73 L48 swap.
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
73 L48 swap.
Hey guys I bought a project 73 a while ago with an l48 and the turbo-hydro-matic automatic trans. Unfortunately contrary to what the seller said, the engine would not turn over. I took of the heads to find a couple of the cylinders rusted out so badly the walls felt like a cheese grater. I may end up rebuilding and reselling the engine, but for now I wanna get a new engine in there. I'm wondering a couple things though, is the l48 the only engine I can put in there without modifying other things? If so does anyone have any resources that explain what the next easiest swap is that has more power than an l48? I can't afford to just buy an LS or really any motor over 2k right now, so I'm kind of trying to weigh my options based on price, power, and ease of installing. Also I live in Colorado so If anyone knows somewhere here that would sell the kinds of motors I need please let me know.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,771
Likes: 2,597
You can put in any small block generation 1 engine.
send an email to Lars Grimsrud, he builds engines, is a tech contributor on this forum and lives in Colorado, v8fastcars@msn.com
send an email to Lars Grimsrud, he builds engines, is a tech contributor on this forum and lives in Colorado, v8fastcars@msn.com
Pro
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 646
Likes: 295
From: Blairsville, Ga
I hate to say it, but with less than a $2k budget, it looks like your best option would be to keep saving your money or locate a running gen1 SBC from a private seller on marketplace or local ads.
I missed out on 2 different “running” engines locally that were sold before I could look at them. Both were still in the donor vehicles and ready to be test driven, and were listed at $750 and $800 each.
Buying a used engine is always a gamble, but may get you back on the road long enough to save up for a crate engine or rebuild later on.
I decided on rebuilding my 4-bolt 350 into a 383 stroker for my ‘74. I’m already $2k plus into it and haven't even begun assembling the short block or purchased a retro roller cam kit yet.
All things considered, I could’ve saved time and money buying a crate engine, but crate engine components are like a box of chocolates...
I missed out on 2 different “running” engines locally that were sold before I could look at them. Both were still in the donor vehicles and ready to be test driven, and were listed at $750 and $800 each.
Buying a used engine is always a gamble, but may get you back on the road long enough to save up for a crate engine or rebuild later on.
I decided on rebuilding my 4-bolt 350 into a 383 stroker for my ‘74. I’m already $2k plus into it and haven't even begun assembling the short block or purchased a retro roller cam kit yet.
All things considered, I could’ve saved time and money buying a crate engine, but crate engine components are like a box of chocolates...
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
GM sells some basic crates just north of 2k. They arent powerhouses but should run at least as good as yours if not better and are 100 percent brand new. Call some machine shops around sometimes they got finished ones, maybe one a customer couldnt finish and sell for fair money. May get enough for your core to put some gas in your tank.
'Corvette motors" most of them in the 70s werent much different than a station wagon truck etc.
Sure you could get a reman Maabco for your 2k easily maybe have room for an upgraded cam.
May keep you on the road til you build something you really really want...or could last you many yrs
https://www.mabbcomotors.com/
'Corvette motors" most of them in the 70s werent much different than a station wagon truck etc.
Sure you could get a reman Maabco for your 2k easily maybe have room for an upgraded cam.
May keep you on the road til you build something you really really want...or could last you many yrs
https://www.mabbcomotors.com/
Last edited by cv67; May 31, 2021 at 03:20 AM.
