Butler Performance
With the trend toward Ford in a Ford and Chevy in a Chevy, it's only natural a true dyed-in-the-wool GMC fanatic would prefer to have the original V-8 his GMC left the factory with, a Pontiac V-8. Butler Performance is a proven Pontiac expert throughout the broad range of Pontiac powerplants. The company builds stock-to-rare factory engines, including the 389 Tripower, SD421, RAII, RAIII, RAIV, HO455, SD455, and RAV. Additionally, Butler can internally modify any of these engines to include strokers, head porting, and much, much more. Once finished, the Butler Pontiac engines feature greatly improved power and durability while maintaining a totally stock appearance.
But it doesn't stop there. The company can install the latest aftermarket accessories, such as custom valve covers, a myriad of induction systems from single four-barrel to supercharged, serpentine belt systems, air conditioning, power steering, and alternator brackets and components.
Butler's crate engines start at 500 hp and 550 lb-ft of torque and will do so on 91 octane. Now that's a real street motor. According to Butler Performance, you're just a cam and induction upgrade away from the 600-plus hp and torque range. These are based on Pontiac 400 or 455 blocks using the company's longrod stroker kits and ported Edelbrock heads. Additionally, Butler crate engines using aftermarket blocks (505 to 541 inches) feature larger bores (4.380 inches) made possible by the thickerthan- stock cylinder wall. These engines can produce upward of 700 to 750-plus hp on pump gas.
Butler offers everything from street to race motors, carb to fuel injection-it's really a matter of your personal taste for performance.
Edelbrock
Where does one start with Edelbrock? The company has a number of crate engines ideal for any classic truck, but we have to narrow down our selection to two. Of course, you can always go online and look at everything else Edelbrock has to offer. Let's take a look at the small-block Chevy Performer crate engine with 350 inches, 363 hp, and 405 lb-ft of torque. This powerplant is based on the Goodwrench 350ci four-bolt GM short-block. Then come the Edelbrock components, such as the intake and E-Tec 170-cylinder heads, ARP bolts, Edelbrock Red Roller rockers, and MSD Pro Billet distributor with a Blaster 2 Coil. The engine features the latest Edelbrock Rollin' Thunder hydraulic roller cam and lifters.
Several packages offer your choice of a single- or dual-quad carburetor, polished accessories, and Edelbrock's EnduraShine finish. Some of the high points of the 363-horse small-block Chevy include 9.0:1 compression for compatibility with 91-octane gasoline for true street driveability, and an Edelbrock Performer EPS Vortec or RPM Air-Gap dual-quad Vortec intake manifold equipped with a Thunder Series AVS 650-cfm four-barrel on top of the E-Tec 170 heads with guideplates, swirl-polished stainless steel valves, and dyno-matched Edelbrock Rollin' Thunder hydraulic roller lifters and Performer hydraulic roller camshaft. Dressing the package are the Edelbrock Elite Series valve covers with custom badges that can be ordered with or without an Edelbrock water pump (your choice of two styles). There's also a heavy-duty 8-inch harmonic balancer.
Should you find yourself with the hankering for something really wild, how about the limited-production (only 250 are scheduled to be built) Edelbrock SS383 that pumps out 460 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque? Built on a brand-new GM ZZ383 short-block, this 383ci crate is hand-assembled by inhouse Edelbrock technicians. The heart of the performance is the Edelbrock Total Power Package, including E-Tec 200 heads, RPM roller camshaft, RPM Air-Gap intake manifold, and 800-cfm Thunder Series carburetor.
There is more than performance, as looks come into play on this engine as well with special black-anodized valve covers, a water pump, and an air cleaner providing a distinctive appearance. The valve covers and air cleaner are laser-engraved with the serial number, horsepower rating, and Vic Edelbrock's signature. Both crate engines are covered by Edelbrock's two-year/unlimited-mileage warranty.