1977 Corvette crate engine?
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
1977 Corvette crate engine?
For a 1977 Corvette is a 400HP Crate Engine to much for this car? I'm thinking about getting a 1977 Corvette but I want a faster engine. I was wondering if I'll have any problems if I put a 400HP engine in this car? Are there any modifications I should do to the drivetrain for this? And does anyone have a link for a good, reliable 350 with around 400hp, or mabey alittle more?
What is the most HP engine I can put in this car without serious modifacations, and still being reliable?
Thanks
What is the most HP engine I can put in this car without serious modifacations, and still being reliable?
Thanks
Last edited by nycorvettekid; May 3, 2007 at 05:55 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,173
Likes: 5
From: Paducah Ky
You really haven't given much info on the car but a typical 77 has enough age and miles on it that pretty much the entire driveline will need to be freshened up before it will be reliable with that horsepower. I am referring to u-joints, rear bearings, stub axles, etc. The tranny may also need some work depending on what you have.
Thread Starter
7th Gear
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
I'd get a new tranny when I get the engine.
How much should I be looking to spend for a 400hp engine w/tranny, drivetrain stuff, installation & everything. How much when I'm all said and done should I expect to pay?
How much should I be looking to spend for a 400hp engine w/tranny, drivetrain stuff, installation & everything. How much when I'm all said and done should I expect to pay?
Racer
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 439
Likes: 0
From: Mukilteo Washington
I have a 77 with unknowed milage, I have spent three times as much money into the suspention, brakes (SAFETY), frame and drive train upgrades than I did with the 383 engine that in her now. I don't think it is wise to just throw in a 400 HP engine into a car with out figuring out the cost of upgradeing the suspension, brakes and drive train first. Speed cost $$$.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 11,874
Likes: 263
From: Arlington Va Current ride 04 vert, previous vettes: 69 vert, 77 resto mod
well you will need to be able to steer, stop and keep it under control......so you may need alot depending on the shape of your suspension, steering and rear trailing arms, struts and differential
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
I have a 77 with unknowed milage, I have spent three times as much money into the suspention, brakes (SAFETY), frame and drive train upgrades than I did with the 383 engine that in her now. I don't think it is wise to just throw in a 400 HP engine into a car with out figuring out the cost of upgradeing the suspension, brakes and drive train first. Speed cost $$$.
Make sure the suspension, steering and brakes are ready to go first.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
