Engine or Body
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 571
Likes: 5
From: usa
Engine or Body
I'll be having about 12-15 to dump into my 73 vette.
its just stock 20 footer. there some chips here and there, couple of running, doors don't line just right.
the engine is stock, although it runs good its under powered and will need a rebuild (see other threads).
I'd love to have a 502 ramjet, but that would leave the body as is , but if I go for the body , it will be pretty, but pretty slow
opinions ?
its just stock 20 footer. there some chips here and there, couple of running, doors don't line just right.
the engine is stock, although it runs good its under powered and will need a rebuild (see other threads).
I'd love to have a 502 ramjet, but that would leave the body as is , but if I go for the body , it will be pretty, but pretty slow
opinions ?
Pro
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 672
Likes: 0
From: Chesapeake Virginia
depends on how much of the work you can do yourself ?????
if you have the time-space-ability, do it all----maybe compromise on the 502 and go with a build 383 using the same block. if you can do all the work yourself including the body/paint work, you can do a full frame off with the 383 for around 15k.
if you have the time-space-ability, do it all----maybe compromise on the 502 and go with a build 383 using the same block. if you can do all the work yourself including the body/paint work, you can do a full frame off with the 383 for around 15k.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,520
Likes: 11
From: Hinckley OH
I'd go for the engine and enjoy driving it. I couldn't stand the stress of driving it with an expensive paint job because you know there IS a stone out there somewhere just waiting to put that first chip in your new paint job.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 129
From: Fredericksburg Virginia
Absolutely 100% engine first. Pretty dogs only win at Westminster.
I have loads more interest in a rough looking car with a top notch engine/engine bay and kick butt engine than a glowing, shiny, perfect car that hasn't been touched under the hood.
And I'd have to agree with Mr. Jig A Low: I'd build a 500+ hp small block screamer. Big block is great and all, don't get me wrong, but there's something about a 350 (or 383, or 402) spinning beyond 6,500 RPM that gets the juices flowing.
I have loads more interest in a rough looking car with a top notch engine/engine bay and kick butt engine than a glowing, shiny, perfect car that hasn't been touched under the hood.
And I'd have to agree with Mr. Jig A Low: I'd build a 500+ hp small block screamer. Big block is great and all, don't get me wrong, but there's something about a 350 (or 383, or 402) spinning beyond 6,500 RPM that gets the juices flowing.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 153
Likes: 10
From: Minneapolis
I would go engine first. It all comes down to which would give you more enjoyment.
With the new engine, you will enjoy it more. You will spend more time in the drivers seat than you will walking up to the car.
With the new engine, you will enjoy it more. You will spend more time in the drivers seat than you will walking up to the car.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,093
Likes: 2
From: long beach California
Engine first! Get ALL ALL ALL drive ability concern tackled first. If you go big motor you'll want most likely a nicer trans 5/6 speed swap 4l60e ect. Then while your there an changing away all your stock stuff anyway you should just go all out with electric light and wiper door actuators. If your talking about motor or looks always motor a great car to look at means nothin if it doesn't give you that slam,wow, having fun corvette feeling. Get the car to be your dream ride first then paint it.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 498
Likes: 77
From: DFW Texas
Go with engine as others suggest, but I would first make a wish list of all the things that you can think of that you want to do to the car. Then, take some time and prioritize the order in which you plan on doing them and the budget. You can drop 10-15k in a hurry in this hobby. I added a 330 horse crate to mine and glad I did but now wish for more. Go with the 383 or ZZ502 if it fits your budget!
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,373
Likes: 6
From: Baltimore MD
If you can ,definately go with engine and maybe trans too.maybe go with a 383 and get yourself a 5 speed trans,5 speed is one of the best things you can do to your car.I didnt think so until i bought one for mine.I have a 383 blown engine and i had to fill up every day or two,but with the 5 speed i can go a week ,thats without racing it ofcoarse.I can run 60 mph at around 1500 rpms,its like idleing everywhere 
Oh i forgot to say that the big block uses alot more gas then the 383 sb . something for you to think about.And if you did your body first ,later you might want to do your engine and then you might possibly damage your paint job doing the work pulling the engine out and all.
Oh i forgot to say that the big block uses alot more gas then the 383 sb . something for you to think about.And if you did your body first ,later you might want to do your engine and then you might possibly damage your paint job doing the work pulling the engine out and all.
Last edited by Billysvette; May 30, 2013 at 12:59 PM.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 571
Likes: 5
From: usa
glad to see these type of replies, normally when I see a vette. it's perfect either stock , or way wild. b ut not too often do I see a vette with some runs and chips. but I guess if its a screaming small block, or a loping big block it makes up for it.
there's something about a 350 (or 383, or 402) spinning beyond 6,500 RPM that gets the juices flowing.
we're turning the 355 vortec in the 57 stockcar @7200
there's something about a 350 (or 383, or 402) spinning beyond 6,500 RPM that gets the juices flowing.
we're turning the 355 vortec in the 57 stockcar @7200
