i'm looking to build up my 85 vette. i want to keep the TPI setup and possibly build a 427 stroker. what exactly do i need to build the motor? if possible, i'd like a complete list of parts. can i keep the stock block? here's what i came up with so far...but i don't know what exact specs i want for anything, i want about 450hp and want at least some gas mileage(i know it's a stretch). what am i missing/any recommendations? i have a $7000 budget total, i've found most of the parts for cheap...if possible, anyone who replies please e-mail me cuz i don't check back often, thanx! nighthawk355x@aol.com
Engine upgrades:
-Dart Heads(assembled)
-Crane Roller rockers
-Crane Roller Cam kit
-Forged 427 short block kit(anybody know what comes with the kits and what i'll still need?)

Chassis upgrades:
-Aluminum Driveshaft
-Shift Kit
-Welded Subframe Connectors
-heavy duty Bellhousing for 700R4

 

You want 450hp out of a 427 with a TPI stuck on it? :skep:

Thats like breathing thru a straw at the bottom of the Atlantic, your peak power number will be at like 3000rpm :skep:

Ditch the TPI intake, first and foremost. You cant use the stock block, likely youll have to use a bowtie or some other 400 block.

 

Ummmmmm where to start. How about with your "Chassis upgrades" an 85 vette already has aluminum driveshafts, subframe connectors??? corvettes have a full frame not a subframe if you want it stiffer get an X-frame or better yet a roll cage. How do you get a heavy duty bellhousing for a 700R4? do you mean replace the whole case???? because its all one piece, it isn't a manual trans. The shift kit would be a good idea along with a torque converter and all new trans internals with high performance clutches.

Before doing anything I suggest doing some research for what you want and jack up your car and look and see what you already have.
As far as the engine and your budget, get a balanced 383 assembly, have the block bored .030 over and get some good heads/cam and definately exhaust. And MOST IMPORTANTLY ditch the TPI, its crap, real crap, get a miniram or go carb or superram if you are seriously building a high performance engine.

 

thanx...sorry if i sound like a idiot...i'm used to F-bodies and Stangs(usually manual transmissions), the vette thing is new to me, so i definately have to do more research.
as for the trans, yeah, i meant the whole thing, i thought what i was saying sounded stupid. right now the car's got a new 2200 stall converter,(not good enough?). and the trans was rebuilt last year(think it'll last a little while at least?
with the TPI, are they really that bad...cuz i was going to modify the stock unit(58mm throttle body, siamese runners, port anything possible and put an edelbrock lower manifold on it), cuz i can't afford that tunnel ram stuff, i've priced it.
and the frame, is it good enough for that kind of power, i won't twist anything? if not, where can i get the parts to strengthen it? and how good is the driveshaft?
the car also has a borla cat back exhaust system, is that good enough? what else should i ad?


[Modified by nighthawk355x, 6:30 AM 12/30/2003]


[Modified by nighthawk355x, 6:41 AM 12/30/2003]


[Modified by nighthawk355x, 6:54 AM 12/30/2003]


[Modified by nighthawk355x, 6:56 AM 12/30/2003]

 

It's nice to dream huh?! Well, gotta start somewhere.
Gotta get a "Little M" Motown block. A bowtie or stock won't do it. So that's 2 grand right there. Then plan on another 2 grand for the recip assembly. Another 2 grand for heads. Sell off all your current parts. You have to get something better than the stock TPI. It won't cut it. Maybe another grand for a single plane converted to EFI(your best bet) and how bout a cam, all the ancillary things needed, and tuning. A nice chunk of change in the tuning. This is if YOU do all the labor. It adds up real quick huh?
Certainly I hope you can do this, but be preparred to spend way more than what you think. I know, I know.....these toys are serious money pits, but life is short. Good luck, let us know if you do it and welcome to the forum. Best people.

 

A 427 will run you about 10K with all the frills.

Vic

 

2200 is likely fine for street use, though you may want more for ET, try to keep it under 3000 though if you want to drive it alot

yes they are really that bad, when you want alot of HP. That stuff wont do you a bit of good. You must go Miniram (tpis.com) or Superram (lingenfelter.com) or maybe Holley Stealthram (though it wont fit under the stock hood)

good enough to handle 450hp, but the torque number might start pushing it with a 427 in front. Daily driven, it should hold up fine, but at the strip eventually this may break.

Borla is good,