I've never started one these posts, and to be clear this is just due to curiosity. Here's the drill...

--Non-Original C3 RestoMod with full interior and perfectly suited chassis, susp, brakes, steering etc...
--Weekend Street Car (Zero track time, except for fun outings)
--Goals are performance, moderate reliability, wow factor, cool factor and an intangible that I haven't seen discussed too much on the forum...this motor choice has to get a motivated from all 'Car Types'...I'm talking the young, the old, the guys, the gals, the techies, the tuners, the old school gear heads and even the gotta keep it original Corvette types (even though they might hate the entire concept)...

Oh yeah, and money is no object...just curious to see what types of responses we get here. Looking to see what type, what size, a few specs, and most of all, why you'd choose it...and...would you choose different depending on the model year...?

 

For all types old and young, LS9.

Young guys like the LSx style engine. Having a blower of some sort impress the 4 cylinder crowd if you at a mixed event.

Of course loud is always a big plus.

Or some form of larger LSx motor with forced induction.

Then again this had a big crowd at the last show I was at.

 

I would just love to drop an old school 427 in my 77. I mean complete with 3x2s and all the goodies to make it look like it came that way. LS engine are way cool and the LS9 is a monster but, To me, Few engines look as cool as an old school 427 dressed up the way the general made them.:thumbs I envy all the guys who have them in there cars. The perfect engine in the perfect body.

How can anybody hold their nose up on that?

 

Money is no object?

Wow factor?

426 Hemi.

 

A lot of wows-except from the NCRS types-

BMW V12 w/ custom ITB's- All aluminum and about the same HP as a stock LS1-

The build-
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...vette-v12.html


DSCN4664 by richardhayes454, on Flickr


Or something like this- looks like the old school Grandsport motors w/ the weber cross rams-but all new stuff




Or something like this- Ferrari V12

C3-vette-ferrari by richardhayes454, on Flickr

 

There are lots of "money is no object" options that would have "wow factor" (including a Chrysler Hemi ), but, do you actually want to drive it? To me, the answer is simple; a high compression, solid lifter old skool big block! It has a sound that will scare the tuner kids and put a smile on the faces of anyone with grey hair! Something like a L88 or LT2 clone would bring a crowd for sure.

 

Like I said. Old School Cool!

 

I've been giving it some thought and I guess just from reading how certain folks post you already have an idea which route they'd go.

Personally, I'd go with a full roller, all-aluminum 427 BB with a serpentine bracket set-up, electric fans, and a really cool EFI system that looks old-school, but uses modern electronics and real ignition control. Maybe 3xTBIs or somehow model the old Inglese or Weber look using modern MC throttle bodies. I'd limit the bling to make it look like a factory one-off. Probably a Dart Big M or PM block with very special heads...

My reasons:
--Nostalgia
--Rarity
--Gorgeous to look at and period correctness
--More power potential than can be used
--Light weight
--Great sound
--Streetable and Reliable
--A bit of an 'underdog' in this day and age, but still able to pounce on about anything out there

I realize you can make a ton more power with other set-ups, but I truly believe that engine power is the easy part. Not sure why, but when I hear of insane hp levels, I'm rolling my eyes and uttering DB within about 3 seconds.

EDIT: Richard, that Holley EFI system is exactly what I'm talking about...although not sure if I'd prefer TBIs arranged in a 3x2 or the Crossram...probably Crossram. Forgot to mention I'd want standard 4.250x3.76 dimensions, some 12-15 degree race heads, top of the line rotating assy, a custom dry-sump, and some top-end shaft rockers...

 

LS123456789 CONVERSION 18MPG+ AND 300HP+ with OD tranny

 

If money is no object is it safe to say neither is fuel economy?
Then an all aluminum big block with electronic cross ram injection that looks like the engine that powered the Greenwood wide body cars.

 

article in recent corvette mag about the R.E.D. racing team's '68 vette at the '72 Le Mans race, it had an L88....car was clocked doing 212mph at some parts of the track....i thought that sounded impressive...

 

ZZ502, you can run regular pump gas and have lots of power, upgrade the cam and you will have a monster for under 10k

 

LT5 would be my choice. Reliable, and has the wow factor!

 

All aluminum big block. LT2 style, but with an additional 150ci added.

 

Wow, 2 big surprised here...the non-GM choices and the practical choices with an unlimited budget. You guys are too easy!

 

Registered here to post this ridiculous reply. Otherwise, rare visitor.

Rolls-Royce Merlin.

I think however that you'd have to relocate the seat and all controls to the trunk!

Signed;
Sorry, everybody.

P.S. Off topic but fun video on You Tube. Jay Leno's Merlin powered Bentley.

P.P.S. Moderator, feel free to delete my registration.

None the less, I would not thumb my nose at a gifted like new '82 non-CE!

 

Dude! your post makes me think that you should really consider entering rehab. A Rolls Royce Merlin? That thing is bigger than the entire car, so I can't even imagine how that could even work.

 

You can do about anything if you are creative enough and have the budget.


But to me a resto mod should look old school cool, but have modern comfort, reliability, and performance that makes it a fun car to take anywhere. The 57 is cool from an engineering standpoint, but not something you could just jump in and drive a couple hours to a show or whatever.

 

If you want the newest most up to date f.i. restomod you could pur the new LT1 (C7) crate engine in that is supposed to be coming out this fall. I opted for an old school engine swap after going back and forth on Ls vs ZZ383 for well over 1 year. I also swapped in a 3.36 (from 3.70) rear and stayed with my muncie 4 sp. with just under 600 miles on the engine it is getting close to 19 mpg. It was replacing the original engine that had been built into a 383. Will be adding Vintage Air next spring, electric fans, serp system, anew carb, install the heat/spund insulation, carpet, door panels etc.
The new LT1 c/w a 5/6 sp, updated gauges,interior, suspension, wheels and tires would be a real fun street car. Some of the guys on here have also added flares and their vettes are real head turners. Have fun planning it all out and post pics of your progress if you decide to do it.

 

You want wow factor? Right here.......
http://www.thunderv12.com/