Anyone running a 502 or something similar on his/her C3? I'm considering swapping one for my 350/350 NOM. Trying to figure out the price for the install, so I'm wondering what major mods are needed, and if the standard 4-spd tranny is enough. I know the rear axle U-joint is different in cars that came off the line with big blocks, so I'm also wondering if this needs to be changed. Any comments about this or other similar motors would be appreciated. I'd also love to know about the "feel" of the motor as compared to a SB. I've heard only good things about it so far.

 

I've had many strong small blocks but none in a 'vette. I'm happy with my ZZ502. It's lighter than the stock BB(iron heads), especially if you run headers. I had to go with F-41 springs to drop the front. It's also a pretty good platform to build off. I do hold my breath when I boot it, hoping I don't leave my rear end behind. The car is pretty fast.
I have seen that the 572R is now available.

 

In my time as a service manager for a Chevy dealer, I have seen several 502 installs....

IMHO, the Ramjet 502 is a piece of garbage- poor software, equally poor factory-support, and it's overpriced (to add insult to injury).

The 502HP 502 is a sweet deal... If you're looking for turn-key engine that you'll NEVER have to mess with, this is a very good option...

However, the BEST option (bang for the buck) is through Summit Racing, their World Products' 540HP 509BBC. Big power and torque, pump gas AND a warranty... for $7500.

For the SAME price as the 502/502, you've got 35HP more, and you do NOT have to contend with BS-artists at the service dept. of your local Chevy dealership....

And yes, I should know- they TRIED to make me one!!! :P

 

JEALOUSY!

 

Massvette installed one successfully on this forum a few years ago. Maybe he'll stop by.

 

The 502 GM is the best big block deal on the market for the price and they are excellent engines !

 

I agree with the above post. It seems GMs crate motors are pricier than some others. Personally, I would look at some other sources.

Brett

 

SO you do work at a dealership?????

 

Eric, I would be very interested in hearing more detail regarding your experiences and opinion of the RamJet 502. I have one installed in my 70 BB coupe and so far have been "very happy" and impressed. True, the ECU dosn't offer the flexability of program tuning that the aftermarket MPFI systems provide, but for someone not wanting to dig in at that level, it has been very reliable and the performance is impressive!! The newer models now offer O2 sensors, but like all the rest, they are narrow band and have little use for header applications where the collector is a long distance from the exhaust manifold. I have a Holley Commander 950 on my 69 427 and truely love the benifits of FI!! So much so, my day's with a Carburators are history. ( except for obvious reasons on the stock 70 LT-1's ). With Hooker sidepipe headers, I have to run open loop till I buck up for the wideband O2 sensor setup. As far as it's being overpriced, I agree to an extent. (you get what you pay for) However, if you buy the equivalent 502 long block and add aftermarket MPFI, aren't we at approximatly the same price?