I need a new engine and rather than building it myself I'm thinking about getting a reman. There are several options but what I'm looking to get is a late model 350 with a roller cam. Should I get a vortec? it seems that it would be the best thing to do for the heads if nothing else. If I do will the accessories work?

The only real problems with the vortec motors is the price difference on parts between it and a TBI setup. On a vortec motor, you're talking 5.99 per spark plug for AC Delco, 20 bucks for a rotor, and about 35 for a distributor cap. The spark plug wires are also quite a bit more expensive. Of course, this set up doesn't need to be replaced as often as the TBI. Vortec motors also take much more fuel pressure, so you'll end up having to most likely change pressure regulator and fuel pump.

You can swap the vortec motor using the GM TBI/Vortec summit I think sells for about $300. Or you could just buy a carb. vortec intake manifold for it. But the limiting factor is the intake bolt pattern as it's different. Most of the reman vortec L31 motors I found were about 1600 bucks at advance auto parts.

whatever you do, don't go to Shucks, Checker or even Napa Auto parts and buy a remanufactured engine from them. yeah, they are cheap but they are also "cheap". You get what you pay for with them.

yeah I was looking at getting a recon l31 from autozone or advance. 1600 is hard to beat and once it is broken in real good I'll swap the cam for a performance grind.

my buddy just got a new goodwrench motor for his 85 blazer and it holds its own... especialy with the holley spreadboard we instaled last night!:smokin:

If you got the money, I would recommend the GMPP 383HT Crate Engine which has 425lb. ft. Torque... If your on a budget, the Goodwrench 350 sells for around $1500-1900, and still has 350lb. ft. Torque, which Torque is needed for offroading... Like the saying goes, "Horsepower Sells Engines, Torque Wins Races"

Please oh! Please do not get a rebuilt motor from NAPA, or a trans for that fact.:mad3: You will regret it. While they may run they don't run well. Spend the extra money to get a GM Goodwrench and then you even have a warranty.

Good Luck
Jesse

yeah I think the goodwrench 350 is the best deal out there...

Please oh! Please do not get a rebuilt motor from NAPA, or a trans for that fact.:mad3: You will regret it. While they may run they don't run well. Spend the extra money to get a GM Goodwrench and then you even have a warranty.

Good Luck
Jesse

X100 on that. Recon motors are the worst ones. All they are are fancy boat anchors.:D