Hey, guys. I recently picked up a '74 Vette (350/M-21) for cheap. And I would really appreciate your input...

The goals are simple: ~650HP on pump-gas, with rock-solid reliability, decent handling, and superb creature-comforts inside. And while I appreciate the the high-$$$ efforts of others, I want to do this for the BEST price possible (that's what a Finance degree does to a man... )

The engine I am building is a 454 block with a 1053 forged 427 crank, 7/16" dimple rods and Speed-Pro forged flat-top pistons (.030" over). Block is line-bored, decked .005" (just to make sure it's flat, not raise the C.R. above 8:1). 2-bolt main, but with ARP studs (redline on cam will be ~5500 RPM). I picked up a GMC 6-71 blower off of Ebay, currently polishing it, getting ready to send it out to be built for a gas engine. Heads are 116.9 cc large-oval heads, and will be rebuilt to "stock" condition, and I'll polish the chambers.

So far, I've replaced the A-arm bushings with poly units, and new ball-joints. The remainder of the suspension, I will complete after the engine install.

Current costs/values are as follows:
74 Vette, less engine.................................. ............ $3500
454 block (free, taken in trade a few years ago)........... $300
427 Crank and dimple-rods.................................... .... $300
Heads (swapped wasted TH-400 + another $50)...........~$150
ARP hardware................................ ......................... $130
Speed-Pro flat-top pistons................................. ....... $400
Heads (to be built with 2.25/1.88 valves, new guides).... $400
Holley carbs ((2) 1850-2, from Ebay, will build and cal)...~$300
Carb adapter plate (from Ebay, listing ~going-price)...... ~$ 60
Rebuilding of GMC 6-71 blower (already quoted)........... ~$250
Blower drive (incl. belts, pulleys, etc.)........................ ~$700
Weiand blower manifold (new, from discount dealer)....... $250
Misc. hardware (water pump, gaskets, pulleys, etc.)......~$1000
Install cooling system (alum.rad., twin fans, hoses)........~$700
________________________________________ ______________
Total to have blown 427 corvette (+machine labor)........~$10000.

Not bad, for a "wedge-@ss" (cheap-skate) like me...
And, as you might have guessed, I do as much of the wrenching as I can, myself...

But of course, I still have the body to work on (there are 5 different colors in the different layers of paint!!! ). Since I am quite good with body-work and fiberglass, this isn't the issue...

The thing I REALLY would like advice on, is the rear end. Of course, with this much torque, I know the limiting factor will be traction- the tires will essentially break loose before the trans, differential or half-shafts decide to give up the ghost...

But I would like to occasionally take this to the track, put some stickies on the rear, and see what it'll do..... So... what to do, to strenthen things up? As you can see (from my budget and selection of parts) I don't have a problem paying for the right thing... I just don't want to pay too much!!! And, since this is going to be more of a Saturday-toy than a show or racing car, I don't particularly need the "ultimate" in strength, just the strength to match my targeted performance level...

Comments, please???

BTW, I still use 35mm cameras, so it'll be a little while before I have new pics to post...

 

i think there is a way to tranfer 35mm pic's to the internet i don't know but someone will chime in

 

Yeah, but the current catch is that the film is still in the camera...!

Of course, that'll change in about 6 hours- I'll be going to the Rock-N-Rod Revival in Fresno, today... Should be a LOT of fun!!!

Anyway, the pics that I have of the POS were taken right after I bought it, and before I started using a razor-blade scraper to start peeling paint... It's like peeling the skin off an onion- there's MORE underneath!

The ONLY good news under all that paint, is that the rear fenders, back bumper and nose are all new (rear has '82 spoilered bumper...) pieces, and the installs were done nicely. A small crack in the pass. front fender, easily repaired...

 

You took the words right out of my mouth. I'm doing the same thing with my 75 so I'll be waiting patiently for some answers.

 

Sounds like a great project. I have a 600+ horse 502 in my 69. I decided to upgrade my rear end with 30 spline inner/outer axles, huge halfshafts with 1480 series u-joints, offset heavy duty trailing arms. I did all of this with Van Steel as they now offer these products and I couldn't be happier wtih the setup. The only thing I had to do was reglass a little of the the battery and jack compartment so the huge halfshafts would fit but otherwise was a bolt in. The only other thing you can do is have a 12 bolt installed in your 10 bolt case. Tom's differentials does this but I felt I wouldn't need it in my case. I am like you, my car won't get to the strip too often but I only wanted to do this once and make it live. Give Van Steel a call as they are great guys to deal with. Bill.

 

This guy has EVERYTHING you need.

http://www.tomsdifferentials.com/