HIPO GM crate engines
 

Does GM test fire/run the crate engines they offer through GM Performance Div? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/dunno.gif

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Re: HIPO GM crate engines
 

-------GM used to start all complete engines on propane, I think. Im not sure if its a practice now or not.........Bill S

Re: HIPO GM crate engines
 

I remember those days, Bill...I'm hoping someone here is informed about current crate engine policy/procedure. I couldn't find anything on the Internet to confirm/deny the process these days.

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Re: HIPO GM crate engines
 

I believe they still do Steve.
Chuck Hanson used to raffle off a complete brand new GM 502 Crate engine at the A.C.E.S Nashville Chevell-Abrations in the past.(He raffles off 1K cash now)
I walked up to look at it,and could see it was clearly fired up at one time.
Chuck had mentioned that it was tested and proved upon delivery.

Re: HIPO GM crate engines
 

I don't like where this thread is going, Steve! Please tell me this isn't in referencet to a certain yellow 'Vert...

Re: HIPO GM crate engines
 

We installed and briefly test fired/ran the new Ram-Jet ZL1 crate engine last Monday in my 69 Chevelle inside the shop...without a load, everything seemed fine. Then, last Friday, we pulled the Chevelle outside the shop under it's own power to set up for a road test mile or two. At high idle RPM while in gear doing a clutch/shift test in the parking lot, we suddenly heard rod noise! We immediately shut it down and yanked the engine to find EVERY rod cap nut was only speed wrench tight [less than 10 TQ] and the mains held less that 45 TQ. The rod/main bearings appear to be the only damage, but with the Memorial Holiday weekend, it'll be Tuesday before new bearings/gaskets arrive for another test run Tuesday evening.

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Re: HIPO GM crate engines
 

That SUCKS! I would make sure GM picks up the tab on that little brain-fart, and the best case scenario would be to just slap in a new short block...but there's probably not another RJZL-1 short block within 500 miles! I wish ya all the luck in the world...

Re: HIPO GM crate engines
 

[ QUOTE ]
...but there's probably not another RJZL-1 short block within 500 miles!

[/ QUOTE ]

especially tough to find in this condition...

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Re: HIPO GM crate engines
 

WoW https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...emlins/eek.gif
That's a cool engine Steve...have you tried looking for another engine yet?

I know that Guaranty Chevrolet in Santa Ana California supplied the engines used in the TV show Overhaulin'. They have a HUGE warehouse for GM performance parts/engines...

Ask for the parts manager Carl Lutes... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif

Guaranty Chevrolet
711 E. 17th Street
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Phone (800) 569-4708
Fax (714) 973-8207

Re: HIPO GM crate engines
 

Steve, you may want to contact a engine builder named Jim Van Gordon out here in southern California. He has had a bunch of experince with going thru these crate motors for people before they get installed. I asked him about a ZL1 motor for my camaro and he told me about some issues that he came accross. His number is 1-909-946-5991. In fact he just got done fitting a 572 in a 69 camaro and it suprised me on the amount of custom fabrication it took to make that motor fit and work in the car.
Mark Sheppard