Engine height with 65 small block hood

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Jun 11, 2015 | 01:15 PM

Gonzo_65_L76

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Joined: Sep 2014

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From: Woodside CA

Engine height with 65 small block hood

I bought a 1965 convertible with the intent of replacing the tired NOM L76 with a new LS7. I still plan on doing this, but my shop with a lift that was supposed to be completed by the end of this month has now turned into the 12-18 month project (long, painful topic).

If I'm gonna wait that long to start taking the car apart (needs a fully body-off resto), I want to throw another motor under the hood so I can keep driving. (Like everything else on the car the L76 is in need of a complete rebuild)

I'm currently eye'ing the http://www.ebay.com/itm/CHEVY-TURN-KEY-SBC-406-SUPER-STROKER-STAGE-3-0-CRATE-MOTOR-DART-BLOCK-565hp-/370982640183?vxp=mtr&hash=item566049da37. (Too much HP and Torque, easy replacement, mates nicely with the existing M21, and relatively cheap...) Sounds almost too good to be true.

The one question I have is around my ability to close the hood when I finish the swap. I assume there are people on this forum who've done this.

Jun 11, 2015 | 02:19 PM

Crunch527

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Joined: Mar 2011

Posts: 1,402

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From: Iowa

Gonzo,

I am not sure if it will fit...I kind of doubt it. And the reason is I looked at Edelbrock's RPM intakes (given I think this Hurricane Crosswind Dual Plane is a knockoff/similar) and their RPM series won't fit under a stock corvette hood...they actually say so on their web site.

Here is what I recommend:

Assuming the crosswind dual plane intake option, which the Skip White website says this intake is 1.25 inches taller, take some clay (mothers clay bar or something like that) mold it to be 1.25 inches thick and place on top of your air cleaner...on top of the wing nut (highest point) and close the hood. Open and see if the clay is smushed. Simple but effective.

I have looked at this motor before...if you go this way, pay close attention to the cam choice...the 565hp cam choice #1 would not make a good driver. Realistically, you are probably looking at cam choice #3 and they don't detail HP/TQ numbers for cam choice #3?

The big questions here are the quality of the parts and the machine work. I am not saying this is a bad way to go, but with engines, you get what you pay for. I'd be interested to hear what the engine builders on here think about the parts list.

Cheers,

Frank

Jun 11, 2015 | 02:37 PM

Gonzo_65_L76

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Instructor

Joined: Sep 2014

Posts: 167

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From: Woodside CA

Thanks Frank.

I'll try the clay trick.

As for the cam options. I'm planning for Option 2. These cars weigh less than 3200lbs. Option two with a dual plane intake should be fine. I'm certain the third option would provide better drivability, but that's not my priority with this car...

As for quality of parts... I've done a little homework on this motor. There are better turn-keys out there (for more $$$), but I'm only looking for something to carry me through the next 18-24 months... and then it either gets crated for the next project, or sold.

Thanks,
Gonzo.

Jun 11, 2015 | 02:56 PM

66jack

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Joined: May 2006

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From: CA

As for the 'clay' trick to check for clearances.

I would also check the outer edges of Air Cleaner, at its the widest point to make sure it fits within the edges of 'hump' in Hood..

Jun 11, 2015 | 04:08 PM

Gonzo_65_L76

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Joined: Sep 2014

Posts: 167

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From: Woodside CA

Yep.

For reference -

1 5/8 inch clearance at raised center or air-cleaner, 7/8 inch at the sides (the L76 air-cleaner extends to the end of the bulge, and slightly beyond).

With a subtle mod (remove the raised ridge on side of stock air-cleaner) you could have an inch if necessary.

Thanks All. Now gonna call Skip and friends to see what they suggest.

Gonzo.