Engine and trans combo advice
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 870
Likes: 204
From: London UK
Engine and trans combo advice
After taking a few months off my 71 restomod i've decided to just go all out and finish it properly. I want to replace the motor and trans, not looking for silly power but something with abit of oomph. Can't justify a manual swap so will stick to a built TH400 with a ratchet shifter. There are so many different crate 350's available all slightly different specs with different hp/tq ratings, some with cast heads others aluminium and i don't really understand what is best. Would it be better to go to an engine builder in the UK and have it built vs a prebuilt crate motor?
I also saw this engine/trans combo which looked interesting https://www.monstertransmission.com/...l#.YUo31WZKhmA
I also saw this engine/trans combo which looked interesting https://www.monstertransmission.com/...l#.YUo31WZKhmA
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 870
Likes: 204
From: London UK
Thats far too complex for me to ship over to the UK and install myself, I just want a simple like for like upgrade
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
I'm afraid we don't do many European drivetrain swaps into C3's over here. And, I doubt there are many Chevy drivetrains over there, just waiting for you to gather up.
Wish you luck. Maybe do some searching via Euro salvage yards for a wrecked C2 or C3 with usable drivetrain....or maybe a later model Camaro or Firebird?
Wish you luck. Maybe do some searching via Euro salvage yards for a wrecked C2 or C3 with usable drivetrain....or maybe a later model Camaro or Firebird?
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
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From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
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A fun engine would have over 350 ft/lbs of torque. Torque is what gets the car moving , spins the tires, snaps your head back. The final gear rattio also is atorque muliplier so you would want somethng around 3.70 for a rear gear ratio. Hifher gear ratios like 2.08 need a lot of torque to get moving
Aluminum heads will allow you to run lower octane fuel with a larger advance and higher compression without pinging at the same compression as a cast iron head. Plus the weight savings. Off the shelf they will flow better than stock heads for a gen 1 small block as well. IF you can find a builder over there that has access to american parts I would have one spec'd out to see what the cost is versus having a crate motor shipped. If its the same cost to go bigger go with 400 hp, and 400 ft/lbs. You may have to save up for an overdrive transmission later on down the road.
The other solution is swapping in something thats common over there like something out of a BMW or Mercedes.
Aluminum heads will allow you to run lower octane fuel with a larger advance and higher compression without pinging at the same compression as a cast iron head. Plus the weight savings. Off the shelf they will flow better than stock heads for a gen 1 small block as well. IF you can find a builder over there that has access to american parts I would have one spec'd out to see what the cost is versus having a crate motor shipped. If its the same cost to go bigger go with 400 hp, and 400 ft/lbs. You may have to save up for an overdrive transmission later on down the road.
The other solution is swapping in something thats common over there like something out of a BMW or Mercedes.
Old Pro Solo Guy
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 8,079
Likes: 4,431
From: Marlton NJ
Spend the extra $600 for their 700R4 OD trans upgrade. It's got a better first gear and may eliminate the need for you to swap the rear gear. And it has OD!
You need to measure the current rear gear. It is the total combo that counts.
That is a pretty mild engine. Should run strong though. I would contact them and maybe consider one just one step stronger. What is nice is they match the torque convertor to it.
Questions to ask yourself:
Do you want to run regular gas or high test?
Is it all city driving or do you get on the highway?
Looking for 0-60 or 30-90 mph power?
How much of a idle lope do you want?
Do you have enough room for 6000 rpm pulls in say 2nd gear? (could be 80 mph)
I (maybe) like this one better:
https://www.monstertransmission.com/...l#.YUs5u7hKg2w
Get the aluminum edelbrock heads.
Don't you already have efi?
You can delete the carb and fuel pump.
But that one would need premium gas.
You need to measure the current rear gear. It is the total combo that counts.
That is a pretty mild engine. Should run strong though. I would contact them and maybe consider one just one step stronger. What is nice is they match the torque convertor to it.
Questions to ask yourself:
Do you want to run regular gas or high test?
Is it all city driving or do you get on the highway?
Looking for 0-60 or 30-90 mph power?
How much of a idle lope do you want?
Do you have enough room for 6000 rpm pulls in say 2nd gear? (could be 80 mph)
I (maybe) like this one better:
https://www.monstertransmission.com/...l#.YUs5u7hKg2w
Get the aluminum edelbrock heads.
Don't you already have efi?
You can delete the carb and fuel pump.
But that one would need premium gas.
Last edited by leigh1322; Sep 22, 2021 at 10:17 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
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From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
325 isnt going to feel that great. It will run stronger than what you have.....when these guys dyno those engines there are no accessories on them. cool air piped down the carb, hot oil and 150 deg coolant temps.
Assume by the time its in your car and running you may have up to 50hp less. So if you think you want 300 order 350 etc.
A good 350rwhp should make 400+lbs torque, be driveable sound good and still be able to bring a smile to your face. No need for anything radical to get there just good heads and a moderate cam.
Make sure and get the appropriate stall converter...most guys for some reason think a stock one is the way to go with a cammed up car its the polar opposite.
That will launch you outta the hole if you nail it, normal driving it feels...normal.
Assume by the time its in your car and running you may have up to 50hp less. So if you think you want 300 order 350 etc.
A good 350rwhp should make 400+lbs torque, be driveable sound good and still be able to bring a smile to your face. No need for anything radical to get there just good heads and a moderate cam.
Make sure and get the appropriate stall converter...most guys for some reason think a stock one is the way to go with a cammed up car its the polar opposite.
That will launch you outta the hole if you nail it, normal driving it feels...normal.
Last edited by cv67; Sep 22, 2021 at 04:16 PM.
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Pro
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 719
Likes: 156
all brand new block & parts ... GM Chevy Performance Parts 350/357 ... pn 19420881
https://www.gmperformancemotor.com/parts/19420881.html
*edit ... it comes with a decent windage tray as well. Its pan will fit C3 but it's sump is a little low. JMO, but it'd be worth while to fit a RoadRace pan w/ Right & Left doors. YMMV.
https://www.gmperformancemotor.com/parts/19420881.html
*edit ... it comes with a decent windage tray as well. Its pan will fit C3 but it's sump is a little low. JMO, but it'd be worth while to fit a RoadRace pan w/ Right & Left doors. YMMV.
Last edited by ebbnflow; Sep 24, 2021 at 10:59 PM.
Old Pro Solo Guy
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 8,079
Likes: 4,431
From: Marlton NJ
That one is a great deal! 350HP is a great sweet spot for a very nice running SBC. The one above from GM is brand new and has the nice vortec heads with a nice mild long living roller cam.And for a Corvette you need the specific short water pump, C3 specific oil pan, and a not too high intake anyway. Crate engines do not usually come with the versions that fit C3s.
And for the money you are going to spend for a new trans, why not just put a stick in it for the same amount of money? It all bolts in, and you'll be happier in the long run. The only hard part is pulling the dash panel to add the clutch pedal box. And you put in gauges so you can do that!
Last edited by leigh1322; Sep 23, 2021 at 11:35 AM.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 334
Likes: 113
after Christmas i am fitting a magnum t56 which i all ready have . i nearly have the cash for the blueprint 427 dynode at 540 hp and 530 ft torque . i am going for the bock minus inlet and carb as i am going fuel injection . check blueprint out they have a good reputation and you cant build them your self for that price