Am just getting into this and I want a C-3 coupe, 69-71. Don't want a car that needs constant maintainance but a good driver and solid. Would you suggest a big block (427/454) or small block (350/350 or 350/300). Want some power and nice sound, but again, the less potential maintenance the better. I realize that a 40 yr old car will require some maintenance no matter what, but am trying to limit it with a decent motor, and of course, nothing will be perfect. Thanks in advance. Paul

 

I think you pretty much said it yourself, a 40 year old car is going to require maintenance. Being a big block or a small block doesn't really make any difference, they will just need different parts when they break. I suppose what you might be on the lookout for is 69-71 that has had a fresh crate or freshly rebuilt engine put in. The fact that it will have new parts in it vs. the fact that originality has been taken away - I suppose it could swing the price either way.

 

If you buy a big block, you will learn why they cost more. Because they are worth it...

 

Paul,
We all start off with high expectations, but reality bites and what you buy will be determined by the depth of your pockets and your level of passion.
Small blocks will be cheaper to buy and maintain than a big block, and if you are up to a few mods, can be made to perform as well.

It really does depend on what you want to do with the car...
how you will use it! and also your level of mechanical knowledge....
how much dirt do you want to get under your nails?
I say this, as these old beauties are easy to work on if you have the aptitude and the tools or the inclination to learn.
Otherwise, you are at the whim of the integrity of your workshop supervisor.

So, how do you intend to use YOUR chrome bumper vette....
show car, competitive strip or circuit racer, a daily driver or a weekend countryside tourer

Like all things in life, a compromise needs to be made in order to accomodate various uses.
Your priorities will dictate what you should purchase.

If you have other uses or expectations, let us know. Maybe you are seeking a collectible?
Maybe you want a classic shape, but want the benefits of a modern technology. There's a lot of suspension mods and engine/gearbox transplants available today, so if you intend to customise your ride, what you buy initially (BB or SB) might be irrelevant.

My advice, is buy a car which is structurally sound with good chassis and body.
Rust is the #1 item to be concerned about, so look very carefully with someone familiar with Corvettes. Body work (fibreglass) can be very costly to do properly, so keep that in mind.
Buy one that is complete as far as all the trim and interior is concerned. All those little flashy chrome trims and badges and ***** and switches do get pricey when you add them all up.

Engine/gearbox/diff and suspension components are relatively easy to repair, so don't be put off by a car if it doesn't run well. It'll give you a good bargaining angle.

Good luck with your search.

 

You either have to spend the money 'up front' to buy a car in really good condition...or spend it 'later' by paying a mechanic to fix the problems with the car. Paying it 'later' always costs more....if you can't do your own work [or if you don't want to do that work]. And you don't get to use the car while it's in the shop or torn-down in your garage.

Look for a car with recently replaced/rebuilt systems with the receipts to prove it. Then have a knowledgable mechanic or C3 'expert' verify what the seller is presenting.

 

Everything I say here is based on my experience...I have a '69 427/435, so it obviously colors my opinions.

Everything else being equal (which it rarely is), a small block car is a better balanced and more civilized car to drive. BUT...there's something about a big block that's difficult to put into words. My wife has said she noticed early on when we go to cruise-ins or car shows, that when anyone hears I have a '69 Vette, there's only one question..."Is it a big-block?"

For all intents and purposes, owning a big block is kind of like being hung like John Holmes...great to show off for all the "ooh's and aaah's", but in the real world doesn't mean much beyond bragging rights.

Again...I have a big block and love it for its own sake. It's a beast and nothing else touches it.

 

You could do what I did? Buy a cheap 74-78 vette and put your own Big Block in it. Reliablity is about the same between sb and bb but the BB needs a good cooling system in place where a SB is more forgiving.

 

 

just stay away from the '68's especially the Big Blocks I "hear" they are garbage.

 

I would go with the big block. They are a bit more expensive, but they make lots of power and torque.

 

I would vote big block, but you can make a good deal of power from a sbc these days for cheap. Ultimately they are cheaper to buy, build and maintain. However, a big block with a 4 speed will allow a more cruise friendly gear, and with an auto will still be fun to drive.

 

You will kick yourself from here to eternity if you buy a mouse motor. Because the first time you get into a 427 you will realize your nothing in comparison. BB's require no more TLC than that "other" motor.
No offense to you who own SB's. Some of the best people here have them!

 

But sbc uses less gas,ALOT less gas,and can give you as much or more then most big blocks,that are not built up.You can only go so far with a sbc ,about 700 hp ,800 hp maybe with power adders.This is way more hp then most people will ever need.Now a bbc you can put alot of money into it and get more hp then the sbc,thats a fact.sbc is ALOT cheaper to build then a bbc,but if you want a 1000 hp engine,then a bbc is what you want.

 

Big blocks are a complete waste of money. You have to pay more for the car, more for gas, more for parts, more for rear tires that wear out faster, more for speeding tickets, more for insurance (after the tickets), more for tolls (since you get to them faster), more for aloe for the windburn on your face, more for passenger's side door handles that keep getting torn off by white-knuckled passengers, more for hearing aids to correct the damage to your hearing from all the screaming, and a bunch of other stuff too.

 

...and your point is...???

 

 

Buy a car with a weak assed small block. When it comes time to rebuild, make your small block "bigger". I'm putting together a 406 small block. It has the light weight of a small block, but has the CID to have some pretty stout low end pull. Best of both worlds in my book. Yes, I know an all out 427 might "edge" me out in the power department.

 

Hi Paul,
Some people like a small block because they.......... well, they're a small block Chevy..... the neatest engine ever!
Regards,
Alan

 

Hey Alan,

Have you ever even STARTED your car, much less actually DRIVEN it?? Your pictures are downright disgusting!


Rob

 

I forgot to mention ,if you watch pinks on tv ,its mostly all small blocks that are winning.And i dont understand that maybe its because the sb can wined out its rpm alot quicker then the bbc.I guess after the 1/4 mile the bbc would win out.Im not stirring the pot too much am i.