C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
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Old Apr 28, 2016 | 05:25 PM
  #1  
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charlesr511
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Hi All,
I've got a '71 4spd coupe, low optioned (power steering), 270hp w/ 65k miles. Would you buy a new engine and crate the one I have or build up the original motor with heads, cam, intake, exhaust (current exhaust is a POS & not original) I'm in my early 50's and not looking for a screamer or track car. The car is a weekend car occasionally. If I keep all of the original parts, the next owner can return it to stock.

I'm really struggling with this decision.

Thanks,
Charles
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Old Apr 28, 2016 | 05:30 PM
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Rebuild the engine that is in it......
Update it with modern components.....
Do not deck the block!
Have fun with it.....
My 66' was a numbers match 327/300 and it was mucho modified.....I loved every second of driving it and the guy who got it said that it was light years ahead of a stock one.....and to me just as valuable.
Good luck.....

Jebby
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Old Apr 28, 2016 | 05:39 PM
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Hell you can even build a 383 out of it and still look pretty stock.

Makes for a great weekend car.
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Old Apr 28, 2016 | 06:09 PM
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Mine is a low option 71 Convertible. The previous owner pulled the original 350/270 and replaced it with a ZZ4, Edelbrock aluminum heads and intake and a gigantic carb as well as a 5-speed trans. I love the way it drives, I'm going to add fuel injection this summer. I have the original engine and trans in a crate for the next owner...

Also long gone is the whole vacuum system for the headlights and wiper door. Something to consider as you plan your next move.

Dave
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Old Apr 28, 2016 | 07:36 PM
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Originally Posted by charlesr511
Hi All,
I've got a '71 4spd coupe, low optioned (power steering), 270hp w/ 65k miles. Would you buy a new engine and crate the one I have or build up the original motor with heads, cam, intake, exhaust (current exhaust is a POS & not original) I'm in my early 50's and not looking for a screamer or track car. The car is a weekend car occasionally. If I keep all of the original parts, the next owner can return it to stock.

I'm really struggling with this decision.

Thanks,
Charles
I crated up the block on my L48 and built a completely different engine. Bare in mind that my 76 with its L48 is probably second least sought after vette, but if I ever sell it or pass it on to my kids, it might be something that who ever owns it after me would want, it might make selling it easier should that day come, but it might become the best boat anchor. If you think the original engine is something you'll want later, crate it up. If not build it. However you can get a1piece main roller block pretty cheap which would be a better block to start with.

Last edited by bluedawg; Apr 28, 2016 at 07:38 PM.
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Old Apr 28, 2016 | 08:06 PM
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Crate it . A lot of people feel the original block is gold. What if you bore change some stuff then blow it or burn it up then it's gone.
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Old Apr 28, 2016 | 08:17 PM
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What did you replace the vacuum system with?
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Old Apr 29, 2016 | 12:25 PM
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Take pics of the stamp or somehow to show its real then send it out to have it done up as a 383, 396 etc. Deck the block so its square and runs the way its supposed to, put the heads/intake carb off to the side and build something that thrills you. If someone loves your car they wont care either way. There will always be buyers for these they arent making them anymore. Enjoy your hobby pay no mind to the "youll ruin it" crowd

A lot of people feel the original block is gold
True..or the stamp anyways.

some will post that but dont want to crack the wallet out come buy time when it comes down to it;may seem abrasive but who cares what other people think about your car your the one that wants to enjoy it.

If i were to find the "perfect" C3 and all was right except a stamp guarantee you it wouldnt hold me up from buying it.

IMO #s guys will go look at untouched cars, ones that like mods will care less. Might be a neat fact thats about it.
Everyone has opinions..

Last edited by cv67; Apr 29, 2016 at 12:34 PM.
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