Engine for the 69
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7th Gear
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 7
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From: Newark CA
Engine for the 69
Hello all, I recently picked up a 69 convertible so I wanted to take this to the experts. It is a L46 but I want to pull out the 350 and drop in a BB with side exhaust. I have the budget for a crate ZZ502 but I want to research and plan this out before I go nuts. What I am wrestling with is the concept of the ultimate big block 69 corvette. I am going for a bad-a$$ street racer an not exactly something I will take to the track (except for fun of course) since it is a convert and not a coupe.
I love the look of the factory side exhaust (covers) and also the insulation they provide so that my kids don't burn themselves on the pipes. However, I am afraid if I go with headers and such a big engine like the 502 that the 2 1/2" exhaust that I will rob HP from too small exhaust. Any suggestions? Can I modify factory repro side covers so I can fit a 3" pipe under it? Is 3" receiver enough for a zz502 with headers? Is this impossible and should I just go with hooker headers and 4" pipes? Just trying to get my arms around the various technical challenges so I can complete my planning for the project.
Thanks in advance.
Rick
I love the look of the factory side exhaust (covers) and also the insulation they provide so that my kids don't burn themselves on the pipes. However, I am afraid if I go with headers and such a big engine like the 502 that the 2 1/2" exhaust that I will rob HP from too small exhaust. Any suggestions? Can I modify factory repro side covers so I can fit a 3" pipe under it? Is 3" receiver enough for a zz502 with headers? Is this impossible and should I just go with hooker headers and 4" pipes? Just trying to get my arms around the various technical challenges so I can complete my planning for the project.
Thanks in advance.
Rick
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Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 520
Likes: 5
From: Front Range
The great thing about sidepipes, is you only have to burn your calf once... after that you'll never forget they're there. Ask my friends.
You definitely want that 502 to breathe... modified stock sidepipes would be pretty neat, but a lot of work.
Personally... once you've gone with stainless hookers, you never want to go back. So... purty... (petting my sidepipes... then busting out a rag to polish off the fingerprints)
You definitely want that 502 to breathe... modified stock sidepipes would be pretty neat, but a lot of work.
Personally... once you've gone with stainless hookers, you never want to go back. So... purty... (petting my sidepipes... then busting out a rag to polish off the fingerprints)
