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I just purchased a 64 vert that originally came with a 365 hp but currently has a 250 hp. The car sat for over 25 years, and the engine needs a complete rebuild. My plans are to replace or rebuild with a 365 hp, but I'm intruiged with the thought of putting in an engine from a C5. I know it wouldn't be original, but I own a 99 vert and am spoiled with it's performance. From what I can tell at this point, there doesn't appear to be much difference in price between a new c5 engine and what it would cost to rebuild the old one. All opinions would be appreciated.
Many differences in surrounding parts.....not telling it cannot be done since I know a McBurny Replica on a C3 frame using an LT5 engine.....but !!!
1st: MotorMounts on frame are different and need rewelding.
2nd: Engine wiring is totally different and much more complex in a C5 (electronics everywhere....)
3rd: You have only got one fuel line running from gas tank to engine bay and you need two...one forth and one back.
4th: C5 driveline concept is transaxle so transmission is blocked directly to differential....you need a tranny that fits.....and as well a driveshaft....
If the frame is ok....I really would not go that route....if the frame is dead you could easily order a tube frame chassis using C4 axles/brakes and using whatever engine you want (probably except for a T34....)....doable for about 17 grand.....without engine !!
If you only want a reliable fun to drive weekend car.....stay with the rebuilt of a 365HP engine....its much simpler and cheaper !!
:cheers:
Well, it's certainly been done. For me it would be cost prohibitive. This is not a simple install at all. FWIW it's pretty easy nowadays to get great FI performance from an engine that will bolt right in. That's what I would do...... :cheers:
For my money, there is no substitute for the tactile sensations of a vintage, high performance V8.......the sweet song of the solid lifters, the lumpy idle, the exhaust fumes, the raspy exhaust note...........these are all part of the experience. You already have one C5, so why do you want another. Just my .02.
Joe
PS: My 327/365 is the biggest kick in the butt since sliced bread, and I wouldn't trade it for the silky smooth, pasteurized, homogenized LS1. Trust me.
One of the most fun aspects of owning a vintage Corvette is the hunt......for the car.......the parts,..... to bring it back to what it was. And besides, there is a lot more value in the original restored car than a modified one
I get the feeling you have never been in a 65 365?
IMHO the best small block ever to come out of GM.
When ever I drove my old 365hp coupe, I felt like
"This shouldn't be legal, Its like a race engine on the street!"
Still saying that today, just more often! :lol:
To me, it would completely ruin the car.
And would not be an improvement. You will be spoiled with your 65,
and not want to float around in your 99 before its over! :lol:
Thanks for all of your feedback. As I suspected, another idea that sounds good initially, but definitely not the right way to go.
So, the hunt begins to build a 365. If anyone has major components with dates prior to early November, 1963, let me know. Interested in heads, oil pan, manifolds, carb, possibly block.
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