Anybody have crate motor suggestions?

Have you considered the alternative of buying a good used donor vehicle and swapping the drivetrain over into your truck? Probably a whole lot cheaper in the long run, considering all the other stuff you'll need to complete the project. Just thinking outside the box, err, crate.

 

Mark Jones at Vortecperformance

 

But the GM crate engines are "Made in Mexico"!

All first gen iron small-blocks are cast and machined in Mexico, and have been for the last dozen years or so. There is no remaining small-block tooling in the U.S. since Flint V-8 closed in 1997. The small-block tooling from Tonawanda was transferred to Mexico the same year.

Like I said... Ya never know what yer gonna git!

 

I have not heard good things about Blue Print either.

I have a new GM 350 crate enigne in my hot rod, purchased it this past May. It arrived 3 days after we placed the order, delivery is quick.
We installed the engine and 3 days later I drove it through 3 states to Torque Fest.

It has plenty of power, old skool cast iron heads, so far it runs great as I have about 1,000 miles on it thus far. Here is a link to the engine:
http://www.superchevyperformance.com/350_290HP_Crate_Engine_p/12499529.htm

Everything on this engine was cast in 2012, the block, the pistons, even the bolts.... everything. It's all new and tight and it has a warrenty. This is the route I would go if I were in your shoes.
Here it is after it was painted red and accessories added.

 

10067353, GM crate motor number that I typed into craigslist until I bought one local that was new for $1100. Sold the heads for $275 and am now going to make close, if not over 400hp with some fancy heads and a $50 cam from Summit. Not all rebuilder's are a joke, just most of them. PS - I love mexicans and their food and their engines and their work ethic.

 

Had Good Luck with GM crate motor for my 68 Camaro. Purchased it from my local Chevy dealer. No problems at all, I wouldn't buy anything else.

 

scoggins dickey in lubbock texas got a sbc for my 52 sedan delivery couldnt beat the deal 249 hp msd distr crome dress up kit 600 edelbrk and edelbrk intake 2100.00

 

Awesome! I like the price of the basic GM crate motors, it actually fits the stage in my project better than dishing out $7000 to get a high performance motor.
Right now Im just wanting to get this to a point where I can drive it and enjoy it, I can always upgrade the motor later after I have the bugs worked out of the truck. Thanks for all the suggestions! Anybody have a good place to buy GM crate motors? I know jegs and summit offer them but not sure if theyre the best to get one from.

Also, I need to try to find a good 5 speed to run. Is it smart to dish out the money and buy a performance tansmission in order to handle "later on down the road" horsepower and torque...Such as the TKO-500/600? or just pick up a good rebuilt T-5 or T-56? 5 speeds are uncharted territory for me Ive always dealt with 350 turbos, so not sure what the desirable manual tranmissions are? Thanks again guys!

 

290 HP GM crate from local dealer. $1999.00 Drop it in and go! Works for me.

Isn't it ironic that for as many Chevy haters there are on this forum, it seems like a lot of guys are recommending these! Maybe that's how so many old Fords end with belly buttons.

 

True point. My son swapped a 318 from a dodge ram charger and after selling the shell and the old engine the total net cost was $100. But a fair amount of effort.

Sounds like you are looking for an easier, more reliable option. I'd definitely consider a GM crate motor.

Good luck.