In a world filled with high-dollar, no-expense-spared car builds, crate engines and billet wheels, it’s great to see that there are still options for the average enthusiast who is on a tight budget. Because more often than not, musclecar guys have plenty of other things to worry about than whether or not their classic is rolling on the highest-budget wheels, packing the latest and greatest powerplant or if they have a big-name 4-link out back.
Chevrolet Performance has an array of crate engines available for just about every budget – from the grassroots enthusiast to the high-end racer. A perfect example would be the 350 ci., 290 hp small-block Chevy that’s showcased in this video from our friends over at Pace Performance! Packing a lot of modest but high-quality hardware from GM, it lends itself as the perfect platform to build upon.
With a hydraulic flat-tappet camshaft speccing in at a .450 intake/.460 exhaust lift and a 222/222 duration, it provides the perfect balance of street ability, drivability and reliability to its customers. You can also get away with running 87-octane, since its a lower-compression application with 8.0:1. Being a 350, there’s plenty of room for improvement in the
It’s essentially a higher-performance option for those vehicles that had left the factory with meager, low-performaing 305ci. and 350ci. engine from the factory. It’s also a great alternative for the 6-cylinder F-body, A-body or B-body owner who wants to replace their tires old engine with something fresh without breaking the bank. We’ve seen a lot of street rod guys use these as well.
If you have a moment, and own a GM ride that’s in need of a budget-friendly alternative to the engine (or lack thereof) of what you’re relying on now, check out the 350/290 from Chevrolet Performance!
Rick Seitz is the owner and founder of AutoCentric Media, the parent company to Timeless Muscle Magazine, and has a true love and passion for all vehicles. When he isn’t tuning, testing, or competing with the magazine’s current crop of project vehicles, he’s busy tinkering and planning the next round modifications for his own cars.
