After getting (what I thought) was the majority of leaks repaired, new spark plug wires, new upper and lower radiator hoses, new tires, a set of those nice embroidered floor mats, and last but not least a set of bright blue fuzzy dice to match my exterior I had one thing left to fix...a leaking gas tank. On the way home from getting an estimate for the gas tank replacement,I was purring along I-57 S and BAM! Smoke everywhere!!! The engine overheated and while waiting on the tow truck, it did crank, but with a very loud knock. Had it towed to my local service center cause they were the last people to work on the car. The initial diagnosis without an R&R "something is loose in the engine and there is a hole in the oil pan." This really wasn't mind blowing new since I had already prepared myself for the worse.

I'll start an appropriate thread once the work begins, but does anyone have any possible ideas of what I will be able to do with the original 350 s/b that's original to the vehicle based on your knowledge of engine rebuilding? I'm having it towed Tuesday to reliable shop in Chicago (about 15 miles). The shop comes recommended by my mechanic who I wholeheartedly trust and it's also the shop that was going to replace my gas tank. Without knowing any engine specs yet, I know that I am asking a lot, but any knowledge of an issue like this can have me prepared to go in there asking the right questions. Thanks in advance and ride on.

 

So sorry to read of your engines misfortune. That can't be good.

More experienced talent will chime in but ventilating an engines oil pan is usually related to the reciprocating assembly and very often, a broken connecting rod or broken connecting rod component, like the cap or bolt(s). Connecting rod bolt failure would be a primary suspect.

Depending on how hard the broken piece(s) struck the crankcase, the "numbers matching" block may be salvageable. That determination would be offered by a competent rebuilder after a thorough disassembly and inspection.

Obviously, the crankshaft may also be wounded and its level of hurt will be discovered upon pan removal. Maybe it too, can be saved.

Good luck and please keep us posted to what is brought out to the light of day. We'll all be curious to see what you find.

 

If it's a 76 (and if it's stock), sounds like your opportunity to refresh or replace the engine and gain some much needed horsepower. It wouldn't be hard and the reward is worth it.

 

Agreed, now is the time to step up and install a current production ZZ4 or ZZ383 or ZZ6.2 The cost of a complete rebuild vs the cost of brand new about a wash. New production castings are much stronger and will last so much longer than the 76. Good luck Al

 

Thanks. You guys gave me a lot to think about over the weekend. I've decided to talk to the engine rebuilder this afternoon with the initial thought of salvaging what I can of the current 350 s/b engine and making enough modifications to that and purchasing the correct additions to provide me with more horsepower. I WANNA GO FAST! I've decided to keep the crate engine solution as a plan B. I only wanted to budget $3000 for the project, but I know that once I see something I like, I might blow the budget, but I have to start somewhere and $3000 is my starting point.

 

Uh-oh.

Wait until the shop has a chance to take a look at it. Your original engine may not necessarily be destroyed.

Keep your fingers crossed.

Good luck.

 

its a 76 and the original thing some people get stuck on is not going to be a factor for resale for many years to come.

pop in a crate motor, it doesnt have to be a speed demon but have the bottom end built for later add ons if you want. that will help keep the cost down.

Set the 350 to the side and rebuild it your self over a couple of years. You could throw it back in if you decide to sell the vette. it would be a learning experience an wont cost a lot if you buy one piece at a time and look for bargains/used.

Oil pans get very expensive when they get holes in them

 

Well the guy that my mechanic referred to me to only has one stall in his shop and can't get to my car for a few weeks (damn) so meanwhile my car is sitting outside at the local vehicle service center. The manager at the service center quoted me $1000 for an R&R of the current engine whether I got it rebuilt or brought a crate, so the crate option is looking pretty good right now.

Any opinions on the best crate engines? I'm not super enthused about going fast; anything faster than the factory standard 190hp is good for me, but for the sake of numbers, let's say I wanted between 260 and 350 hp...what are some good options.

And don't be shy with the replies. This is a lot of money I am about to drop and I want some options. Thanks in advance.

 

for those desired numbers you could do a 350 vortec from a 95+ truck and change the cam/ intake and come in well within budget.

$350 running engine from salvage yard
$400 master rebuild kit
$200-600 vortec carb intake (depending what you want)
$300 cam
$? labor
$? no warranty (probably)

$1800 http://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet+Perf...282-R/10002/-1

 

if needed, i know a guy in mchenry illinois who has a couple spare engines for sale and another who can rebuild yours.

 

383 stroker motor...Go with a roller cam...
http://www.tristarengines.com/catalo...num-heads.html

 

that's the direction that i took. while not a real neck snapper, it does make a big difference from the OEM

 

just buy the crate motor! You will never be happier. You know it will rock and roll, it has a warrenty and you can toss the old one in the junk yard!! Trust me on this.