I have a 1986 vert (automatic) I purchased in 2007 with a blown engine. Since then I have repainted, put on new tires, new top, added a heavy duty cooling system, re-done the interior, added a CD player ... you know ... all the cosmetic stuff. Mechanically this car is now more solid than some new cars. Cosmetically, I'd say it's an 85 out of 100. But I've always wanted more power ... as I learned an '86 was not one of the better years for Corvette. I tried changing the gear ratio from the stock 2.73 to a 3.54 and that was a disaster. I hated it. So I went back to the 2.73. I'd like to have about 300 hp ... just enough to make it more fun to drive. I can't afford a ProCharger (and I don't want Nitrous). I'm going to keep this car as I really love it (it's my daily driver) and I really don't care about saving a buck. I'm not a mechanic although I have a very good one who is also a personal friend. So my question to the knowledgeable C4 mechanics out there is ... am I crazy to think about dropping in a new engine that offers about 300 hp? And if not, where would you suggest I look for one? And what kind of engine would I look for? I've looked at places like The Engine Factory but I don't really know where to start? Or would something like an Edelbrock package work better? Really confused. Could really use some serious advice. I want to get this right. Thanks.

 

What replaced the blown engine? Rebuild, crate, random junkyard motor or another c4 vette engine? Mileage?

Parts and mods are better for a budget, but a complete engine swap is quicker.

I'll let someone else point out all the parts/mods that can get you too 300hp.

 

You should get in touch with "Jim Barth" (tpi 421 vette) , he has built a bunch of motors for the guys on this site...In the 7 years I've been on this site I have never heard a bad thing about his builds... Plus he seems like a good guy... He can answer your questions and build you whatever you want........WW

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/memb...421-vette.html
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You can go to this section of the Forum and post up something asking for local help. There are a lot of C4s in your part of Texas.
I even got to spend a little time in the Port Aransas jail (I was innocent!) during a Spring break incident.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/southwest-44/

 

My suggestion.
Fresh stock motor. Open the intake base to match the heads and siamesed runners.
A good cam and headers. Add a dyno tune. Find some 3:07 gears.
Enough power to make you smile, the right sound to remind you its a Corvette.

Or you can buy mine...

 

Yeah, sure Ron, you were innocent.... I have never heard anyone in jail claim they were guilty...........WW

 

let your fingers do the walking, its fun and it's free.
look at various crate engines, I'm sure someone here has specific suggestions, but look for:
a little more compression; a little more cam, a few more cubes ? better heads and of course the bottom line, more horsepower / more torque.

 

How can you possibly say you we're innocent when you were drop dead drunk that night

 

It was a 350 2/B Short Block, remanufactured from an engine company in San Antonio, TX.

 

Thanks guys, for the help. So far, I'm considering this but I'll continue to check out your recommended sources. Thanks again.

http://www.enginefactory.com/images/375hp_6_03.jpg

* 4 Bolt Main, Full Round Seal Block
* 350 Chevy Crankshaft
* PM connecting rods
* H345CP Hypereutectic Pistons
* Sealed Power Chrome Moly Rings
* Elgin Double Roller Timing Set
* Edelbrock Cylinder Heads #60879 60cc
* Comp Cams Hydraulic Roller Camshaft

Duration @ 050, 206/210, Lift 450/480, 112 Lobe Sep.

* Comp Cams Hydraulic Roller Lifters
* Federal Mogul Tri-Metal Bearings
* New pushrods

* Comp Cams Roller Rockers
Melling High Volume Oil pump
* Complete Fel-pro Gasket set
* New Harmonic Balancer
* New Flexplate for Automatic Trans.
(Standard Flywheel add $200)
* New Chrome Oil pan, Timing cover and Baffled Valve Covers
* New Water Pump
* Oil Filter, Dipstick and Diptube
* Packaged and Crated for Shipment

* Sold Outright no Core exchange

$4,900.00

 

There are plenty of Gen 1 350's making the HP you are looking for. First I would go for the air in and exhaust out route. A SuperRam or F.I.R.S.T intake with a nice set of 1-3/4" headers make a good start. Then a set of performance heads with a cam. Bore it out .030. Or just buy a complete 383 stroker. There has to be a million articles on hotrodding the 350 so start reading and keep asking questions. The 350 in your car basically isnt any different than the 350 that came out in 1969.

Good luck with it!!