Vegas
engine size for c3
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: EINDHOVEN, NETHERLANDS NETHERLANDS
engine size for c3
hello i´m just thinking to put the most bigger engine into a c3 i saw until 540 cubic inches from scott shaffirof but i have a dude ¿can i put a 598 c.i. from this guy? www.steveschmidtracing.com thanks for your future help.. guys 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
You need to find out if he's using a tall deck block. It will fit, but the hassles make it something of a real chore. Headers won't fit, steering box is in the way, overall too high to get the hood shut, I'm sure there are several things I missed too.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
I've got a 454 in my C3 right now. It's got the parts book from GM thrown at it- all the GM LS-7/ZL-1 stuff. Frame is stock, Muncie 4 speed and original rear end. The only change is the Lakewood bellhousing.
The only real limit to what will fit is the checkbook. A tall deck block will fit, but you'll need to fabricate a lot of parts. And I saw someone building an 818 cubic inch BB..
The only real limit to what will fit is the checkbook. A tall deck block will fit, but you'll need to fabricate a lot of parts. And I saw someone building an 818 cubic inch BB..
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: EINDHOVEN, NETHERLANDS NETHERLANDS
well my frame is modificated lie the twin_turbo member of this forum. I saw a 540 from scoot shafiroff, and it fits well that,s ok. to put this engine i have the same rear end like twin_turbo is heavy duty but sure i have to change internal pinions for other more hardcore. i´m going to put a wwww.abruzzi´s transmission.com it cost near of 4000 dollars and put vbp suspension complete for near of 2400 $ and several things more my idea is win the quarter of mille and please if you put me photos of engines that will fit on my beast i will be pleasured thanks, please put me the internet directions.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Header clearance was the big thing for me. The added width of the tall deck block made the motor too wide for the headers to fit. You would need custom headers and that isn't cheap or easy.
You can buy the special intake needed or use spacers.
I was too lazy and went with the 540.
You can buy the special intake needed or use spacers.
I was too lazy and went with the 540.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,659
Likes: 7
From: Katy (Houston) TX
CI 7-8 Veteran
With a little $$ and fabrication almost anything will fit. There are 2 guys that are in our local group that have tall deck BB's in their c3's. A 598 and a 632. A little firewall fabrication and of course header modification were needed to fit them. I'm not sure either has a vacuum brake booster either. And a TALL hood.
I'm sure either one of them will be chiming in soon...Pef427 or VetteManiac (I think that's Nick's forum name???)
I'm sure either one of them will be chiming in soon...Pef427 or VetteManiac (I think that's Nick's forum name???)
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,020
Likes: 1
From: Nederland Texas
The 598 will fit. But, I do not have A/C or powersteering/brakes although the car steers/stops easily without it. We have discussed this in the past here so check the old posts or just PM me for any help you may need.
I have a friend with a 632 in a 72 but he has really tricked-out his engine compartment. More for aesthetics than fitment.
-Patrick
I have a friend with a 632 in a 72 but he has really tricked-out his engine compartment. More for aesthetics than fitment.
-Patrick
Last edited by pef427; Apr 6, 2007 at 10:54 AM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: EINDHOVEN, NETHERLANDS NETHERLANDS
Thanks for your pictures .it´s nice to live in the another side of the atlantic ocean and there are too many people who wants to help you.it´s nice for me and give more power to go on with my car.
well my idea it`s do the best beast as i can do.So first for me the engine had to take 10:1 0r 10´5 :1 more compression i don´t like because i think that don´t have the same resistance than other engine with less compression.The second thing that i wanted is the engine must be fabricated very well. and if you talk that the 540 fits better than 598 i put 540 because this engine has 750 h.p. and it´s enough for me.so if would be possible put me the best 540 that i can buy in america put web directions, price doesn´t matter i want the best fabrication of the engine, you know put and run and have the less problems possibles.THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND HELP
well my idea it`s do the best beast as i can do.So first for me the engine had to take 10:1 0r 10´5 :1 more compression i don´t like because i think that don´t have the same resistance than other engine with less compression.The second thing that i wanted is the engine must be fabricated very well. and if you talk that the 540 fits better than 598 i put 540 because this engine has 750 h.p. and it´s enough for me.so if would be possible put me the best 540 that i can buy in america put web directions, price doesn´t matter i want the best fabrication of the engine, you know put and run and have the less problems possibles.THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND HELP
Racer
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 289
Likes: 0
From: Albuquerque NM
Try Breck Racing Engines, I think they have a turn-key 540 that dips into the HP range you are looking for. The rest will need to be done correctly of you will end breaking to many things. Ohio Crank Has some engines they sell turn key with huge number...900hp+++
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: EINDHOVEN, NETHERLANDS NETHERLANDS
i saw beck racing engines and i prefer steve schmidt but ohio crank it´s really good page and have a very good engines but i don´t go to buy now so i have time to deicide. if i finally put 540 from steve schmidt where i have to buy a tall hood? where i have to buy the hardcore pinions for my heavy duty rear end? Thanks for your help ahh and really nice information.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
The 540 is exactly the same dimensions as the 396/427/454 on the outside and it will drop right in. The intake decides if you need added hood clearance or not.
Yes a 540 will bolt in like any stock motor.
Yes a 540 will bolt in like any stock motor.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,020
Likes: 1
From: Nederland Texas
Norval is absolutely right. If you want a drop in block with minimal work and more HP than should be legal, go with the 540. 427Hotrod has one in his 67 and I believe he's putting out around 825-850 HP and drives it everywhere. I'm sure if he had a powerglide and the right stall converter he would be deep into the 9's. But man I love to hear him shift that beast!
540 is your ticket. Keep us posted.
-P
540 is your ticket. Keep us posted.
-P
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,527
Likes: 148
From: East London/SW Essex UK
540
It seems that if it costs more or less the same to build-up a 427, 454, 496,502 or 540 (if you are using a new block & crank etc) the 540 is the logical and most cost effective choice. You will comfortably achieve the best horsepower/torque that a 427/454 can give without the 540 even braking into a sweat. Thats on my shopping list. It even rules out thinking about a blower!
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 13,014
Likes: 2,257
From: Corsicana, Tx
2020 C2 of the Year - Modified Winner
2020 Corvette of the Year (performance mods)
C2 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
2017 C2 of Year Finalist
Now Norval...THAT's what we like to see..wretched excess!! I love it!!
JIM
JIM
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: EINDHOVEN, NETHERLANDS NETHERLANDS
that´s very clear for me i´m going to put the 540 baddest of the world and i try put photos and post with you thanks for your help guys well if you think that shafiroff has the best engine i put it but steve´s schmidt it´s so beautiful 
well when winter comes it deicide it . a strong salute to all quarter runners go for 9 seconds or die.....
well when winter comes it deicide it . a strong salute to all quarter runners go for 9 seconds or die.....
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,527
Likes: 148
From: East London/SW Essex UK
[QUOTE=norvalwilhelm;1559720445]How about a 540 and a blower?? 1000 horse is not out of the question.
I just knew you would reply as you did Norval. I am interested in the other thread with the small block Procharger set-up and how the heat/cooling air-flow issues will be resolved.
I just knew you would reply as you did Norval. I am interested in the other thread with the small block Procharger set-up and how the heat/cooling air-flow issues will be resolved.
