Hey everyone!
I've been slowly getting my ride back into shape after 22 years of neglect from the previous owner (she knew where to put the gas at least, just not how to change an oil filter *sob*). Suprisingly enough tho, cosmetically, the inside and out are very nice. I've redone the cooling system and installed a 4 row, rebuilt the trailing arms, new clutch, flywheel, tranny seals, new prop shaft and halfshaft joints, monroe shocks, new air dam up front, flowmasters, stock ex. manifolds, heat riser, well the list goes on, but basically gotten the car's routine maintainance back on track. I still need to rebuild the front with new bushings/idler arm, new vacuum sys for the headlamps (mine are slow), and figure out a couple of minor electrical doodads.
Next year is the last year I will need to pass emissions for this state, and then the fun can start under the hood (they seem to poo-poo anything not stock looking), so that is on my mind of late.
Once I pass emissions for the last time, I would like to pull the numbers matching L-48 weakling, and most likely crate it up for future resale value (not that I would EVER sell my baby).
Everyone I talk to seems to give me a different answer on what would be a good setup to run with when I plug a new mill in. Some say 327, zz4, others strokers, crate motor, big blocks yadda yadda, but the bottom line is I want to run pump gas, be reliable and streetable(this is my daily driver), it must fit without modification to the engine bay or hood, and having enough poop to spank the pants off those idiots with the wing-sticker-Folger's coffee can exhaust tip sporting ricer pukes (er.. umm.. no animosity here lol).
I still have the original dana44 rear with 3.07's in it and the T-10 4speed. I'm guessing they could handle some horsies. Of course big blocks give great bang, but then I believe I'm looking at stiffning the front coils while balancing that out back, and wonder on the fit.
You guys are the Vette kings, so I would really appreciate your input on my upcoming swap. If you could include a component list to any mod jobs, and what you guess was your final pricetag once all was said and done, that would be super useful too.
Thanks in advance all for your time!
*corvette wave*

 

I suppose a lot has to do with budget, and with it being a daily drive gas milage would probably be a concern.

Although seem like some guys are getting in the teens with big blocks.

 

yeah, budget will be a concern.. thats why I'm trying to hammer out a figure now, so I can save up for quality parts n such. I want to do it right the first time. I didnt buy the car for the mileage lol, but getting decent mpg would be cool.


[Modified by mnow, 2:55 PM 6/4/2003]

 

I would say search the forum, anything I can add has been said so many times and mostly any question on this subject has been answered. I wuold search for "crate engine" "stroker" "383" etc.

 

I searched thru alot of the archived posts, and found some that directly pertain to my year, and got some great ideas, but they were up to 2 years old. Others I found were people having problems with what they had tried to stuff in, or mechanical ones. I'm hoping to get a fresh perspective from those folks, with hindsight being 20-20. Also not all included what the real, final cost was... beyond the price of just the crate, etc. and what their opinion is now after the swapover. Plus, im too lazy to read every single post ever :sleep:


[Modified by mnow, 3:24 PM 6/4/2003]

 

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=567467
I asked the same question a couple weeks ago about my 79 and this is what happened. I think that the info you want can be found in this thread. I'm ordering (tomorrow) a 300 hp longblock from Power2000.com for $1450.00 includes shipping, no tax! This comes with a 3/5? year warranty and will be a great place to start for me. I also JUST had the tranny (4-spd) completely rebuilt, flywheel re-surfaced, clutch etc.... so on to the motor...
I'm also looking for a rebuild kit for my front end. Keep me posted as to what you find! There's a million people around the forum who've been through it all so this is a great resource! :grouphug:

 

I'm in the middle of a swap project where I will be using an AR Racing 383 that puts out 450+HP/torque... There are several costs in addition to just the engine that you must consider, you are correct. For my setup, I'm needing the following (IM me if you want prices):

Crate Engine
Torque Converter
Carb
Motor Mounts
Water Pump
Spray Paint
Nitrous Kit
Alternator bracket
Vacuum Hose
Fuel Line/Hose
Air cleaner assembly (my old one is a fire hazard foam thing)

There may be more, I haven't even received the engine yet, but those are the parts I know about so far. I also need to replace the seals on my transmission as there is a leak somewhere... Doing all of the "while you are at it" kinds of things can be a real wallet killer... I decided to drop the gas tank, redo the brakes, change the steering gear, and several other things all while I'm at it... Brakes had to be done, but doing everything at once can be a bit daunting...

 

I was just reading (in Hot Rod magazine) about a new Bill Mitchell engine, a 454 ci SMALLBLOCK !! Puts out around 650 hp! That should be enough... but costs about $10k. :) MJ

 

I and my friend both just installed the chevy crate engine "385 Fastburn" but with the addition of the optional chevy "Hot Cam " and 1.6 roller rockers to get 435 hp! In a small block! It was soooo! easy to do the swap, a few minor changes, but the result is awsome! I would not go any other way! It idles with just enough lope, has great torque and the top end is really good, also to my surprise we got 25 mpg with 3:36 gears on a recent trip!

 

:iagree: From what I've heard & researched, the '385 F-B' crate-motor, coupled with the 'H.O.T.' cam, could fit the bill. You may be able to use some of your existing sbc parts, too. If you're going the big-block route, you'll be hard-pressed to beat the ZZ502. 502 Hp, 567 ft/lb of torque, on pump-gas, complete, for $7500. Of course, you may need to up-grade your cooling, hood-clearance, exhaust, etc. The 'shock-and-awe' factor of the ZZ502 would be something, indeed. A bonus; the 567 ft/lb of torque would over-come the relatively 'tall' 3.08 gears you now have, yet retain 'decent' MPG-figures. I'm not sure the '385 F-B/ H.O.T.-cam' could 'pull' the 3.08s w/o 'bogging' during 1/4-mile runs..... Just my $.02 worth :chevy

 

I looked at a lot of options when putting a new motor in mine and ended up with the ZZ4 because of the warranty...If I was doing it over I'd look into a motor from AR Racing, they offer a lot of HP for the money.

Also, as stated above remember that there will be lots of "hidden" costs, including carburetor and torque converter as well as other engine peripherals.

Have fun! :thumbs:

 

Set your budget first, then plan for another potential 50% in hidden costs , ie thinking that you can use some of your old parts only to find them totally worn out, dressup components usually enter the fray with that new bad motor and the desire to clean up the whole engine bay. For crate motors it seems like AR is hard to beat if you ask around this forum for the price. GrandsportC3 is a perfect person to talk with as he is very knowlegable, been running an AR 383 stroker very hard for 1 year now and above all else is one 'ell of a nice guy.

 

350-Power & Economy- most popular engine.
383+ BB Power. Excellent choice for those already setup w/ SB.
BB At least med. rise 73-79 hood.

:cool:

I rec. building for the enthusiast.

:cool:

For someone who only wants 1 engine :eek: - guess a crate motor works.

 

"having enough poop to spank the pants off those idiots with the wing-sticker-Folger's coffee can exhaust tip sporting ricer pukes... "

Some of those fart pipe enthusiasts are running nitrous and lie in wait just hoping to spank a Vette... I narrowly missed getting spanked a few months ago by a ricer puke..

1st gear- had him by only a half car length... he was ripping through his gears
2nd gear- 3/4 car length... he was holding onto 3rd
3rd gear 1-1/2 car lengths... he ran out of spunk and started to drop back fast
4th gear... he made a left and went to hide someplace and I shut it down

Don't know what kind of car it was... but it was an import and I didn't expect him to be stupid enough to run me with a 454 emblem on the hood... but he was. So he caught me off guard. Once I realized that he was putting me to the test, I had to play catch up.

This is with a LS5 454 in "average" condition.

Unless you want to be the spankee... you will have to spend the bucks.

Just a FYI.

Tom

 

No matter how fast your car is, there's always another one that's faster. Set your budget and get the best smallblock you can for the money you have to spend.

Brett :thumbs:

 

:iagree:
I'm definitely a small block fan. I like the weight savings and inexpensive parts plus you can still milk some serious power from a small block.

 

:iagree: Very wise words!

 

Thank you fellas, I'm going to take a real close look at those fast-burn mills i think, and the advice on saving another 50% i think is sound advice too... I know once the engine is out, its a perfect time to clean up the bay, and I'm usually all over a good opportunity, like a fat kid on a snickers bar, since the spaces can be so tight to get to later. The zzbig block would be a real wet spot maker, but I think I'm gonna stay with the small block setup... as theres less to change out overall. Anything really will be an improvement. New I think the car is supposed to be rated at 190rwhp, and even tho my engine compression checks out ok, I dont think its ever been rebuilt, and is getting tired. As for the suspension, I was thinking about one of those polygraphite master kits.. havent decided which yet.
Thanks again :thumbs:

 

I bought my engine from AR racing. I got a 355 cid 425 hp engine for around $2700. It cost less than the parts would have cost me retail. I have been very happy with it so far. You can find AR Racing on Ebay Motors. Just search for "Chevy engine" and you will probably see some of their motors. Then just go and find the "view other auctions". If you call them you can get any of the motors they sell. They were usually easy to reach and didn't mind the questions. Mine has Comp cam xe series cam, roller rockers, aluminum Edelbrock heads...I feel like it was a good value.

 

I've been watching their auctions.. I don't know how they do it for such an affordable price! ...someday..! :lurk: