Where to start?

[Dave Rifkin]

Since I have decided to hang onto my '69 Corvette I really want to start to get it looking and running how I want. I would like to get some American Racing Torque Thrusts (I know everyone has them but, I just like how they look), I want to detail the engine compartment and undercarriage and, most of all, I want to do something with the engine.
I can't decide whether or not I should rebuild the original motor or buy a nice crate motor.
I have never done anything seriously mechanical like rebuilding a motor so I am hesitant to make the numbers matching motor my first attempt but, I do think I'd prefer to have the original in the car.
What is the cost for a rebuild as opposed to a crate motor. I know that's a rather vague question but, what I would like to see in the motor would be something a little more stout than the stock L46 with a bit of a lumpy cam; maybe something in the 400 HP range.

Thoughts and opinions are welcome as well as any reputable shops that could rebuild my motor should I decide to go that route.

Thanks

[x Baldwin Motion]

Dave, I would wrap up the original motor in the garage and put in another motor if you want 400hp to "drive" around in.
fwiw; that's what I did with my Chevelle.

[Jack_Tar]

[ QUOTE ]
Dave, I would wrap up the original motor in the garage and put in another motor if you want 400hp to "drive" around in.
fwiw; that's what I did with my Chevelle.

[/ QUOTE ]

Dave,
I'm with XBM. Take your original motor and store it in the garage. Heck, rebuild it stock and keep it on a stand. Get you a good finished motor that has the HP that you want to drive and go with it. Best of both worlds, retain the value of the born-with motor and drive a hotrod.

[Salvatore]

[ QUOTE ]
Dave, I would wrap up the original motor in the garage and put in another motor if you want 400hp to "drive" around in.
fwiw; that's what I did with my Chevelle.

[/ QUOTE ]Good advice! If you need a motor guy PM me or call (215)723-1600 and we will talk. Reasonable and has been around for 40 years doing this. A few on this Site already know him. Sam

[DandyDon]

[ QUOTE ]
Since I have decided to hang onto my '69 Corvette I really want to start to get it looking and running how I want. I would like to get some American Racing Torque Thrusts (I know everyone has them but, I just like how they look), I want to detail the engine compartment and undercarriage and, most of all, I want to do something with the engine.
I can't decide whether or not I should rebuild the original motor or buy a nice crate motor.
I have never done anything seriously mechanical like rebuilding a motor so I am hesitant to make the numbers matching motor my first attempt but, I do think I'd prefer to have the original in the car.
What is the cost for a rebuild as opposed to a crate motor. I know that's a rather vague question but, what I would like to see in the motor would be something a little more stout than the stock L46 with a bit of a lumpy cam; maybe something in the 400 HP range.

Thoughts and opinions are welcome as well as any reputable shops that could rebuild my motor should I decide to go that route.

Thanks

[/ QUOTE ]

My buddy writes for a two magazines; Precision Engine Builders and Hot Rod Restoration (both trade books).

He has a 383 "stroker"SBC built for a magazine article with the best of parts---new on the stand, never run.Easy 450 HP on pump gas---

If interested contact Mike at Birchwood Automotive in Ohio.

Phone (330)435-6347 or email [email protected]

Regards-Dandy Don

[Andy]

I would build a 400 small block to go in it. With the right set of heads, and decent sized hydraulic roller cam, you'll be well over 400 hp, probably closer to 500 hp.

[markjohnson]

I think it'd be neat to put the original engine on an engine stand and detail it on there for safekeeping and a possible future sale with the car. In the meantime, I really like that GM ZZ383 Crate Engine that's rated at 425 HP and 460 FT.LBS. of Torque. That's Big Block power in a small block size & weight for about $5200. For a few G's more, you could purchase a 427 CID Small Block from a few different reputable, well-known shops. Now that would be a lot of fun! You could actually paint it up and detail it to look very similar to the original engine but you'd have that iconic "427 Vette" that you'd get to puff your chest and say when someone asks you what you have at home or under the hood!

[Dave Rifkin]

[ QUOTE ]
I think it'd be neat to put the original engine on an engine stand and detail it on there for safekeeping and a possible future sale with the car. In the meantime, I really like that GM ZZ383 Crate Engine that's rated at 425 HP and 460 FT.LBS. of Torque. That's Big Block power in a small block size & weight for about $5200. For a few G's more, you could purchase a 427 CID Small Block from a few different reputable, well-known shops. Now that would be a lot of fun! You could actually paint it up and detail it to look very similar to the original engine but you'd have that iconic "427 Vette" that you'd get to puff your chest and say when someone asks you what you have at home or under the hood!

[/ QUOTE ]

Yea, I was thinking about the ZZ383 but, I have read that it has the fast burn heads which present some sort of problem when trying to locate proper headers due to the exhaust port shape or something.

While having a 427 small block would be a dream come true for me I am not in a position to spend that kind of money on a motor. In fact I am wondering if I am jumping the gun by looking at a new motor right now. Maybe I should spend that money on other areas first and then think about the motor.

This is all kind of new to me; I have done a few cars before but, I was much younger and didn't really plan things out and, as a result, wound up with a car that had areas I would change. This time I want to do things in the proper order and put my money to use where it's needed most.

Hell if i had the money and space I'd take the body off the frame and do a complete restoration but, I have neither.

[olredalert]

-----I recently had two 383 boat motors built for one of my Donzis. 416hp and 466 torque. I named them the twins . Remember, these are boat motors meant to run at about 5000RPM and provide as much torque as possible in a broad range. I didnt care about the horsepower that much. Just 9to1 compression with mid 90s GM aluminum heads, cheap GM alum manifolds, 750cfm Holleys, and fairly mild roller cams. You dont need a tremendous amount of high-tech stuff, just the right stuff! A well built 383 will give you the most bang for your buck!!! ......Bill S

[Dave Rifkin]

[ QUOTE ]
-----I recently had two 383 boat motors built for one of my Donzis. 416hp and 466 torque. I named them the twins . Remember, these are boat motors meant to run at about 5000RPM and provide as much torque as possible in a broad range. I didnt care about the horsepower that much. Just 9to1 compression with mid 90s GM aluminum heads, cheap GM alum manifolds, 750cfm Holleys, and fairly mild roller cams. You dont need a tremendous amount of high-tech stuff, just the right stuff! A well built 383 will give you the most bang for your buck!!! ......Bill S

[/ QUOTE ]

Bill any rough idea how much a nicely built 383 would cost to have built? I am not looking to make this car a street terror, I just want it to have some balls.