New small block in a 80
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,505
Likes: 7
From: Jacksonville FL
New small block in a 80
Hey guys I really hate to throw a large question like this at you guys but I really could use the help. I have a 1980 Vette with stock everything besides sidepipes. I'm getting ready to leave for Japan for 6 months and when I get back I want to install a new small block motor in my baby. I will hopefuly have about $10-15,000 to spend on everything.
My question is what kind of set up can I afford like this. I originally thought about a crate motor and a procharger but honestly I'm not ready for that yet. I want to be able to get a new engine, transmission, stall converter, and possibly rear end to handle it. My car is a daily driver and I'm not really interested in the strip or street racing but I want to have a little more get up and go power and reliability in the long run.
My first thoughts where 350, 383, or 427 small block. I really would like to keep the auto tranny in simply because I've never driven a stick before and I'm not sure how well I'll handle more power. But anyways if anyone has ideas or has done a major overhaul like this before I would appriciate the info. I basically would like a N/A Small block, carb powered of course, 4 speed + auto tranny, stall and anything else needed to handle more power. Thanks guys
My question is what kind of set up can I afford like this. I originally thought about a crate motor and a procharger but honestly I'm not ready for that yet. I want to be able to get a new engine, transmission, stall converter, and possibly rear end to handle it. My car is a daily driver and I'm not really interested in the strip or street racing but I want to have a little more get up and go power and reliability in the long run.
My first thoughts where 350, 383, or 427 small block. I really would like to keep the auto tranny in simply because I've never driven a stick before and I'm not sure how well I'll handle more power. But anyways if anyone has ideas or has done a major overhaul like this before I would appriciate the info. I basically would like a N/A Small block, carb powered of course, 4 speed + auto tranny, stall and anything else needed to handle more power. Thanks guys
Last edited by Kadorja; Sep 12, 2008 at 06:57 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
If you have that kind of a budget go with an LS engine. Maybe an LS1 or the 6.0L or 6.2L engines. You side pipes would have to be 'modified' to fit the LS heads but I think you would like the LS platform more if you have that budget.
Keep in mind you can carb an LS, or go fuel injection.
Keep in mind you can carb an LS, or go fuel injection.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,505
Likes: 7
From: Jacksonville FL
i was looking at http://www.chevyhiperformance.com/te...guide/ls2.html The MAS Performance 420 horse 350 V-8 looks like a great deal with plenty of HP. 420 hp for $4600 is one of the best deals ive seen. 10:1 compression and has carb, intake, and turnkey ready. Any ideas... most of the engines ive seen on any site that are near 400+ hp are a few grand more than that one and its still just a 350. What do you think the life of that engine is going to be?
Pro
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 718
Likes: 7
From: Jacksonville , NC
After stroking my 80 my only real advice is to budget for the engine and 200R4 overdrive tranny. You will have to at least change the torque converter for the additional HP and sooner or later (probably sooner) your gonna want the advantages it provides so go ahead and swap both out at the same time.
