Crate or Rebuild?

I am having difficulty deciding whether to rebuild my lt1 or to buy a crate engine. I want to maximize the amount of power I can get out of it. Right now my T/A sits, I have blow by and the engine will not start, I think it my be something in the ignition. Please help.


R/

From what I have found it is getting very diffuct to find a crate LT1. LS1 are much easier to come by. If I was you I would go for the rebuild and put the parts in that you want.

I agree, go for the rebuild with the parts you want, if i may reccomend, i suggest considering an lt4 conversion along with the rebuild: LT4 Hot Cam Kit - LT4 Intake Manifold - Bow Tie Roller Rockers - LT4 Cylinder Heads - & all necessary Gaskets. The kit costs about 2300 and will put you up to at least 425hp. Then if you replace your fuel system also, and throw on headers and full exhaust....you'll be talkin about 475hp AT LEAST....just my :2cents:

Do some research, and I guearantee that if you spend the same amount of money you would spend on a crate motor, you could rebuild yours to absolutly scream. plus, rebuilding it allows you to match precisely the parts you want, and you can decide if you need to add some extra money to allow for later mods (ie, forged con rods/pistons, high lift cam, roller rockers, etc)

Well, as a professional engine builder, I must agree with most of what's been said about building what you have.
Something not commonly known about "crate" engines is that they are nothing special. The factory stuff is strictly production line. The first thing you do to a Chevy motor when you go racin' is to tear it down and "blueprint" it. Why would a crate motor be any different?
There was an incident here, locally, not long ago, when a smart (self-proclaimed) man bought a 502 horse 502. He wanted a bigger cam, so he took it to a race shop. Once all was said and done, and the block and crank were truly "straight", his $7,000 engine cost him nearly $14,000!
A good engine builder can ALWAYS extract more, and taylor better, for your money.