GM CT350 Crate Engine?

[Steve84EC]

I have been looking for a new engine for the el camino. Was looking at gm crate engines...
anyone have any experience with the circle track 350? looking to put into street car though. My friend works at local dealer so i get discount...any opinions on this engine?

Circle Track 350 Tech Specs:
Part Number: 88958602
Engine Type: Chevy small-block V8
Displacement (cu in): 350
Bore x stroke (in): 4.00 x 3.48
Block (P/N 10105123): Cast iron with 4-bolt main caps
Crankshaft (P/N 14088526): Nodular iron
Connecting rods (P/N 10108633): Powdered metal steel
Pistons (P/N 12514101): Hypereutectic aluminum
Camshaft type (P/N 24502476): Hydraulic flat tappet
Camshaft lift (in): .435 intake/.460 exhaust
Camshaft duration (@ .050 in): 212° intake/222° exhaust
Cylinder heads (P/N 12558060): Vortec iron; 64cc chambers
Valve size (in): 1.94 intake/1.50 exhaust
Compression ratio: 9.1:1
Rocker arms (P/N 10089648): Stamped steel
Rock arm ratio: 1.5:1
Recommended fuel: 92 octane
Maximum recommended rpm: 5500

 

[bowtie81]

my buddy had that same motor in his truck with a b&m 162 blower on it, beat the shyte out of it and its still running with no problems. I have the blower now though.
How much for the motor?

 

[Steve84EC]

should be able to get it for 3 with everything except carb/start/water pump, which i already have.

 

[Steve84EC]

also, the oil pan that comes with it should fit with no problem right?


8-quart single kick-out circle track oil pan

 

[cutlass389]

My understanding of this is it is identical to the 350 HO except it has different rocker nuts that allow it to run a bit cooler. The real difference is that the circle track motors are sealed at the timing cover, heads, and oil pan to prevent you from "tampering" with the internals because they are "spec" class motors.

 

[Steve84EC]

okay, so it is any better then the regular ho motor? i could pick one of them up for 2600, but would need to get new intake manifold and distributor anyways so that would put the price up a bit

 

[cutlass389]

I'm certain they are identical. But for some reason they rate the circle version at 5 hp more. boring.gif Check the specs of both and you'll see. I think the CT has valve cover breathers that are biased to the left for better oil control because of continual hard left turns.

 

[Steve84EC]

look close to me too, one is rated 350 the other 330? strange. well i'm gonna get the ct one because it comes with more
thanks

 

[racecar77]

Why would you not just ask the dealer that you are buying it from? I'm sure they can find out what the difference between the two are.

 

[Steve84EC]

they are tested with different carbs from my understanding....only other difference is its sealed, comes with intake/dist/better oil pan and valve covers. everything else is the same, heads/cam/pistons what not