Engine swap / 454 in a 67
 

First time poster here, C2 Corvettes have been a lifelong dream and I'm in the hunt for a project. I have some questions:

1) All things being equal, how much does an engine swap devalue a Corvette? Let's say the car is worth 50k, originally a 327 4-speed car. Now there's a transplant 350.

2) Other then engine mounts, what is involved in transplanting a big block in the example car above? Can the frame handle the torque? What is heavy-duty suspension?

Thanks in advance!

If you take a born with engine car and swap in anther engine you will devalue the car. If you take a NOM car and swap in anther engine the value is a wash.

If you do a search you will find many threads on what's involved.

I'm guessing by the time you do the swap correctly, hood, springs,cooling system, exhaust and whatever else I'm forgetting, you would be real hard pressed to get that $$ back as far as raising the value of the car..assuming the car is represented as what it is, a BBC clone.

If you just want performance, put a 383/400/406 in.

I'm still finding my way around the site but didn't see a projects area - I will poke around some more. Thanks.

Also if you buy the AIM or Assembly Instruction Manual for 20 bucks you will see what GM thought was needed to take a base engine car and make it a 427 engine

OK, so just from a performance standpoint, would stiffer springs and maybe anti-swaybars be advisable for a BB or a hotter SB?

What's your goal with the car. You going racing or just taking your better half to the ice cream shop

There are at least 4 sources on ebay: GM, Mid America, Millenium Industries (is this a GM manual?) and Corvette America. Which is best?

They all are copies made from copies made from copies. For years Mid America had the rights to print and sell it. I think that expired but not sure who really is. I use a copy that's about 25 years old. I read that the ones sold by NCRS are better then the rest. But I really don't know

It will be a father-son project first and foremost, and eventually a street brawler. I like to find projects which can be made streetworthy, so as you've guessed I'm establishing the right starting point, my vision basically. :rock:

I would keep it closest to stock as you can. A car in stock trim with better tires are great cars for normal everyday driving with a few sprited runs in between.

Easiest thing would be to build the biggest hottest small block you could

A 454 sure would be a heck of a lot of fun no doubt but will cost a little

Some are in the hobby for fun, others cant enjoy it due to worrying about the next guy

SB to BB the correct way will be about $10,000! I was told this before starting my project and was skeptical. I am now a believer!

Bob

I can't figure out how folks spend so much money on BB conversions if they aren't trying to fake it into looking "matching number all original".

You can get killer deals on 454's, 496's and beyond..so whatever you decide there is the big $$$ part. You "can" get by with a small block radiator (especially if it's something like a Dewitt's)...or you can use a basic 4 row replacement. The BB fan shroud is pricier..but if you stay with small block stuff it can work. Mounts all just bolt in from the small block. Need some headers and hook them up to whatever exhaust you have. Clutch depends on what you have, but the cost is the same if you're replacing anyway.

I would leave the small block springs at first to see how you liked the way it sits...plus they will help a little on a launch for traction. If you want it to handle better, get some of the 550lB fronts from VB. Otherwise..you can use simple C-3 brackets and pulleys for alternator etc.

Again, if you want to build a pure clone....it will cost. If you want to build a good looking "underhood" that's functional and a heck of a lot of fun...it's no big deal or huge $$$.

JIM

A weekend swap and minimal cost [+ engine] if you do a tiny bit of homework.

If you want a street brawler I wouldnt think about going stock

Besides if hes young he will probably lose interest with all the painstaking stuff that goes into "restoring".
Probably wants to see nice looking parts hear a ratty cam etc(and not want to get smoked by a V6 13 second mustang)
Cheaper to build a hot rod anyway...or buy one done but thats not what youre wanting.

Assuming you have a 67 with a 350 in it tells me you have a non original motor car. Doesn't really matter if you stay with the 350, go back with a 327 or jump up to a 454 in the end you still have a 67 Vette with a non original motor.

As to what's involved in transplanting a big block in the above car; that would be about $10K in parts assuming you are starting from ground zero.

The BB uses the same mounts, if your rad is in good shape it will cool it, if your hoses are in good condition they will fit, if your springs aren't sagged it will sit fine. Even the distributor is the same. The only modifications necessary are to the exhaust and the front accessory drives - pulley's, alt and p.s. mounts. Get short waterpump stuff and the fan will fit in the shroud. If you have a 63-64 you will need a minute or two with the blue wrench to clearance the front cross member to clear the balancer.
And of course a BB hood so you can fit an air cleaner.
Now you know.

you can use aluminum heads on a BBC and get the weights close to a SBC,,aftermarket headers and side pipes work too,,and will you be using a 4-speed or an auto trans?

454 rebuilt engines are $2,000-$5,000 if you don't go too crazy

Many thanks for all the replies, I'm climbing a steep learning curve but that's half the fun. I'm open minded regarding BB versus SB, unlike my Mopars which have all been 383's or 440's. But it would definitely have to be a 4 speed with side pipes.