Help with '75 engine decision
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Help with '75 engine decision
I recently inherited a '75 corvette coupe that still has the original engine, and the engine is not in great condition. This car is an heirloom and I wont be looking to sell it. I'm also not worried about huge horsepower. I just want to have a great working vette to enjoy for many years.
That being said, what would you recommend I do:
1. Have the original engine rebuilt
2. Have a new crate engine installed
Are there more pros/cons to either approach?
Is there a huge cost difference? I have about $10,000 to spend on the cars total restoration project, and obviously have other stuff to work on besides the engine.
Thank you in advance for any input!
That being said, what would you recommend I do:
1. Have the original engine rebuilt
2. Have a new crate engine installed
Are there more pros/cons to either approach?
Is there a huge cost difference? I have about $10,000 to spend on the cars total restoration project, and obviously have other stuff to work on besides the engine.
Thank you in advance for any input!
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,911
Likes: 2
From: gold coast queensland
In my opinion strip the original engine down and build it up to a nice reliable motor yourself. Unless its totally stuffed it will be the cheaper option and more rewarding . If you go the crate motor route your original motor will just be sitting in the corner all sad most likely wrapped up never to be seen or used again.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,781
Likes: 15
From: Oxford Ohio
This debate comes around about every couple weeks or so. If you want to make sure you have the original engine for a future sale. Store the engine some place and get either a rebuilt engine by a machine shop, or a crate engine. That's where the debate begins. Best price doesn't mean best deal. If that isn't a concern, ask the folks on this forum for suggestions for your area. Someone on here has had an engine rebuild from probably every corner of the world.
Whatever you decide, find out what parts each has, and make sure it's balanced. It sounds like you are talking about a good driver engine. Don't get caught up in the "Bigger the numbers the better engine deal". Find a shop that you trust, look around their shop and get a feel for their ability.
Whatever you decide, find out what parts each has, and make sure it's balanced. It sounds like you are talking about a good driver engine. Don't get caught up in the "Bigger the numbers the better engine deal". Find a shop that you trust, look around their shop and get a feel for their ability.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 577
Likes: 6
I recently inherited a '75 corvette coupe that still has the original engine, and the engine is not in great condition. This car is an heirloom and I wont be looking to sell it. I'm also not worried about huge horsepower. I just want to have a great working vette to enjoy for many years.
That being said, what would you recommend I do:
1. Have the original engine rebuilt
2. Have a new crate engine installed
Are there more pros/cons to either approach?
Is there a huge cost difference? I have about $10,000 to spend on the cars total restoration project, and obviously have other stuff to work on besides the engine.
Thank you in advance for any input!
That being said, what would you recommend I do:
1. Have the original engine rebuilt
2. Have a new crate engine installed
Are there more pros/cons to either approach?
Is there a huge cost difference? I have about $10,000 to spend on the cars total restoration project, and obviously have other stuff to work on besides the engine.
Thank you in advance for any input!
"I just want to have a great working vette to enjoy for many years."
This is the key here, though you made no mention of budget. Unless you are looking for a project to put a lot of time and money into then just go with the quick and clean crate engine. They make them to be direct turn key bolt in replacements for your engine. Above all I recommend GM crate engines. In the affordable 350 segment there are several power options and all bolt right in requiring no special work or customization and you won't be nickle and dimed to death by the little things that have to be bought when you build your own engine. I have done both many times over the years. It sounds to me like you should read up on crate engines, pick one, and install and drive. I also recommend you make very sure the brakes and suspension are in good working order or your "enjoy for many years" won't last very long. It'll be down every winter for work.
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Thank you everyone for the replies so far. To answer a question from above, I have a $10K total budget. I'd be willng to spend about half or a little more on the engine/drivetrain if needed.
Having a good driving car to drive most summer days is most important to me!
Having a good driving car to drive most summer days is most important to me!
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Are you opposed to building something or using a takeout from a wrecking yard?
Yes. I will be having a shop complete my work on the engine. I can handle most of the interior work, brakes, things of that nature. I am not good with engines.
Yes. I will be having a shop complete my work on the engine. I can handle most of the interior work, brakes, things of that nature. I am not good with engines.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 255
Likes: 3
I would recommend having yours rebuilt. You have all the major components and this way you wouldnt have an engine sitting around taking up space and collecting dust. It sounds as thou your not worried about increasing horsepower and that would be the least expensive way. It also would leave more of your budget money to move onto other areas. Just make sure you find an engine rebuilder/machine shop you can trust and comes well recommended. Best of luck with your build.
Rodney
Rodney
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