Hi all, I am thinking about upgrading the old engine in my 79 vette and I've been checking different options... I am at a loss..Can I put a 600hp engine in a c3 79 vette?

Like the one below:

http://www.jegs.com/p/Chevrolet-Perf...75108/10002/-1


or a 290hp would fit it better? like the one below?

http://www.jegs.com/p/Chevrolet-Perf...52506/10002/-1


Will I have to change the transmission too?
Thank you
s.

 

Here are mine suggestions:
1. Do a search on the forum and other forum. There is a wealth of information on this forum regarding engine swaps and upgrading your existing engine.
2. Buy a book about engine swapping. This is an excellent book with a lot of good information. https://www.amazon.com/Corvette-C3-1...te+restoration

 

It's not the HP that's a concern. The first engine is a LS that requires a few mods to the installation and has been done by many. There is a sticky on the subject. The second engine example you provided will install without mods. My 78 has a 383 stroker with 500hp / 468 tq. It's a second gen block so it was an easy install with no mods.

 

I don't know how deep your pockets are. I would go with a nice 400-500HP 383 and use the rest on a 700r4 trans (if you have a automatic) with a stall matched to the engines power curve.

 

I put the GMPP 350HO in my 77 along with a Tremec TKO-500. Great upgrade.

 

You can have a larger big cubic inch small block built that drops right in where the original does. (That LSx will be one expensive deal to make everything work right)
Like the 421 sbc
At that power level though forget about using stock parts except for your accessories. Intake, heads headers carb all upgrades, along with cooling system. No need to go lsx to get big power. Can only get so much to the ground anyway on the street. If you can hit 400rwtq or better you have a fairly quick street machine very easy to do with todays parts.

Think even blueprint is casting their own 350 and 400 blocks now

 

can you tell me the type of air cleaner you have on the 383 stroker? I have a 770 Hollie carb, but I need to replace the air cleaner with one that will fit in my 81.

 

Completely OT

 

Thank you for all the input guys, much appreciated.

so, looking at engines...why a super-charged engine with 550hp (link below):

http://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet-Perf...02827/10002/-1


is $32K? but this engine below with 625hp is only $9.5K???

http://www.jegs.com/i/Chevrolet-Perf...02827/10002/-1

Thank you
s.

 

These people can help! They have some nice conversion kits and will offer assistance in your conversion, should you decide to go that route. GM Performance also offers some nice packages.

http://www.hotrodlane.cc/