jmickelberg

What is the best engine and automatic transmission to put in the 77 without converting anything to much? Not really looking for HP although it would be nice. I've got a 78 350 in there now. Just want to replace it all with something cleaner and chrome it up. Maybe get some paint under the hood. Looking for cruising car show material yet something I can open up just a little for a little bit of fun.

U17

I went with ZZ383 and 700R4 ...

garygnu

you could freshen up the engine you have .remove it and install a better cam and intake ,good for 30+ hp.you could paint the engine also ,and it would be a good time to clean and paint the engine compartment .have your current tranny checked to see if a rebuild is needed .paint it before installing it .

MrJlr

BIG question........what is your budget?

doorgunner

I'm wondering if the current transmission can be upgraded to "overdrive"------meaning a vacuum operated electric solenoid and a lock-out torque converter when/if he has the transmission rebuilt.

That would leave lots of extra cash for chrome goodies and for upgrading his engine.

jmickelberg

I honestly dont know too much about it. Budget I'd say 20,000 but this is a over the next 2-6 years. Again I'm OK with upgrades but DONT want to convert anything except maybe get away from vacuum operated head lights

jmickelberg

Would I have to rebuild the rear end for that? And what HP would I be looking at

mds3013

Not horsepower related questions just general ones. Have the diff. and trailing arms been serviced or rebuilt since '77? How many original miles on the car since '77? Are brakes and steering components leak free and working properly? These areas need to be addressed and sorted. Good luck with the upgrade. mike...

jmickelberg

I'm unsure if they have been serviced. However there are 49,000 miles on the body. The engine and transmission are from 78 not exactly sure what happend. But it was a free car for veterans day and it runs. Just wanting to upgrade and make her more show ready

Jebbysan

That is a VERY pretty 77'

A 383 with a 350 turbo is rock solid and hard to beat....
A 700R4 is nice but will require other mods...(driveshaft, linkage)

I like a 383 with a 3.08 gear...pulls well and goes down the highway at 70 at 2800-3000 with a 3 speed Turbo....

I recently sold an 85' El Camino with a 2.73 and I loved it! Great cruiser....plenty of power.

Jebby

bluedawg

Are you planning to do the install your self? as not doing it would eat away your budget.

minitech

I would say take the car to a good honest shop. Ask for a thorough assessment of all the components of the car, spend a couple hundred to get the assessment. Engine compression testing, etc..

Could be you are good to go with all the mechanicals including engine being fine. That leaves you with a huge budget for things like chrome valve covers and air cleaner if you want that look. Spend time on cleaning the engine compartment meticulously. For just cruising there is no need for a new more powerful engine.

About the vacuum lights. Why do you want to get away from vacuum? Especially if they work leave them alone. Or look into the repair of the vac system, not difficult and again saves lots of money for other things you might want to do to make it more show worthy. For show and headlights they are visible from behind with the hood up, looks better with the air canisters than with home made metal brackets and electric motors.

1977L48

i understand your goal of keeping the vette looking as it did from the factory, but a TKO500 is a VERY good upgrade! best mod ive done to my vette!

minitech

Really big budget. What I would seriously do is to keep saving all the money toward the $20,000 in a specific fund separate from the car. Use a few dollars to do some modest low cost things to this car, work with it, stay on the forum and learn lots of things about the C3, have a great time. When you get to the $20,000 goal then sell the current '77 and with that money put the whole $24,000 toward another C3. Chrome bumper car that someone else completed and put $50,000 into. Then you will have an outstanding car ready for show.