PatI80

where can i find an engine for my 1980 camaro that will be in budget and give me the power i want?

maxxman04

depends on your budget and how much power you want. engines can go from a few hundred dollars for a used to a few thousand and more for powerhouses.

PatI80

I was looking for one that would be under two thousand and would be putting out enough power to show off really well. I found one that was putting out 230 hp for two thousand but I didnt know if I could find anything better.

maxxman04

230hp for couple grand is bout on par. 3500 or so can get you a new crate 350 with around 300hp, maybe 325hp. of course, with a few more dollars in bolt on parts, 350hp is easy. if you're not too concerned about how new, you can check your local craigslist. there's options available, and if you can do alot of the work yourself, a strong motor can be built under $3k. not necessarily a race motor, but 300hp is easy.

PatI80

Cool thanks a lot man. That helps a lot.

Terry Neff

To be honest I had my doubts about the pricing of the crate engines thinking it was a lot more.I looked at Jegs on line,Jasper,GMparts direct.

I then looked at Summit and found the following:

http://www.summitracing.com/search/D...s/?Ns=Rank|Asc

I stand corrected in what I was thinking and hope this link helps.

therewolf

Hi Patl80,

Welcome to the Chevy forums.

Under the assumption that budget is your primary consideration,(that's a tough one, when you embrace the Camaro badge) you may want to check around at the local junkyards and auto recyclers to see if you can find a 6.0 Vortec, complete with the transmission still attached, from a fresh wreck. The later models of this engine come with 340+ HP from the factory.

You may save money, get a newer trans, and not have to worry about mating the engine to the original transmission in the process.

PatI80

thanks for responding. thats a great idea. is the vortec one out of a corvette?

PatI80

hey whats up terry. thanks man for responding. were those engines for a camaro? if not do you think that they would fit.

maxxman04

pat, the great thing about gm is that MOST engines will bolt to MOST trannies and bolt right in to most rigs. there are exceptions (front wheel drive cars) but for you, pretty much any v8 will bolt right to your car with the right motor mounts, and will bolt to your tranny (unless you had the 2.8 v6) 283,305,350, even the 454 and bigger big block motors will fit. sounds like your after a mild 350, which will bolt right in place of your existing motor, and bolt right to your trans. you'll be able to use all your existing brackets and accessories too. it's a simple swap.