Need help for new engine
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: San Jose CA
Need help for new engine
I'm about to start building an engine for my vette but I can't decide if I want to go with a 350 or a 427. The car originally had a 350 but it isn't the original motor so it doesn't matter what I do with it. I have heard that I should go with a 350 because of the weight distribution but I also love big blocks. I just would like to know some of the advantages and disadvantages of each as far as power, weight, acceleration, etc.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Re: Need help for new engine (74chevy)
I would go for either a 350 or 383, weight being an issue....and cam for torque, putting EFI on it for not too much money...so you don't get that feeling of passing everyting but a gas station....
now if you drive it seldome....and/or drag race it....do the BB but a 427 is rare, unless you have one...do a 454 crate engine...but EFI is much more expensive, historically,...so fuel economy will be hurting...
BB's also tend to make too much torque for most O/Drive trannies....
so they have a short life apparently...especially when drag racing...
I would do a 383, and a O/drive tranny....with EFI of course...
GENE
now if you drive it seldome....and/or drag race it....do the BB but a 427 is rare, unless you have one...do a 454 crate engine...but EFI is much more expensive, historically,...so fuel economy will be hurting...
BB's also tend to make too much torque for most O/Drive trannies....
so they have a short life apparently...especially when drag racing...
I would do a 383, and a O/drive tranny....with EFI of course...
GENE
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,207
Likes: 1
From: Cave Creek AZ
Re: Need help for new engine (74chevy)
I would love to say get the ZZ-502 motor but being that your car was a small block to begin with thats what I would go with. If you go to big block you are going to have to change the front springs and the radiator to accomidate the additional weight and coolant required for the BB.
Also you liveing in Ca. if you were to buy a new crate motor your car is going to have to pass all the emmission requirements for 2001. If you completely rebuild your 74 motor you will still only be responsible for the requirements set forth by the 74 emmission standards. You have a tough decision to make, good luck.
JoeB
PS I live in Phoenix AZ and I have to pass the sniffer as well. I just did my L-48 completely over and I am very happy with the performance and sound of the motor.
Also you liveing in Ca. if you were to buy a new crate motor your car is going to have to pass all the emmission requirements for 2001. If you completely rebuild your 74 motor you will still only be responsible for the requirements set forth by the 74 emmission standards. You have a tough decision to make, good luck.
JoeB
PS I live in Phoenix AZ and I have to pass the sniffer as well. I just did my L-48 completely over and I am very happy with the performance and sound of the motor.
