Suggest an Engine
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
From: Roskilde
Originally Posted by norvalwilhelm
Obviously you haven't been in a big block 
All I'm saying is that a well-built 383 is awesome. My last engine was a rollercammed L88 but with the heavyweight original rotating assembly it didn't live up to legend, I would prefer a "modern" 383 over this any time. Love my bigduke engine thought
Pro
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 564
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh PA
Originally Posted by Demonic Possession
What would you guys agree would be more worth it to put/keep in my '75?
A. Keep the near stock base engine (has 20,000 original miles on it).
B. LS1
C. Keep the stock engine and make it faster (atleast 320hp).
D. Another engine that's not listed here.
I'm most interested in option B,C,D especially the LS1 engine. Also, would it be cheaper to get an used LS1(no more than 50k) or to bulit up the base engine. Oh and can I have some suggestions on how to built it up. I've been searching around online and couldn't really find that much information for the C3's.
Thanks for all the help.
A. Keep the near stock base engine (has 20,000 original miles on it).
B. LS1
C. Keep the stock engine and make it faster (atleast 320hp).
D. Another engine that's not listed here.
I'm most interested in option B,C,D especially the LS1 engine. Also, would it be cheaper to get an used LS1(no more than 50k) or to bulit up the base engine. Oh and can I have some suggestions on how to built it up. I've been searching around online and couldn't really find that much information for the C3's.
Thanks for all the help.
My personal opinion would be to sell the engine, pick up the LS-1 and AT. For example, HERE
I know Painless Wiring makes a retrofit harness, that should work nicely for this sort of thing....
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 623
Likes: 0
From: Chicago IL
I agree, I don't think my stock engine isn't going to be worth alot anyways(it's not 100% stock) and I don't plan on selling the car, so the "matching numbers" game isn't going to matter.
Senior Member since 1492
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 87,928
Likes: 156
From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
If you had a small engine bay hot rod that was hard to fit a V8, then I'd go with a SB. Your engine bay was built for a BB, why not accomidate? You've got the room.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 402
Likes: 4
From: Nassau
Im interested in hearing how much you spent GDaina. I was going with a turbo Ls2 for my vette but am now looking at a zz502. I might go with the turbo LS2 for a Chevelle thats been backhalfed that a friend wants to sell me cheap. Also anyone got any links on where to get the block and rotating assembly for a 502? Id like to get it internally ballanced with a strong bottom so I can do some kind of forced induction later on by just swapping to dished pistons. I agree with everyone who says there is nothing like the pull of a big block.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
Look for a totalled '99-'02 F-body, should be able to get these for less than $3000.
It's just a lot of work and you'll need a lot of garage space to do the swap...
It's just a lot of work and you'll need a lot of garage space to do the swap...
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Originally Posted by GDaina
Might want to look at a 502 stroker....put mine together on the cheap.
I really want to go to a 565 next winter. A 4.50 bore and a 4.375 stroke.a
If you can find a 502 block that is the way I would go too.
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Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 495
Likes: 1
From: Spokane Washington
What do you think about this motor
It is brand new, 4 bolt, three year waranty. Afreind got it to hop up a bit, but it dynoed at just under 300 HP. It is under $1500.00. Old style valve cover bolts. Any ideas on how to get 30 more HP.
Copy link.
http://www.crateenginedepot.com/stor...53--P62C0.aspx
cal
Copy link.
http://www.crateenginedepot.com/stor...53--P62C0.aspx
cal
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 20,216
Likes: 4
From: Smile, it's just the internet.
Originally Posted by Demonic Possession
What would you guys agree would be more worth it to put/keep in my '75?
A. Keep the near stock base engine (has 20,000 original miles on it).
B. LS1
C. Keep the stock engine and make it faster (atleast 320hp).
D. Another engine that's not listed here.
I'm most interested in option B,C,D especially the LS1 engine. Also, would it be cheaper to get an used LS1(no more than 50k) or to bulit up the base engine. Oh and can I have some suggestions on how to built it up. I've been searching around online and couldn't really find that much information for the C3's.
Thanks for all the help.
A. Keep the near stock base engine (has 20,000 original miles on it).
B. LS1
C. Keep the stock engine and make it faster (atleast 320hp).
D. Another engine that's not listed here.
I'm most interested in option B,C,D especially the LS1 engine. Also, would it be cheaper to get an used LS1(no more than 50k) or to bulit up the base engine. Oh and can I have some suggestions on how to built it up. I've been searching around online and couldn't really find that much information for the C3's.
Thanks for all the help.
Since you've already got a foundation for it, I'd suggest stroking your current 350 to 383.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
Originally Posted by Demonic Possession
How much is on the cheap? 
Includes, pan and timing chain cover
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Originally Posted by GDaina
short block, everything new, including new block, 4.25" internal balanced crank, H beam rods, balancing, hone, and other machine work.....$4100.00
Includes, pan and timing chain cover
Includes, pan and timing chain cover
http://ohiocrank.com/enginekits.html
There is a complete 550 horse 454 small block for you guys. Also look around at the short blocks and their cheap prices. Add you own heads and intake and cam.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,812
Likes: 4
From: Gig Harbor Wa
I spent a total of $6K on my LS1 install and that included a 6 speed manual. It's actually a hard combination to beat for the money if you think about it. 320+ RWHP (they actually dyno closer to 400 at the flywheel), 25ish MPG and the reliability of self adjusting fuel injection.
So many choices! Keep 'em coming.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 246
Likes: 1
From: Concord NC
GM Performance Parts ZZ-4. Opt for the "hot cam" and 1.6:1 ratio roller tip rockers. 400 turnkey ponies for about $3900.00. GM warranty and a proven track record to boot. Pulling my original '72 LT-1 for one of these.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 402
Likes: 4
From: Nassau
Thanks for the info Gdana. Thats a good price. Did you have a local machine shop do all the machining or did you get it as a short block already assembled? I cant get anything machined here so will probably be looking at a short block.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
Originally Posted by bahamasair
Thanks for the info Gdana. Thats a good price. Did you have a local machine shop do all the machining or did you get it as a short block already assembled? I cant get anything machined here so will probably be looking at a short block.
I purchased all new pieces and had a local shop do the machining, I assembled the unit. I thought about purchasing a short block from Sallee or Pace, but I could get more cubes, internal balanced, higher compression ratio for $100.00 above the short block price.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,165
Likes: 950
From: Keizer Oregon
I love Big Blocks....BUT they do add alot of extra weight!! If you are thinking about other things than 1/4 mile racing, a stroker small block makes alot more sense. My 76 with 383 stroker--and lots of aluminum parts-weighs ~3100 lbs. With that kind of weight and 500hp your vette can do more than just break it's driveline at the dragstrip.....
If I had to do mine over I would go with the motown small block based 427ci stroker....550 + hp and the weight of a 350...... My .02 good luck.
If I had to do mine over I would go with the motown small block based 427ci stroker....550 + hp and the weight of a 350...... My .02 good luck.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Royse City tx
btw:
The LT1 conversion didn't require a new hood and it fits the original motor mounts and tranny. I did put a 3:31 gear in the rear end as the original 2:89 was a too low. You may want to explore a new rear end gear as well. I know some folks that have gone with a ZZ4 crate motore and have been really satisfied.
The LT1 conversion didn't require a new hood and it fits the original motor mounts and tranny. I did put a 3:31 gear in the rear end as the original 2:89 was a too low. You may want to explore a new rear end gear as well. I know some folks that have gone with a ZZ4 crate motore and have been really satisfied.