If theres any info about which one to choose on here, then I can't find it.

Anyway; for an early model of the C3, not younger than 1971, which engine option would be the best one to look for when looking for a C3?

 

I would go with the 427 if i wont more power.

 

For less heahaches go with the 427/390hsp. Next would be the 427/400hsp. If you have more time to fiddle and more money to spend, then go for the 427/435hsp. Nothing wrong with the LT1 370 or 330hsp version (70-71) as well. I'm opining from experience, I have owned them all.

 

Unless someone has changed it, and I don't know why they would, '70 and newer big block C3's had 454's.

As far as which one is best, it depends on how much money you have.

 

Everyone is pointing at the 427/454.....whats wrong with the 350?

From various search, I have found that it is ca. 60 kg lighter than the Big block, and will handle 370 hp without comprimising reliability, not to mention better on gas as well. (Based on what I could find, the SB 350 will average about 17 mpg, where the BB 427/454 will struggle to get more than 15 mpg, and thats on highways).

What I can hear (on videos posted on youtube atleast) they both sound the same too.

on a 2nd note; I might go as young as 74, if I am to get one in a good shape, while remaining cost focused. Newer than 75 are too low on power for them to be worthy of consideration IMO, and anything newer then 76 will not have a status as a "vintage car" and I will have to pay full tax on it, and this is Denmark that I live in, which is one of the most expensive countries to own a car in.

 

So if you already know what you want, why did you ask the question in the first place?

 

SB vs BB is mostly a question about the money you want to spend.
Mpg, the hood, overheat problems and the output power are the main differences.
I never heard about differencecs concerning the relaibility.
The BB parts are just more expensive.

Oh yeah, and some guys mention the sound. Many say nothing sounds like an old BB.

 

I didn't say that.

So far all I got was pointers to the BB, because it was/is superior in power and nothing about pros/cons about the SB and the BB. Or why to choose one over the other (other than the BB is superior in power).

 

Thank you.

That was the kind of reply I was looking for.

 

What more reason do you need?

When I bought my car, it had a 370 hp 350 ci engine. It now has a 502 hp 502 ci engine.

 

You haven't mentioned modified cars.

Most by now have been updated, or modified. These cars can be very reliable as well but cheaper. Are you dead set on original?

Do you have any budget constraints? I think I would start with available budget, and narrow my options first from there.

 

For a High involvement - High motivation type of purchase I would require as much information as possible. Both Primary and secondary data will needed to be taken in consideration when conducting market research.

 

To be honest, I am looking for a car that I car enjoy for what it was made for in the first place. So no, it doesn't have to be a "Mach #" or something like that..but with that said, I don't want something that looks like it it has come out of that "Pimp my ride" show on MTV either.

 

Like was said before, it all comes down to your budget.

Big block or LT-1 = more money.

Small block = less money.

 

Does Denmark require the motor to be the same vintage as the rest of the car in order to qualify as a vintage car?

If not, then go with an LS3 crate engine with the Edelbrock supercharger and a TCI 6-speed automatic and 4.11 rear gears in a modified 12 bolt or a modified independent rear Ford 9-inch differential.

If so, then go with a 350 block stroked out ot a 383, a big Holley carb, a TREMEC 5-speed transmisison, and a Super 10 bolt modified differential.

If you can't spend $20K+ on the drivetrain, then stick with a 350 and put some nice Dart aluminum heads on it with a FAST EFI set-up and headers. Beef up the TH400 and drop in some 3.73 rear gears.

 

Hi R,
If I had the opportunity I think I'd choose a 69 car with the 350 cu.in., 350 h.p. engine.
This was a VERY popular choice in 1969 because it was a nice engine for only a few dollars more than the base engine.
Today I think people realize even more that it was/is a high horsepower small block that's very easy to live with.
Regards,
Alan

 

Theres alot of confusing rules about that, even some with Dansk as their first language has trouble understanding exactly what applies where and when. But if theres nothing that conflicts with that, then for e.g. an LS3 swap, the car would require a reinspection and a reregistration of the car, and this progress will possibly be quite costy as well.

Realistically speaking this would possibly be what I would look in to in terms of mods. but since I will look in to an auto, I will possible go for a higher gearing than 3.73, more like 4.10.

 

I find it amazing that such a basic topic like this can be dicussed without sarcastic answers. Ok, I'll keep a straight face as well.

Some basic facts:

The 350s first used in the 69 model was performance wise totally different than what was used in later models, say from 75 on up to 82.
Even within one model year, the 350 was available with different hp ratings
I would bet that 80% of the cars out there have been modified in one way or the other for better performance. Therefore it is almost a moot point to discuss the pros and cons of original engines unless you're looking at a strictly original car. Even though the 427 of 1968 and 1969 were the preferred engine if you liked "the kick in the butt" when taking off, a nicely tuned 350 will provide you with plenty of fun. Again, I'm not taking about an e.g. 1975 model with its original 165 hp, choked by an awful exhaust system. But maybe the same 75 model with a dual exhaust, an updated cam, better carb and manifold and some other goodies. The limitation is only your budget.
By the way: Are you aware of the gross (up until 1971) and net horsepower rating (from 72 onwards) GM used? If not, google it. I find many people still think they're comparing apples with apples when they read the hp figures in a 1969 sales brochure and a 1975 sales brochure.

Ok, sorry for my rambling. Bottom line in my personal opinion:

The 427 Corvettes are much more valuable and rarer than the 350 versions (LT-1 excluded). They are therefore usually kept closer to their original specs than the 350 versions. If you get a 350 version, it will most likely be modified anyway and while it will probably not be as powerful as a 427, it may come close.

Martin (who is perfectly happy with an L-46 spec 350)

 

Where have you been looking? Someone posts the same question as yours almost weekly.

Best for what? The only question here is which do you want? It will be your car, not ours.

 

Biggest difference which comes to mind is torque. The big blocks have gobs of it at low RPM. A big block car will drive very differently than a small block car. Much depends on what YOU want to do with it.

Original big block cars are going to be quite a bit more expensive as well...