When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
First off, thanks for having me in the group. I have a base model 72 corvette 350 engine 400 turbo trans. The engine is burning oil. I have another motor that came out of a 1970 Monte Carlo 350/ 300 hp. I am looking at rebuilding this motor for my car. here is what I know about the motor
4 bolt Main Engine Stamped V0428CRE
3927186 heads ( date on heads are D 23 0 and A 29 0 ) Another casting I not sure of is they both have GM53 cast in them as well
Carb # 7040202 DO DH ( Sounds like Lars is the carburetor expert, is this a good carb? )
should I be able to make 350 hp with a few minor tweaks to this motor?
Once again, thanks
Last edited by sunflower1972; Feb 2, 2020 at 11:52 AM.
You can make a good bit more power than that and keep it looking stock. A good valve job some bowl work some flat top or even small domed Pistons and a good cam is all it takes. Anything over that just helps more.
I would be more inclined to find a later roller truck block/heads? with 4 bolt factory mains.....up the cam a tad, and use L98 ? aluminum heads at minimum......put in a Cloyes double roller chain.....roller rockers.....
similar to what I have, but I have DPFI on it, yours would be easier to do.....
First off, thanks for having me in the group. I have a base model 72 corvette 350 engine 400 turbo trans. The engine is burning oil. I have another motor that came out of a 1970 Monte Carlo 350/ 300 hp. I am looking at rebuilding this motor for my car. here is what I know about the motor
4 bolt Main Engine Stamped V0428CRE
3927186 heads ( date on heads are D 23 0 and A 29 0 ) Another casting I not sure of is they both have GM53 cast in them as well
Carb # 7040202 DO DH ( Sounds like Lars is the carburetor expert, is this a good carb? )
should I be able to make 350 hp with a few minor tweaks to this motor?
Once again, thanks
The attractive home looks much like one in Florence County SC?
? 350 w/ a few minor tweaks ... Answer Yes.
That OE piece should have flattop pistons, small chamber heads @ 10.25:1 CR. A little more cam & you're there. Tweak the carb, and distributor curve.
From: At my Bar drinking and wrenching in Lafayette Colorado
Originally Posted by sunflower1972
Carb # 7040202 DO DH ( Sounds like Lars is the carburetor expert, is this a good carb? )
That's the stock 1970 Chevelle/Camaro/Corvette carb. It's 750 cfm, and will support power levels up through 500hp. It's a really good selection for a modest performance build in the 350-horse range.
Lars
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
you can get a lot out of new aluminum heads (AFR 195) and a small combustion chamber to up compression and a bigger cam/ new timing chain. Keep the intake and carb and see how much it improves. You'll be happy at a minimal cost
Last edited by Rescue Rogers; Feb 3, 2020 at 06:28 AM.
Thanks everyone. Sounds like I have a good base to start with. Have thought about a 383 and I am still entertaining that thought. Would like see if I can make a nice strong driver with a few upgrades to the stock 1970 motor.
Jackson, you are close I live near Charlotte, NC ( thought my info was on my profile, will need to add it )
Lars, thanks for conforming that the carb will work no matter what direction I take.
I would tear the 1970 motor down to see what kind of shape it is in first. You can achieve your goal with an overhaul, cam upgrade, and an intake swap. Need to recalibrate the carb and ignition curve.
The stroker crank would make the car more fun to drive. The torque improvement below the peak is significant. If you need to bore the block, now is the time to make that call or not. If the bore wear is low enough to reuse, I might not spend the money to stroke it at this time.
Grinding on the heads can make a bit of top end power but unless you can tackle the job yourself, it might not be cost effective. Those are probably small valve heads. They can be opened up to accept big valves and pocket porting but all that work can get rather expensive. Those castings are some of the best factory pieces but modern aftermarket heads might make more power. Your call.
Paying someone to hold a die grinder to the ports in your cast iron heads is the biggest waste of money you can possibly come up with. Now if you want to go buy up $40 electric die grinder at Harbor freight and do-it-yourself it's one thing. If you buy aluminum heads, unless they're AFR or brodix by bare castings. Buy name brand valves. Buy name brand Springs. It will cost more in the long run, but you won't have a head come off a $3 valve dropped and destroy your engine.
Last edited by derekderek; Feb 3, 2020 at 11:01 AM.
Thanks, for all the replies. Talked to the machine shop and they also mentioned doing a stroker crank. they said the heads should be fine for what I am trying to accomplish. Now I need to try and find a good cam. I would like to keep all the vacuum I can for the head lights and wiper cowl.
Is a Holley Contender 300-38 intake worth the while to install ( Another corvette owner donated it to me ) ?
Once again I appreciate all the help
Last edited by sunflower1972; Feb 4, 2020 at 04:39 PM.
1972 corvette engine replacement
