New engine or rebuild?
Thread Starter
Proud Hoosier
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
From: Greenville IN
New engine or rebuild?
I recently bought my first Vette, a 1979. The engine runs fine and I was told it was rebuilt about 5,000 miles ago.
I would like to increase the zero to 60 speed (HP?). Should I have the motor rebuilt or go for a all new engine? I have seen some drop-in 350's with 300+ HP for under $5k. I have no idea what it would cost to rebuild.
What are the advantages/disadvantages of both?
I would like to increase the zero to 60 speed (HP?). Should I have the motor rebuilt or go for a all new engine? I have seen some drop-in 350's with 300+ HP for under $5k. I have no idea what it would cost to rebuild.
What are the advantages/disadvantages of both?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Well, there is a lot more involved with 0-60 times than just engine HP. The suspension both front and rear, vehicle weight, gear rations in both the transmission and rear end, and traction via tire selection.
Adding HP can sure be a lot of fun, and doesn't have to be expensive. I think it's more fun to build an engine instead of buying a crate, but at the same time buying a crate is a lot easier and faster.
What's your budget and what would you be looking for if you bought a motor?
You have small blocks, big blocks, stroked engines, forced induction, NOS...and the list of varying cubic inches and sizes just goes and goes and goes.
Adding HP can sure be a lot of fun, and doesn't have to be expensive. I think it's more fun to build an engine instead of buying a crate, but at the same time buying a crate is a lot easier and faster.
What's your budget and what would you be looking for if you bought a motor?
You have small blocks, big blocks, stroked engines, forced induction, NOS...and the list of varying cubic inches and sizes just goes and goes and goes.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: Columbus GA
I recently bought my first Vette, a 1979. The engine runs fine and I was told it was rebuilt about 5,000 miles ago.
I would like to increase the zero to 60 speed (HP?). Should I have the motor rebuilt or go for a all new engine? I have seen some drop-in 350's with 300+ HP for under $5k. I have no idea what it would cost to rebuild.
What are the advantages/disadvantages of both?
I would like to increase the zero to 60 speed (HP?). Should I have the motor rebuilt or go for a all new engine? I have seen some drop-in 350's with 300+ HP for under $5k. I have no idea what it would cost to rebuild.
What are the advantages/disadvantages of both?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio Texas
i don't think cams and headers will do much for 0-60 mph times. those mods mainly affect top end. higher differential numbers and a lock up converter will probably be more effective. put some 3.70's in the rear with a 2500 lockup converter and watch the 0-60 drop. obviously the tires have to be good enough to maintain traction.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 4,812
Likes: 1
From: New Albany IN
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'06-'08-'09
Is the motor in question the original Matching numbers? I am going through the same scenerio with my '76. I think I am going to store away the original and find a used 350 as a base and rebuild as I get the time and money.
