Which engine for my 74 Vette
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 256
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From: Norfolk VA
Which engine for my 74 Vette
I'm looking at two different engine options right now for my 1974 Vette. I've pretty much given up the idea of rebuilding my 350. I have a guy who's got a brand new 383 stroker dyno'd at 356hp and 420ft lbs for $2000 he'll sell it for. The other option is my uncle has a 1969 corvette l46? corvette engine that hasn't been run in many years, suppossed to be original. Heard it's a 375hp, but internet says 350 was only option. The engine is a HX code. He'll sell it for $500. What do you guys think? I was looking for a good 400 ft lbs to get me moving, not for show, just my own enjoyment.
-Chris
-Chris
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
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St. Jude Donor '07
Get the new 383. A 1969 engine won't be original in your car so whats the point. The older engine wont have as much power as it used to becuase it is probally worn out. The pistons may be rusted to the cylinders also.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,161
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From: pr, frederick md.
the old engine wont run for long on todays gas without valve seats machined in. youll spend as much or more rebuilding the 350, as in buying the 383. with bolt on parts you can easily upgrade the 383 up to 500 hp and it will be a tq. monster 
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,313
Likes: 5
From: Middle Tennessee
If you are sure that the 383 is as advertised, I would go with it. You will spend more money on the 69 engine than you would pay for the 383. I had this same question come up when I did a frame-on restoration of my last '77 Vette (the red one shown in my Avatar). After doing the research, I discoverd that rebuilding my numbers matching engine to increase the horsepower from 180 to around 300 hp, would cost more than dropping in a GM Goodwrench 300hp crate engine. I stored the numbers matching engine on an engine cradle and dropped the crate motor into the car. 
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
Originally Posted by cduemig
I'm looking at two different engine options right now for my 1974 Vette. I've pretty much given up the idea of rebuilding my 350. I have a guy who's got a brand new 383 stroker dyno'd at 356hp and 420ft lbs for $2000 he'll sell it for. The other option is my uncle has a 1969 corvette l46? corvette engine that hasn't been run in many years, suppossed to be original. Heard it's a 375hp, but internet says 350 was only option. The engine is a HX code. He'll sell it for $500. What do you guys think? I was looking for a good 400 ft lbs to get me moving, not for show, just my own enjoyment.-Chris
That 383's 356/420 indicates it is probably NOT a hi-stress/hi-compression motor ... if so and if it's assembled properly it should give you very good service on pump gas while meeting your giddyup goal. If you can get a solid guarantee from the 383 seller ... do it. If the L46 is the real deal & numbers support it & no cracks ... buy it & flip it.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 256
Likes: 0
From: Norfolk VA
Exhaust
Thanks every1 for the replies. I've made arrangements to buy the 383 I eventually want to get the Keisler 5 speed kit bolted up to it, but for now will have to use the turbo 350. Will I have to take it easy on that trans or should it take it? That's a good amount more torque than this is used to and seems to me I should go easy on it when I put it in. Also I'm going to get complete new exhaust. I want to put headers and true dual back but not sure what headers and exhaust size. 2 - 2 1/2 is usually fine, but I've even seen 3" kits avail. I'm going to go through a local exhaust shop for the headers back. I was thinking of using turbo mufflers for less restriction. I would like it to not be obsessively loud at idle so I can start it without my neighbors flipping out, but if I lay on it, I want people to know that it's my bada** vette
I eventually want to get the Keisler 5 speed kit bolted up to it, but for now will have to use the turbo 350. Will I have to take it easy on that trans or should it take it? That's a good amount more torque than this is used to and seems to me I should go easy on it when I put it in. Also I'm going to get complete new exhaust. I want to put headers and true dual back but not sure what headers and exhaust size. 2 - 2 1/2 is usually fine, but I've even seen 3" kits avail. I'm going to go through a local exhaust shop for the headers back. I was thinking of using turbo mufflers for less restriction. I would like it to not be obsessively loud at idle so I can start it without my neighbors flipping out, but if I lay on it, I want people to know that it's my bada** vette
