Crate Motor Install. . .
Racer
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 259
Likes: 0
From: Eagle WI
If you have the talent & tools it could be a weekend type job. My brother & I swapped a motor once in less than 5 hours start to finish. I prefer to take more time but we had to work with the door open (long story) and it was Feb., snowing, and the wind chill was about -15, so we were VERY motivated! Even with a heated garage it was cold! And I've done more engine swaps than I care to remember so I knew exactly what had to be done.
A lot will also depend on the condition of the car. If the parts you'll be reusing are in good shape you'll be O.K; but if stuff like carb, distributor, etc. need work it could easily take way more than a weekend. Then there's that "while I'm at it, why don't I just do this too" monster that can really set you back.
And don't forget about all the little misc. stuff (fasteners, electrical connectors, etc.) that will break or get lost. Multiple trips to the parts store = lost time. Do an honest evaluation of the project before you begin and round up all the parts & tools you think you'll need before turning a wrench.
In the end, how long it takes is really up to you!
A lot will also depend on the condition of the car. If the parts you'll be reusing are in good shape you'll be O.K; but if stuff like carb, distributor, etc. need work it could easily take way more than a weekend. Then there's that "while I'm at it, why don't I just do this too" monster that can really set you back.
And don't forget about all the little misc. stuff (fasteners, electrical connectors, etc.) that will break or get lost. Multiple trips to the parts store = lost time. Do an honest evaluation of the project before you begin and round up all the parts & tools you think you'll need before turning a wrench.
In the end, how long it takes is really up to you!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
Depends on lots of things. If you have the crate motor ready to drop in with intake, distributor, water pump, etc. on then it won't take nearly as long as if you drop a crate long block in with nothing on it. I have only put an engine in 1 Vette (mine), but other cars too numerous to count. Probably a low of 4 hours to a high of about 20, start to finish
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,477
Likes: 1,495
From: Little Rock AR
If you realy want to save money, but the nicest one you find. The cost will be MUCH lower that way. Vettes are on sale right now. You should be able to score a realy nice one for a great price today.
There is NO way to save money by buying a C3 Vette project vs buying a nice one. Can I get an AMEN brothers!
-Mark.
There is NO way to save money by buying a C3 Vette project vs buying a nice one. Can I get an AMEN brothers!
-Mark.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
Originally Posted by stingr69
If you realy want to save money, but the nicest one you find. The cost will be MUCH lower that way. Vettes are on sale right now. You should be able to score a realy nice one for a great price today.
There is NO way to save money by buying a C3 Vette project vs buying a nice one. Can I get an AMEN brothers!
-Mark.
There is NO way to save money by buying a C3 Vette project vs buying a nice one. Can I get an AMEN brothers!
-Mark.
Rick B.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,720
Likes: 12
From: Chattanooga TN
Originally Posted by stingr69
If you realy want to save money, but the nicest one you find. The cost will be MUCH lower that way. Vettes are on sale right now. You should be able to score a realy nice one for a great price today.
There is NO way to save money by buying a C3 Vette project vs buying a nice one. Can I get an AMEN brothers!
-Mark.
There is NO way to save money by buying a C3 Vette project vs buying a nice one. Can I get an AMEN brothers!
-Mark.
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,676
Likes: 201
From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
Don't buy a piece of crap, like stated above get the best one you can't afford you will be far better off, and take someone who really knows Vettes with you to spot rust on the frame or birdcage or anywhere else 
Senior Member since 1492
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 87,922
Likes: 156
From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
Buy the best running car you can afford. One that someone has already restoring, hot rodding or just fixing up.
BTW, It took me and my lovely assistants (essentially me) over 4 hours to wedge that 454 in the bay. They kept getting in my way. They seemed very happy to assist though.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,662
Likes: 8
From: Knoxville Tennessee
Having changed C130 engines on the flightline in Topeka in the winter, 105 engines in Southeast Asia in the summer amd car engines everywhere else; buy a car that you do not have to do much if anything to. If you buy a roller you will spend tons on it. Use the same money and get a good one up front and enjoy it!!!!!
