Crossroads..keep original or modify engine?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,529
Likes: 27
From: Auburndale Florida
2025 C2 of the Year ('64-'66) Finalist - Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '03-'05-'06-'07-'09
Crossroads..keep original or modify engine?
I at the crossroads with my '72 with the 350 base engine, matching numbers, 4 speed and a 3:36 rear.
I am torn between keeping it all original...heads..exhaust manifolds etc or modifying the engine with aftermarket aluminum heads, a more agressive cam, headers, 5 quart pan etc.
I could keep the original look with the current "487X heads, the ceramic coated ram horn exhaust manifolds and go with a roller cam, different carb. Try to build horsepower and keep the original look.
I want more torque and hp....like to be at 350-375 hp and 400 ft lbs of torque.
Would appreciate everyone's thoughts.
thanks
Mark
I am torn between keeping it all original...heads..exhaust manifolds etc or modifying the engine with aftermarket aluminum heads, a more agressive cam, headers, 5 quart pan etc.
I could keep the original look with the current "487X heads, the ceramic coated ram horn exhaust manifolds and go with a roller cam, different carb. Try to build horsepower and keep the original look.
I want more torque and hp....like to be at 350-375 hp and 400 ft lbs of torque.
Would appreciate everyone's thoughts.
thanks
Mark
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,198
Likes: 2
From: Eastern Connecticut
I found that as long as you keep original valve covers and air cleaner on it, most people won't know if it is modified, especially if you paint the manifold. You can make the power you are after with rams horns, too. If the car is NCRS worthy you have to make the hard choice, but nothing you mentioned is irreversable. Joe
Last edited by joe73vette; Aug 5, 2004 at 11:05 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,269
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From: St. Charles IL
Cruise-In 5-6-7-8-9-11-12 Veteran
A CI-6 Car Show Winner
Just my opinion, but if it were mine I would mothball that engine and build a new one, or buy a crate motor. That way you will always have the numbers matching motor intact. Once you blow the motor up, the numbers matching status is gone forever.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 15,175
Likes: 86
From: State of Confusion
Originally Posted by PRESSURERAT
In my opinion, I would pull the matching number engine and mothball it. Start with an entirely different motor and do whatever you wish.
I have a lowly Cross-Fire, with just 23,000 miles, but that's exactly what I'm doing 'when' I get tired of the un-Corvette-like performance it currently delivers.
I plan-on yanking the OEM L-83/700R4 lock, stock, and barrel, and 'tagging-and-bagging' them for 'the next guy', while I enjoy my '82 as it shoulda been built.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
Originally Posted by PRESSURERAT
In my opinion, I would pull the matching number engine and mothball it. Start with an entirely different motor and do whatever you wish.
Use an 86 up block with 1-piece rear seal. Should be easy to find and relatively cheap.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
AGAIN, agreement, I have an '89 truck factory roller, 1 piece rear main seal block with a ZZ9 cam in it....supposed to be about 425 ft lbs, and close to 400 hp....it's enough, anyway...
also have a 700r4, which I wish was a 200 4r, but that' another story....
I also went the '88 up L98 serpentine drive....
GENE
also have a 700r4, which I wish was a 200 4r, but that' another story....
I also went the '88 up L98 serpentine drive....
GENE
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Pro
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 565
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From: I'm bleeding, making me the victor!
Originally Posted by mrvette
AGAIN, agreement, I have an '89 truck factory roller, 1 piece rear main seal block with a ZZ9 cam in it....supposed to be about 425 ft lbs, and close to 400 hp....it's enough, anyway...
also have a 700r4, which I wish was a 200 4r, but that' another story....
I also went the '88 up L98 serpentine drive....
GENE
also have a 700r4, which I wish was a 200 4r, but that' another story....
I also went the '88 up L98 serpentine drive....
GENE
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 182
Likes: 0
From: Clinton Indiana
Originally Posted by PRESSURERAT
In my opinion, I would pull the matching number engine and mothball it. Start with an entirely different motor and do whatever you wish.
Exactly what I'm doing with my '73 project. The original 350 is setting in the corner on an engine stand. I managed to latched on to a low mile, 2 year old LM1 crate motor with cast iron Vortecs, Edelbrock intake & carb and HEI ignition for $1500.00. I'm having this engine built for a "bit more" HP.
I'll eventually rebuild the original 350 back to stock specifications (well, maybe not completely stock), and if the need ever arises, I can drop it back into the car.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 565
Likes: 0
From: I'm bleeding, making me the victor!
Originally Posted by markdtn
No, no hole for fuel pump pushrod in most of them. Either have it machined, use an electric pump, or move into the 80's and get fuel injection with an electric pump.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 13,858
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From: A 12/8 man in a 4/4 world
Originally Posted by PRESSURERAT
In my opinion, I would pull the matching number engine and mothball it. Start with an entirely different motor and do whatever you wish.
This is what several sources recommend.
there are a million chevy small blocks laying around.
but only one matching numbered block.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 10,362
Likes: 5
From: San Diego - Deep Within The State of CONFUSION!
I hit that same crossroads
Originally Posted by mbeeman350
I at the crossroads with my '72 with the 350 base engine, matching numbers, 4 speed and a 3:36 rear.
I am torn between keeping it all original...heads..exhaust manifolds etc or modifying the engine with aftermarket aluminum heads, a more agressive cam, headers, 5 quart pan etc.
Mark
I am torn between keeping it all original...heads..exhaust manifolds etc or modifying the engine with aftermarket aluminum heads, a more agressive cam, headers, 5 quart pan etc.
Mark
I didn't want to make dash mods but at that time, I already had the Stroker under the hood, and modified the transmission (to make the Turbo 350 handle the power a Turbo 400 can) and put in a Stall Convertor. So I figured 'it will never be original again!' and I sold the L48 to the very first caller.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
Originally Posted by PRESSURERAT
If I really wanted to move into the 80's I'd get a C-4!