat me to it.--:corn:

Maverick · Oct 24, 2012

The add says you can hear it run.

Ty. · Oct 24, 2012

Maverick said:
The add says you can hear it run.

He just pulled it out of the vehicle last night.:mad:

Maverick · Oct 24, 2012

Well I got burned once so my rule is if I can't hear it I don't buy it. No matter how good the deal may seem.

Ty. · Oct 24, 2012

Maverick said:
Well I got burned once so my rule is if I can't hear it I don't buy it. No matter how good the deal may seem.

I hear ya. That is the main reason I am so hesitant.

I can always build up my Vortec later if I think I really need more power. The only benefit to the older engine that I can think of other than this one SUPPOSEDLY being built up, and whatnot is the fact that it is one inch shorter height wise,(due to the oil pan steel vs newer required aluminum) so I wouldn't have to modify my engine cage, but now I'm splitting hairs, because that isn't a good reason to decide one way or another.

Poohbair · Oct 25, 2012

I would buy the built one, but I like to gamble on **** and try to assume that people aren't complete dirtbags. I has worked out for me more than it has ****ed me. Going to look at a $100 truck in the morning :)

skinny_pedal · Oct 25, 2012

I bought my last engine from the wrecking yard. Came with a 90 day warranty. Couldn't hear it run. Been a great engine

Ty. · Oct 25, 2012

Poohbair said:
I would buy the built one, but I like to gamble on **** and try to assume that people aren't complete dirtbags. I has worked out for me more than it has ****ed me. Going to look at a $100 truck in the morning :)

skinny_pedal said:
I bought my last engine from the wrecking yard. Came with a 90 day warranty. Couldn't hear it run. Been a great engine

.... and the scales begin to tip. To late tonight anyhow, I guess I'll sleep on it.

Poohbair · Oct 25, 2012

Ty. said:
.... and the scales begin to tip. To late tonight anyhow, I guess I'll sleep on it.

What is the WORST case scenario ...? You spend 650 for a 250 intake, and have lots of other spare parts ?.. That is worth the risk in my opinion .. 400 is a lot of money, but if it is going to ruin your life .. Then neither option should be an option

crash2 · Oct 25, 2012

Vortec all the way.....

What are the specs on that CL motor?

TrikeKid · Oct 25, 2012

Poohbair said:
I would buy the built one, but I like to gamble on **** and try to assume that people aren't complete dirtbags. I has worked out for me more than it has ****ed me. Going to look at a $100 truck in the morning :)

A 100 dollar truck is hardly a gamble, even though metal prices suck right now you can still get your money back for scrap.

Ty. · Oct 25, 2012

Poohbair said:
What is the WORST case scenario ...? You spend 650 for a 250 intake, and have lots of other spare parts ?.. That is worth the risk in my opinion .. 400 is a lot of money, but if it is going to ruin your life .. Then neither option should be an option

Yeah, at first I was thinking if I didn't us the motor I could sell it, or scrap it, and keep the $250 intake manifold, but then I remembered that the older engines manifolds don't bolt up to 89, and later engines.

crash said:
Vortec all the way.....

What are the specs on that CL motor?

My kid called on it before I did, and he told me that the guy said it had forged pistons, and whatever else is listed in the add. He guessed at the horsepower by how it felt when he did a burn out.... Doesn't sound very scientific:scratchhead:

Poohbair · Oct 25, 2012

Ty. said:
Yeah, at first I was thinking if I didn't us the motor I could sell it, or scrap it, and keep the $250 intake manifold, but then I remembered that the older engines manifolds don't bolt up to 89, and later

gay..........

Poohbair · Oct 25, 2012

TrikeKid said:
A 100 dollar truck is hardly a gamble, even though metal prices suck right now you can still get your money back for scrap.

I just hope the doors are clean and I will be happy

CHOP SHOP · Oct 25, 2012

I would pick the SBC.

Ty. · Oct 25, 2012

CHOP SHOP said:
I would pick the SBC.

Next rig fer sure.

Ty. · Oct 26, 2012

Well yesterday was my kids 16th birthday.

Today he takes his birthday money, and buys a 427 for his truck.

I think he has me beat no matter what I do.

Ty. · Nov 3, 2012

So I figured that I'd run the Voetec V-6 that I had. It is all put together on the stand. It was late last night. Hanging out with my kid, and one of his gearhead friends. Were bored and the kids are like lets see hoe that 427 looks in the buggy. Of course nobody grabs a tape. optimism, and adrenaline take over, and within minutes we are trying to stuff this monster in. It doesn't fit. So we set it down. We look back and forth from the big block to thr little V-6. Then his other engine catches our eye, I know it will fit, but it is all torn down right now so putting the block in won't tell me much anyway. Of course the kids start telling mehow I need to run a V-8.

----So here I am conflicted again----kind of

I am pretty sure I cannot be swayed in my decision to run my V-6.. But am I crazy? I'll have a Turbo 350, an Atlas t-case, and 14 bolts front, and rear. 4.3 Atlas 5:38 ring and pinion turning 43 inch tires.

I am confirming my order with Advanced Adapters on Monday for the 4.3:1 t-case. if for some reason between now and then I decide to go with a v-8 then I'll be going to the 3.8:1 Atlas instead.

Would I hate the 4.3:1 Atlas with a V-8, if Someday I throw a V-8 in the buggy?