Hey guys,
I pulled my engine and now im totally overwhelmed as to what to.
My CFO says 3K is my budget: engine, suspension and exhaust.
Soooo what would you all do? Im thinking used LT1, deluxe front suspension rebuild kit and headers.

Update:
Im wanting to go to a newer fuel injected LT1 but i guess i would just get an engine that is too good of a deal to pass up.
Im also open to the idea of having my engine rebuilt by a good shop though i dont know of any here in Louisville.
Soooo i guess i dont know what i really want but when i see it then I'll know.




Empty engine bay

 

Take lots of pics and bag everything.

 

Just my opinion for a person who is doing this for the fist time.

Be prepared to remove the transmission. The reason being....getting the engine out is one thing.....trying to get the clutch disc to PERFECTLY index to the input shaft of the transmission is another thing ENTIRELY. DAMAGE TO NEW PARTS CAN RESULT!!!!

I have been doing this stuff for 30 years and I personally prefer to have the engine and transmission joined when it is hanging from my chain hoist and then put BOTH in at the same time...using an engine tilter attached to the engine.

It depends on what you want when you get done....in regards to how good your engine compartment looks, etc. We do not knwo that...so advising you to do 'this and that' may not be a concern to you and a waste of time providing our personal thoughts Knowing what you want to achieve helps greatly.

Be prepared to obtain some tools to aid you in doing the front suspension IF....repeat ...IF you plan on doing the front suspension when the engine is out of the car. That is IF you are concerned about safety. ( just my opinion on that).

Using a used LT1...which I am assuming is NOT the fuel injected LT1....hopefully goes GREAT for you. I know that there are good used engines...ESPECIALLY if you can hear it run and check it out before it is pulled......but there are ones that could be a 'thorn in your side' also. JUST being realistic. Because I have encountered this when people bring me used engines expecting me to perform 'miracles' to it when sometimes I can not do it because there are internal problems that I can not put a 'Band-aid' on and send out the door.

DUB

 

You're already over budget.

 

I have to agree with Dub, get the tranny out. Get some degreeser and clean away. While the engine is out change the suspension parts that need changing. And get rid of the alarm siren on the d/s fender well.

 

Selling your old engine will only bring a few hundred dollars. Buying a used engine (unless it has been properly rebuilt) is not going to improve your situation. I'd vote for you disassembling and having the block fully machined. Then new cam and pistons. If you are wary of doing all the work, have the machine shop return a short block to you. Then all you'll need to do is attach the tin and manifolds. There's plenty of good advice on the Forum helping you choose the cam and pistons. It will cost much less than an entirely new (used) replacement engine, and you'll know exactly what you have.

 

Alarm is gone.

 

No negativity allowed. Positive vibes only ~~~☆~~~☆~~~☆~~~

 

With suspension rebuild and motor work and a lot of while your at its the budget will double from your original plan. Things spiral out of control very quickly. Not trying to discourage you but I have seen a lot of projects start with good intention only to be derailed but limited funds. I'm not saying it can't be done but you will be reworking a lot of old parts to keep the budget in check.

 

Copy that on the trans.

 

Yeah kinda figured i wouldn't be using all new parts except for suspension and exhaust past the headers.

Being financially responsible sucks!

 

Just start with something like this then spend the rest of suspension parts. Hopefully the original parts are not in too bad of shape for reuse.

http://www.summitracing.com/int/part...make/chevrolet

 

Thanks Dub.
I know that there are some easy "to do's" while the engine is out of the way.
Cleaning and then flat black paint, replace worn out suspension parts and do something with the messy looking wiring ordeal. Etc...

 

Thanks for the link but would it be more cost effective to just rebuild my engine?

This is what id like to get as far as suspension:
https://willcoxcorvette.com/corvette-front-suspension-rebuild-kit-deluxe-63-102

 

Here's my plan, as I'm on a tight budget as well. I'm going to put in a 5.3l lm7 with accompanying 4l60e. I have a donor truck, so I will have harness, pcm, etc... I will clean it and put it in basically stock. They make around 300hp with headers and tune. Then maybe a couple winters from now, I'll pull it, put in cam/pistons/heads etc... Should be able to get 400 hp without issue. Harness and pcm can be $$$

I'm far from an expert in this area, just putting in my .02. I am however an expert on tight budgeting

 

I did what Ontario is suggesting, I did get a little more HP so I paid about $200 more but after all was said and done, with a few new parts I was upwards of $2K in just the motor swap. If you go that route you will have enough for your suspension too. If you decide to go with your original motor and have a machine shop properly machine the block, with new parts you will easily be at your $3K mark... That's just my opinion and my experience

 

Matt, I'd suggest that you rebuild your engine. A fuel injected LT1 would be loads of fun but the swap will require a good deal of wiring and some changes to the power steering plumbing. If you want to do that then go for it as, outside of the Opti-spark, the LT1 is a terrific engine.

If you want engine work done I HIGHLY recommend the good guys at Cincy Speed in Cincinnati, Ohio. I have known the owner and lead tech for well over a decade. Give them a call at (513) 821-2221 and tell them that Lee sent you.



Later,

Lee

 

Thanks i will do just that

 

Hey guys i sincerely appreciate the "replies" and "opinions". This is great food for thought.

 

Sorry i keep forgetting some posters might be "females".

So thank you too