Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Questions about later model engine for 1st gen

[RailroadJim]

Thinking about building up a 97' ppump engine for my oldie, First: what's a "storm" block, Second: is it worth doing, on a cost v. power ratio? Third: transmission? Fourth: availability of said motor and transmission? Thanks. Jim

 

[bmoeller]

Thinking about building up a 97' ppump engine for my oldie, First: what's a "storm" block, Second: is it worth doing, on a cost v. power ratio? Third: transmission? Fourth: availability of said motor and transmission? Thanks. Jim

1. Not familiar with it myself.



2. Only you can answer that. What is it worth to you? CB Parker was making 4-500 hp on his VE pumped 1st gen. , FWIW, before he bought a 24v 2nd gen.



3. If you stick with an auto, you could have yours custom built, or swap in a built 47RH. Will need to wire in 2 switches for the O/D and torque convertor lock-up clutch. Look in my sig for whose transmission I have. Been great. 13k miles on the clock so far.



4. Engine shouldn't be that hard to find. LOTS of them out there, even in other applocations. transmission, re-read #3. Also, DTT, ATS, Suncoast, Dunrite, PDR are a few others that come to mind right off.

 

[tareynolds]

the storm block is the revision, it is a new casting that allows it to be used in many applications, without the weak seam on the right side that leaked anti-freeze. it is also capable for many applications. i have had to replace a couple of the old blocks for the casting problems, all the blocks i have replaced through my job at a chrysler dealership have been the storm block, everyone is pleasantly satisfied.

 

[RailroadJim]

So where would a person obtain a storm block? Cummins? The why is because i'd like to run pretty good horsepower with unlimited potential for future mods, but if it's going to cost 10k or some crazy amount for just the motor, then it won't happen. Luv my old truck but i'm not a purist by any means, i didn't buy my truck because i love the ve pump, sure it's reliable but so are others with much more power potential. Has anyone on here priced or seen any pull out? all i see on ebay and such are 24 valvers to new.