I'm wanting to buy a 1976 Corvette and rebuild it frame up. My question, is what engine should I put in? I'm wanting something that won't need an obscene amount of fabrication to get it, but something that I'll love. I love power. I also have no emissions requirements in my state!
Also, behind that engine, what tranny should I get? I think I want a manual. The car will be driven in and out of town cruising and also getting on it now and then while cruising.
Then, what rear end behind that? I definitely like the look of the independant rear suspensions that I've been seeing on the board.

 

Any Small Block Chevrolet or Big Block Chevrolet from this era will fit with no fabrication.

Any Muncie 4 speed meant for a Chevrolet will fit with no fabrication.

It is good that you like the independent rear suspensions because that is what they came with from the factory.

BigBlockk

Later.....

 

We should have a list of recommended reading for these new people. I don't have a problem with them, but I think it would really help them to understand things better if they had more background information on C3s in general.

 

330 horse 380 tourqe bolt right in. vortec heads its priced right 3500.00. if you got the big bucks by the 572 crate engine strate from gm. that runs about 12000.00. check this out!




Vistit our GM Performance Parts store


From the people that first introduced high-performance crate engines to the automotive aftermarket, we are proud to announce the arrival of GM Performance Parts 572 line of crate engines. Choose from the street worthy 620hp 9.6:1 version or the fire breathing 720hp 12:1 version.

Built on an all new GM Sportsman Bow Tie tall deck block, the new 572 is stuffed with goodies like 4340 steel H-beam rods, forged aluminum pistons, and 4340 forged steel 4.375" stoke crankshaft. Only to be topped with aluminum rectangle port heads with dual valve springs and roller rockers. Don't forget about the single plane intake manifold and Demon carburetor that really makes these monsters scream!

Each of the two versions is available in a short block, long block or turn key variety.

Short Block - includes cylinder block, crankshaft, pistons, rods and bearings.
Long Block - includes short block plus, cylinder heads, oil system, roller camshaft and lifters, roller rocker arms and valve covers.
Turn Key - includes long block plus aluminum short style water pump, high RPM balancer, flexplate (flywheel) for auto trans, single plane intake manifold, Demon carburetor and ignition.

 

I agree many other car forum's have a new owners section with a big sticky at the top containing frequently asked questions. I love this forum, and its full of useful info but it seems ten times harder to find here.

 

Thanks for the feedback.
Tell me what you think.... Build a motor. Start with a 454 CBB to build up a 502. Except what heads should I get. All the Brodix heads I can find are pretty high idle and I want this to be a cruiser with a lot of power. Also, what should I do for fuel delivery? Is there an easy way to fuel inject a BB, or should I just go carb? With this much power, should I go with a muncie 4-speed or go Keisler 5-speed or 6-speed? And is the stock rear end good for that power? Should I go aftermarket? And what gears?

 

I may be missing something here, but rebuilding the stock small block, trans, and rear will do what you outline above. Keep the rest of the money in your pocket.

 

Those GM crate engines are a rip off for what you get. I'd rather go with an engine from World Products like a Motown 427 or 454 small block or one of their merlin big blocks. Their 454 small block does 600hp on 91 octane and is $10k and ready to go.

 

Well, I think I'll leave the crate motor for a backup plan if I just can't afford the time to build a motor. I think I can get a lot more out of a motor I build for the same money. Granted I won't have a warranty, but being able to say I built it is just as good as a warranty.

So what motor should I build? Big Block 502? SB 383 Stroker? Give me some ideas. I've heard that finding a hood to handle the 502 height isn't fun.

 

Alright, so I've been considering the 383 quite a bit and have some ideas for the build sheet....

Air Flow Research 190 with 2.02/1.60 Valves and 190cc Intake runners.
Comp Cams Hyd. roller 236*/242* @0.050 & .520/.540 w/ 1.6:1 rr
TRW forged pistons
Lunati 5.7in rods
Scat 8060 crank
Holley Stealth Ram MPFI
Hooker 1 3/4" headers and sidepipes

Let the arguing begin..... just give me some useful feedback.

 

Big blocks are an easy way to have plenty of torque and hp and
if your starting from scratch not all that much higher in price to build.

 

Anyone have comments on my build sheet?

 

ttt

 

anyone.. anyone.. bueller... Please?

 

Yeah looks good, build it and post a lot of pics.

 

How about a 410 hp and 450 ft/lbs of tq balanced and blueprinted with a 12 month warranty. All for $2990.00 I have yet to see anyone beat this deal unless you can spend 5K plus.

Look at my signature. I receive mine this Fri and can't wait to install it.

 

$2900 is a pretty good deal. Where are you getting it from?

Does anyone have a recommendation for pistions?

 

YearOne, but the company manufacturing the engine itself is HI-Tech based out of Salt lake City UT.

However, I just received the Jegs catolog and it apearsthey are jumping on the wagon with a simular deal for $2900. It is a 383 with the same HP and TQ numbers and a 2 yr warranty.

here is the link:
http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/store...tegoryId=10763

 

About a year ago I read an article in Car Craft about building a 383 stroker SB. This is what I'm going to do when I get the money. It produced around 400 hp and was done to be affordable. Vortec heads, Edelbrock manifold,etc. Furthermore, I know a guy that built up a 350 really nice and it's pushin' 400 hp and can seriously roast the hides! These may be some alternatives to the crate motors. THe Chevy small block is one of the most fantastic engines ever built and there are lots of horses hidden in there if we can just unleash them! My .02.