Dropping in a non-stock block

[Stallion]

Say you were going to drop in a new block. For instance, a ZZ4 crate engine into one of our Sharks. How would this fit? I mean, would lines meet up, and then engine be able to be mounted? Is there a standard of some sort for this kind of thing?

What would be the problems of putting in a non-stock engine in one of our Vettes?

Thanks.

TR

 

[JohnZ]

The ZZ4 will "drop right in" mechanically (mounts, etc.), but there are a lot of little things (plumbing, wiring, linkages, air cleaner, accessory mounting, etc.) that have to be "adapted" to mate up with the car's systems; it's doing the little things right that makes the difference in a reliable engine swap. It would also significantly decrease the resale value of a mostly-original car like yours.

 

[Stallion]

Okay, thanks for the reply, John. No, I wouldn't touch my '78 that I have right now, but I would like to get a beater '78 and just totally restore her and hot rod it. Drop in a nice engine, get some real power out. You know, a total custom hot rod Vette. And I do want another '78.

Okay, I see what you mean. So, with EFI and everything in dropping in a new engine, how would you get the electricity to the fuel injection, as opposed to a carb?

And say you wanted to drop in a new LS6 or something. Would that fit right in? I mean, if you have an engine, could you put it in a Vette (or any car, for that matter)? Can some engines mechanically not go in? What happens if the mounts don't line up to where the engine is supposed to be bolted in?

Thanks again!

TR

 

[JohnZ]

Any iron small-block will "bolt in" and all the mounts will line up fine. An EFI engine is much more complicated, as there are lots of sensors, wiring harness adaptations, and the engine computer wiring to deal with. An LS6 is even more complicated, as most of the accessory drive and cooling system plumbing has to be fabricated, none of the mounts come anywhere near the C3 frame mount locations, and the computer and wiring situation is even more complicated - lots of engineering and fabrication required; this swap is not for the faint of heart, and is VERY expensive.