Pretty much decided to pull my original L79 in my 65 in favor of a GMPP LS motor. Probably upgrade to C4 suspension as well.
Any recommendations for a shop in the SE (Ky/Tn/Al/Ga/Ms) area that does this kind of work, hopefully, reasonably.
All leads appreciated.

 

I assume you want to plow (at least)30K into your old used car(and not use it for a year), and I also assume you are well aware nothing, not one single item (name one if you can), bolts in, hooks up, wires up.

What dont you like about a zz4 or zz383? It will bolt in.

Oh and beware of the while your at it....adding bucks.

Now if I were starting with a basket case or an already heavily modified car then it may make sense.

Dont get me wrong, I admire the LS series of engines, cheap (relatively) big horsepower.

Or just go buy one thats finished if you have that sort of cash to toss around on toys.

Just my Humble opinion

 

My personal opinion is... that it a extremely bad idea.

Another suggestion would be to sell your 65' original engine car to someone that wants that vehicle to preserve and buy a NOM car to do a retro car or one that already has it done. It really pains me to no end to see another car lost when there are only so many left for the future.

That being said... good luck with your decision and project.

 

Appreciate your opinions, I think, but I'm really looking for sources that perform that kind of work. Yes my car is mostly original and it will continue to LOOK so but with modern updates.
That said, anyone else that can add to what I'm looking for?

 

There is one C2 aftermarket chassis when using C4 suspension that you could lift your 65 body off your chassis and bolt it right on, no cutting. Then store your rolling chassis.

Go with a carbed LS engine for less wiring mods or if you don't mind doing those, FI LS. Add OD manual trans that will fit without body mods if you want to minimize cruise RPM.

You will be in the $28,000 to $35,000.00 range depending on options you might want to add.

I know of one NCRS Top Flight 67 Coupe done that way so it could be put back original. I don't think that will ever happen as it's owner loves to drive it.

Chassis builder is in Athens, Alabama and there are a couple of shops near by that would do the swap if you don't want to attempt it.

 

SLWRNU,

Street Shop, Inc. is in Athens, Al as stated above and is run by Tray Walden. He manufactures a chassis for your C2 that has LS engine mounts and C4 suspension. I have one of his chassis under my '64 restomod with an LS7. His chassis' are VERY nice.

I do not know if he will do the actual work to swap out the chassis and engine but, as also stated above, there are several shops near Tray that know him, use his chassis and will do the work.

Look him up at: www.streetshopinc.com

Wolfman

 

If you are only going to do an LS motor and suspension upgrade, you may want to look for a Muscle Car or Hot Rod shop in your local area. Dont forget your checkbook, lol. These types of projects take on a life of their own.

 

I just had my 65 completed with a 2005 LS2 w/4l60E. My car had a rotisserie restoration in 1994, but only 600 miles driven since then until they sold it. The original motor blew just before they sold it in 2010, so I bought it with a NOM rebuilt 327/300 w PG.
I was going to have a custom C-4 chassis built and installed with a new LS3/4l70E by either SRIII or Street Shop: turn key, including Vintage AC and tilt is about $44-48k.
However, since I had a restored frame I decided to save some big bucks and have a local shop install a used drivetrain, add AC, a Borgenson steering box, posi, and 17" wheels. That was supposed to cost me about $27k, but the shop underestimated some of the parts/labor needed, that's another story, so I'm in at $33k, and I still need wheels and posi. I did sell the used drive train for $2k, so a little savings there.
I'm really happy with the results, the car is amazing, but I should have gone for the C-4 chassis with a new drivetrain. I would have been able to sell my restored rolling chassis with the rebuilt motor for at least $8k, so my net cost would have only been about $40k with SRIII,
a little less with Street Shop. When I complete the last few items next week, I'll have about $35K in this restomod. If I had to do it over again, I'd spend the extra dough and go for the full enchilada. But either way, I'm enjoying the ride!