VEGE VC96 Remanufactured Long Block Crate Engine — 1986 Chevy/GMC 350 V8 (5.7L) with Tinware

The most convenient classic Chevy 350 long block we sell — ready dressed and ready to drop in. The VEGE VC96 is a fully remanufactured 5.7 Chevy engine for 1986 Chevrolet and GMC trucks, Blazers, vans and cars — and unlike standard long blocks, it arrives with the tinware already installed: oil pan, valve covers and timing cover. One less shopping list, one less weekend of assembly. Remanufactured to factory specification, quality-tested and crated for fast delivery across Europe from NH Race Engine.
Why Choose the VEGE VC96?
1986 sits at a sweet spot in small-block history: the final years of the classic carbureted/TBI truck 350, already updated with the modern 1-piece rear main seal. These engines powered the trucks, Blazers and vans that built Chevy’s reputation — and they’re now the beating heart of countless C10 restorations, square-body builds and classic daily drivers across Europe.

The VC96 eliminates the two biggest headaches of an engine swap: sourcing a healthy core, and sourcing a full set of tinware. VEGE completely disassembles every core to individual components, cleans, crack-tests, measures and machines the block and cylinder heads back to OE tolerances, then reverse-engineers the build — known original design defects are eliminated before reassembly, not copied. The engine is then dressed with a new timing cover, oil pan and valve covers before being tested, vacuum-sealed, corrosion-treated and crated for dispatch.
Key Features & Benefits
- Tinware Included & Installed: Valve covers, timing cover and oil pan come pre-installed — saving you a separate shopping list, gaskets and an afternoon of work compared to a bare long block.
- Correct 1986 Specification: 2-bolt mains, 1-piece rear main seal, non-roller cam and perimeter-bolt valve covers — the exact late-classic truck 350 configuration.
- Head Casting 548: Matches the original 1986 application for correct fitment of your intake, exhaust and accessories.
- True Remanufacture to Factory Spec: Complete teardown, crack testing, machining to OE tolerances and reassembly by certified technicians — a documented process, not a salvage refresh.
- Reverse-Engineered Reliability: Original design defects are eliminated during remanufacturing, so your replacement engine is built better than the one that failed.
- Oil Pump & Gasket Included: The engine includes the oil pump and gasket — ready for priming at installation.
- 3-Year Warranty: VEGE’s remanufactured engines carry a 3-year warranty for complete peace of mind.
- Crated for Safe EU Transport: Vacuum-sealed, corrosion-treated, steel-crate packed and dispatched with full tracking and insurance.
Vehicle Fitment — VC96 Applications
The VEGE VC96 5.7 Chevy engine long block is the correct variant for 1986 Chevrolet and GMC applications:
- Chevrolet / GMC C, K Series Trucks (1986): C10, K10, C20, K20, C30, K30 — including Silverado trim
- Chevrolet Blazer & GMC Jimmy (1986): Full-size 4×4 and 4×2
- Chevrolet Caprice (1986): 5.7L V8 models
- Chevrolet / GMC G-Series Vans (1986): G10, G20, G30
- Chevrolet P-Series Forward Control (1986): P20, P30 commercial
- Chevrolet Suburban (1986): 5.7L V8 models
- Hot Rod & Restoration Builds: The 1986-spec 350 with tinware installed is a popular, convenient foundation for C10s, square bodies and traditional Chevy street builds
Verify before ordering: The VC96 covers 1986 applications with head casting 548, 2-bolt mains, 1-piece rear seal and non-roller cam. Earlier and later years use different configurations — send us your VIN or casting numbers and our technical team will confirm the exact match.
Technical Specifications
| Part Type: | Crate Engine — Long Block with Tinware (Remanufactured) |
| Product Line: | VEGE Remanufactured Long Block Crate Engines |
| MPN: | VC96 |
| Summit Part No.: | VRE-VC96 |
| Actual Displacement: | 5.7L / 350 cu in |
| Configuration: | V8, OHV, 16 valves |
| Model Year: | 1986 |
| Makes: | Chevrolet, GMC |
| Main Bearings: | 2-bolt mains |
| Camshaft: | Non-roller (flat tappet) |
| Rear Main Seal: | 1-piece |
| Head Casting: | 548 |
| Valve Covers: | Perimeter-bolt style — included & installed |
| Tinware: | Timing cover, oil pan & valve covers included & installed |
| Oil Pump & Gasket: | Included |
| Spark Plugs: | Not included |
| Warranty: | 3-Year VEGE warranty |
| Assembled: | Yes — sold individually |
What’s Included vs. What You Transfer
| Component | Included | Transfer from Original Engine |
|---|---|---|
| Engine block (remanufactured) | ✅ | — |
| Crankshaft, pistons, rods, bearings | ✅ | — |
| Cylinder heads & valvetrain | ✅ | — |
| Camshaft & timing components | ✅ | — |
| Oil pump & gasket | ✅ | — |
| Valve covers (installed) | ✅ | — |
| Timing cover (installed) | ✅ | — |
| Oil pan (installed) | ✅ | — |
| Intake manifold | — | ✅ |
| Carburetor / TBI & fuel system | — | ✅ |
| Distributor & ignition | — | ✅ |
| Exhaust manifolds | — | ✅ |
| Water pump & thermostat | — | ✅ |
| Harmonic balancer | — | ✅ |
| Flexplate / flywheel | — | ✅ |
| Spark plugs & wires | — | ✅ |
VC96 vs. Standard Long Block (e.g., DCM6)
| Feature | VC96 (With Tinware) | Standard Long Block |
|---|---|---|
| Oil pan | ✅ Installed | ❌ Transfer / buy separately |
| Valve covers | ✅ Installed | ❌ Transfer / buy separately |
| Timing cover | ✅ Installed | ❌ Transfer / buy separately |
| Tinware gaskets | ✅ Installed | ❌ Buy separately |
| Extra shopping list | None | Pan, covers, gaskets, hardware |
| Installation time saved | ~3–5 hours | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the VEGE VC96 a drop-in replacement for my 1986 C10 or Blazer?
Yes — with tinware installed, the VC96 is the most drop-in-ready classic 350 we sell. Transfer your intake manifold, carburetor or TBI unit, distributor, exhaust manifolds, water pump, balancer and flexplate — the pan, covers and oil pump are already done.
What’s the difference between VC96 and DCM6?
Both are VEGE 1986-era 350 long blocks. The DCM6 is a bare long block — you supply and install the oil pan, valve covers and timing cover yourself. The VC96 arrives with all tinware pre-installed, saving parts sourcing and several hours of labor.
Does the VC96 have a 1-piece or 2-piece rear main seal?
The VC96 uses the modern 1-piece rear main seal — an important detail when ordering your rear main and flywheel/flexplate. If your original 1986 engine has a 2-piece seal, confirm your application with our team before ordering.
Can I use the VC96 in a hot rod or C10 build?
Absolutely — the 1986-spec 350 with fresh tinware is one of the most convenient foundations for C10s, square bodies and traditional street builds. Pair it with an aftermarket 4-barrel intake and carburetor for an instant classic powertrain.
Do I need to return my old engine core?
Some listings include a refundable core charge — check current core terms with NH Race Engine when ordering.
What Does It Fit?
Condition & Pre-Delivery Inspection
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Factory process: thermal cleaning, magnetic crack-testing, OEM-tolerance machining, all-new wearable parts, test-bench run
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Our inspection on arrival in Kessel: crate integrity, external damage check, rotation confirmation, sealing caps intact
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Flat-tappet discipline: this 1986-spec cam needs zinc-rich break-in oil and immediate rpm on first start — procedure in our installation guides
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Register your warranty on our warranty registration page
Recommended Companion Products
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Later truck? The Vortec sibling: VEGE DCH4 Remanufactured Vortec 350
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Browse the full crate engines collection — VEGE 350 family: VC111P · DCN7 (F-body TPI) · and more [LINK IN CMS]
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Building a squarebody? Our Hot Rod & Chassis range [VERIFY slug]
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Core exchange — ask about returning your old engine to lower the price




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