Hello,
I have been surfing this forum for helpful information for quite a while, but now I need a little bit of help.

I have a '69 SBC 350 L48 that is bored over .03. I am looking to put a Quadro-jet carburetor on this engine, and then place it into a 1985 Corvette. What I would like to know is whether this engine can drop right in without a lot of modification, and will the manual transmission (stock to the '85) be compatible? Also, will I have hood clearance for the carb?

The reason I ask is because I have been looking for a project car (1st car as well) in the range of 3rd gen Camaro, C4 Vette, or WS6 T/A that is local and has nice paint, straight frame, no rust and in decent condition - either running well or is suitable for an engine swap. I happened upon a nice C4 with a knock in the motor that lowered the price considerably.

The engine is the one from my fathers first car, a '69 coupe Camaro, that he eventually sold to his friend so his friend could restore his 69' ragtop. A few years ago this engine got dropped off with a few smiles. The engine has less than 5k miles on it and doesn't need a whole lot $$ wise to get prepped for a swap.

I will appreciate all the input you guys have. Thanks!

 

Yes It Will Bolt Right In. You Can Actually Just Swap Out The Block. Everything Is The Same.

 

If I swapped out the block, would I be able to easily adjust the fuel injection system as the ratio is probably not set up for the cam in the L48?

 

You'd Have To Swap The Cam Too. Make Sure To Put The Lifters In The Same Exact Spot Or You Could Damage The Cam Or Lifters.

 

Thanks for the warning.

This is the link to the corvette:
http://smd.craigslist.org/cto/4362900772.html

I think the price seems reasonable, but then again I haven't gone to inspect it in person yet. Do you all think this is worth pursuing?

 

Yes. I Paid $1300 For The Same Wheels And Nitto Tires That Are On This Car. That Alone Makes It Worth It. You're Essentially Getting The Car For $1900.

I Would Go With New Lifters And Push Rods Since He Mentions Those. Just Be Sure To Break In The Cam With The New Lifters.

 

This site has got a lot of TPI info. You may have to dig a bit.
There are several people who have converted the 85-91s to carbed intakes with no hood clearance issues.
http://www.hotrodlane.cc/

 

Hope you bought it cuz the listing has been deleted.

You also mentioned a QuadraJet and the FI. So what are you going with? The blocks and heads should be the same so the TPI will bolt right up. If your going carb, the air cleaner may not fit under the hood especially if the intake manifold is a high rise or an air gap style. After you install the engine, take the air cleaner and the threaded rod from the carb. Place a small paper cup a little taller than the height of the air cleaner on top of the carb and gingerly shut the hood. The cup should crush and give you an approximate measurement of your clearance.

Good luck with it and welcome!

 

Might I opine that the 1969 Camaro engine, sold to the proper person, will net you enough money for a very nice mildly hopped L98 build and no headaches?

 

No, I contacted the guy last night and he had just sold it. *Sigh*

 

It would get me enough money, but it isn't my engine to sell - it is my father's, and it holds sentimental value to him. Thus he will let me use his engine, but I can't ever sell it down the road.

 

Well, I am disappointed that I missed this steal, but last Sunday I went to check out an '84 (http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/m...350832654.html) that needed about 1k+ of work (in the way of things like dash, LED display light, carpet, fluids, weather stripping, temp and o2 sensor, speaker replacement and covers, etc.) The car idled well, but after 10 minutes or so it was close to overheating - high RPM's and when turned off loud bubbling/gurgling from radiator area (toward back right of radiator). Was told the temperature and o2 sensors needed to be replaced, as well as the fluids. Looked to be in decent condition, but it had what looked to be water damage on the carpet; I am not sure if that would carry though to the floor panels... The seller told me flat out that he has to sell soon, and the price would be negotiable. It is numbers matching with 178,000 miles. the paint looked to be nice for being painted 2 months ago, but it had some buffs of some other material in addition to some duck tape residue(?) in a few small places. As far as I know, it is still available.

What do you guys make of this vette? Seeing as it runs, I wouldn't be swapping out the motor unless something cost prohibitive broke.

I am looking to buying a corvette/camaro/Trans am (see above posting for generation/years) as something to work on while driving in nice weather, but not as an all year driver. I drive responsibly, don't have a ton of places to go, and wouldn't mind putting miles on it. I have a terribly small budget, and could live with the condition of the car as long as it runs reliably and safely while slowly restoring it. I would like to drive a sports/performance car over a safe and reliable "normal" automobile because I want to enjoy driving a vehicle I am proud of and have accomplished something with. Hence why I am looking at low range priced cars that run and low range priced cars that are suitable for a swap. I hope this explanation of why I am looking into these cars helps direct better advice.

 

You may consider taking your time (saving additional funds as a side benefit) and looking for the best car that your budget will allow. I think you can get the most car for your money with a C4 as opposed to a F body. Early C4s 84-87s can be bought at very reasonable prices considering the bang for the buck factor. Keep in mind "nice" driver quality C4s can be found in the 6K range. I realize that you don't have that to spend but you need to consider where you'll be money wise after you fix a "project" car. IMCO I would not be so eager to find something that needs an engine as an excuse to convert to a carb. Stick with the FI. You'll be better off in the long run. As always though your car, your money, your call. Good luck with what ever you decide.

 

Thanks for the wise advice.