Engine replacement 1977
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
Engine replacement 1977
Needs some advice..This fall I'm going to pull the stock L48 and replace it with a little more beefy crate engine.
Question is. what type? I'm just looking for something basic with a little lope. Not much but something the trans(350 turbo) and rear end can handle, It's going to be a basic cruiser to shows and what not. I'm looking for complete set up with carb, dist, water pump etc..etc... Something I can just basically bolt in and go.
Here's the hard part. I don't have unlimited funds to spend and I'm not sending my original back as a core. Hopefully somethings out there for under say 5 Grand tops.
Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Question is. what type? I'm just looking for something basic with a little lope. Not much but something the trans(350 turbo) and rear end can handle, It's going to be a basic cruiser to shows and what not. I'm looking for complete set up with carb, dist, water pump etc..etc... Something I can just basically bolt in and go.
Here's the hard part. I don't have unlimited funds to spend and I'm not sending my original back as a core. Hopefully somethings out there for under say 5 Grand tops.
Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,229
Likes: 7,825
From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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Cruise-In VIII Veteran
I really don't know if anything has the Corvette waterpump so all your accessories will line up.
I rebuilt my original engine myself with new heads for a little over 3 grand.
Of course I rebuild Harley engines for a living so I have all the tools.
Fair few crate engines out there in your price range. But you may need to swap out the waterpump. (minor).
I rebuilt my original engine myself with new heads for a little over 3 grand.
Of course I rebuild Harley engines for a living so I have all the tools.
Fair few crate engines out there in your price range. But you may need to swap out the waterpump. (minor).
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
5k budget? still have orig exhaust? do you live in one of the very few states that emissions inspect 77 cars? PA and CA ore 2. because long tube headers and dual exhaust, pref 2.5 inch the full length and time it correctly will get you more oomph than a 5k engine hooked to that original exhaust system. the 300 hp 69 base 350 is essentially the same engine as the 165 hp 75 L48. most of the diff is timing and jetting for emissions, the way they rated HP and that horrible exhaust system. if your current engine is not a smoking tired dog, heads-cam-intake-carb refresh and proper dual exhaust will get you close to 1 hp per cubic inch.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,949
Likes: 4,507
From: Virginia
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
5k budget? still have orig exhaust? do you live in one of the very few states that emissions inspect 77 cars? PA and CA ore 2. because long tube headers and dual exhaust, pref 2.5 inch the full length and time it correctly will get you more oomph than a 5k engine hooked to that original exhaust system. the 300 hp 69 base 350 is essentially the same engine as the 165 hp 75 L48. most of the diff is timing and jetting for emissions, the way they rated HP and that horrible exhaust system. if your current engine is not a smoking tired dog, heads-cam-intake-carb refresh and proper dual exhaust will get you close to 1 hp per cubic inch.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,028
Likes: 1,120
From: North tonawanda NY
id replace your heads and exhaust... maybe one of those top end kits you bolt on. Gives you more money to possibly change your rear end gears which will make the car feel like you bolted on 100hp alone. save the stock exhaust to bolt on if you sell it.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
I'd do that if i was 100% sure the rings are good. With 92K i rather just rebuild or replace..In this case I rather replace and save the original and let next guy rebuild.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,028
Likes: 1,120
From: North tonawanda NY
when I do replace my 355 I may go with a 400 from here myself. https://www.mabbco.com/catalog/auto/...urer/chevrolet
