We recently spent some time with Chevrolet at the 2019 SEMA Show, and unsurprisingly, the Bow Tie brand had loads of crate engines on display. It makes sense – after all, these lumps-of-go are used extensively in a countless number of builds and project cars, which is exactly the sort of thing you’d expect to see at SEMA. We also learned what the most popular GM crate engines are.
As it stands, the most popular GM Crate motor is the Chevy 350 Small Block. That ever-popular mill is followed by the 6.2L V8 LS3, according to several GM Performance managers in attendance at the 2019 SEMA Show.
It should come as no surprise that the 350 takes the title of most popular when it comes to GM crate engines. First appearing in 1967 as the high-performance L48 option for the Chevrolet Camaro, the 350 is basically a 327 with a longer stroke, producing around 295 horsepower. The 350 was subsequently offered in the Chevrolet Nova in 1968, and by 1969, it made its way across the Chevrolet lineup, with the exception of the Chevrolet Van and Corvair. The van would get it in 1970.
A huge number of variants of the Chevy 350 would follow, with production in factory cars lasting until 2002. And while the 350 is an absolute legend among tuners and speed freaks, the LS3 has also made a name for itself in the pantheon of great GM crate engines.
GM 6.2L V8 LS3 Engine
Offered as a direct descendent of the original Small Block, the LS3 hit the scene as the base engine for the Chevrolet Corvette in 2008, throwing down 430 horsepower and 424 pound-feet of torque. Now, much like the popular “put a 350 in it” of yesteryear, the LS swap has become the go-to performance upgrade for everyone from drifters, to drag racers and road racers.
The GM Performance reps at SEMA also clued us in on a few other details on the popular GM crate engines, saying that making the jump from LS3 to the newer and more technologically-advanced LT1 was a hard pill to swallow for some builders. The reasoning is that the LT1 makes roughly the same power as the LS3, but is more expensive.
GM LS3 Crate Motor
What’s more, some tuners initially had difficulty tuning the LT1 due to the direct injection setup. However, that’s no longer the case.
So then, dear reader – are these your favorite GM crate engines, or do you prefer something else? Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe to GM Authority for around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
If replacing an existing Gen1 small block, the 350 crate is pretty much a direct bolt-in. A change of flywheel/flex plate and/or starter might be required.
The LS series of crate motors will offer much more power potential once motor and transmission mounts and electronics are addressed. These issues can be handles by either GMPP or a vast ocean of readily-available aftermarket suppliers.
I like the nasty character of the 572 crate engines, but if I could have one for free, I would probably take the LT5, buy an abused 90-95 ZR1 and swap it in.
I purchased a street rod with a general motors engine. It has a four barrel carburetor and the motor number is 884790 GM 42. I am looking for the engine size etc. The car that it is in is no clue. It is a 1950 Packard. Is there anyone out there that has this problem? I bought the car online and had it shipped to me in Panama. It is obviously not the engine that was originally in the car.
I only do Gen V swaps now because of it’s superior technology and the 8L90e transmission. Drive one, you won’t look back.
I like all the crate motors but for me the top is the LSX my favorite
I have my 86 c10 350
And my cadi escalade 6.2 love those engines
I DO like both crate engines. I think GM builds some of the best engines I’ve ever seen. The performance and handling or just great. To you guys at GM whom build these engines have done a superb job. To all of the GM family. I just want to say Thank You!!!!! for the many years of great engines and cars you people have been building. SINCERELY RICHARD WEBSTER
Crate engines from GM WERE great, until they discontinued most of the older SBC based ones, and then reintroduced them at a much inflated price.
You could (and I did) get the L31 long block for $1900 shipped, from Radley Chev, across country, in 2016. They are now $3200, on sale. That’s cheap enough to go back to rebuilding your own, with a machine shop doing their bit.