V8VANs HQ Monaro build thread

[V8VAN]

Hi all, as a couple of you know, I picked up a HQ Monaro a few weeks ago.

It came with a VN injected 5L/auto which is in the car but not wired up. I want to use that engine/box in something else and go a 350/4 slot in the HQ. May as well take advantage of the HQ's factory 350 option

Heard a lot about crate engines and new muncies etc, but where/how should I be looking to buy one?

Is getting one out of the states worth the price saving?

What ones should I be looking at?

Who's got Muncies?

Too many questions...And I don't know as it's not something I've had anything to do with. It's just to be a cruiser so just a mild-ish 350 will do, might get a power upgrade down the track.

Bonus pic:


Cheers

[Alien DNA]

From what ive gathered, crate motors can be really hit and miss. QC on them have a lot to be desired. After asking around the same question, i've made the decision of getting an engine built. If you have your heart set on a particular crate engine, maybe get it rebuilt to be on the safe side......which isnt really cost effective. ie- purchase of engine then rebuilding it.

Food for thought i guess.

Cant really offer you any advice on the Munchie though.

[Vombil]

sweet ride!

[V8VAN]

Well that's another thing to consider. The bang for buck seems alright but yeah...

I guess really you'd want to pull it down anyway before putting it in.

Thanks for the reply, this is the sort of stuff I need to know.

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sweet ride coffeeman!

Yeah she's alright mate, needs a little bit of work but nothing major.

Coffeeman? You've lost me lol

[Vombil]

Well that's another thing to consider. The bang for buck seems alright but yeah...

I guess really you'd want to pull it down anyway before putting it in.

Thanks for the reply, this is the sort of stuff I need to know.

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Yeah she's alright mate, needs a little bit of work but nothing major.

Coffeeman? You've lost me lol

yeah sorry dude, was a typo. i remember reading something from kingcoffee and it was stuck in my head!

[Maysik]

Engine Master Australia.
You can also find them on evilbay also.
Even if you do not go that way with one of their crates, you can get an idea what goes into one of their products for reference.

Google any crate engine/builder name and see if anything adverse comes up. If there is, you will be sure to hear about it from upset customers venting on car forums.

[HK1837]

If you fancy a drive to Brisbane I can put you onto a complete 350 and TH400 conversion out of a HQ. The box and power steer is ex HQ 350 statesman, as is the gearbox crossmember and tailshaft but the engine is an import. It is complete from fan to tailshaft and has Genie extractors etc with it. Has a HEI dizzy too. I bought the 4 row radiator off him when I was up there last week. Has a Performer, Holley etc. I think he wanted $1800 ono. PM me and i'll give you more detail.

[V8VAN]

I don't think I'd trust my daily to make it to Brisbane. That's not a bad buy though, I'd be onto it if it was closer.

[V8VAN]

I've had a bit of a poke around on the internet and can't seem to find anything bad about Enginemaster. As opposed to some of the stuff I've read about other places.

These two on ebay from them have caught my eye. The turnkey part of the 2nd one for a little bit more is appealing...

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/CHEV-350-...item2573c153bd

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/CHEV-350-...item20b9eb22e0

I'm a bit off buying anything yet, just doing some homework and if I go this way I'll be asking what brand parts are actually in the engine etc.

Thoughts, opinions? Anything I've missed?

Another thing I saw, the same place has Tremec TKO's for sale as well. How well do they fit in the tunnel of a HQ? Was just gonna go a Muncie or T-10 but an extra gear would be nice on the highway.

Cheers

[Cocko750]

Google mal wood I'm sure he would know about tremec he's the tremec man he would have everything needed