Engine Swap

[73stinger]

I have a 73 stingray with a L-48. Im think about putting a big block but cannot deside on a 427 or 454. Also switching the 4-speed for an automatic.

Any suggestion?

Thanks

 

[Tom73]

The 427 and 454 are the same physical size only different borexstroke. Go with the 454, more torque. But the bottom line will be budget. Have you considered the 502ci crate engine?

tom...

 

[silver 80]

Most people want to go the other way with the trany. I would go with the 454 crate engine unless you can get one assembled real cheap. I was going to say go with a 700R4 sense you are starting from scratch, but I don't think it will handle all of the torque. DEEP POCKETS? might want to think about gear vendors overdrive unit if you have the TH400.

Have you thought of SB crate engines? you can get some real big HP #s and with a 4sp that thing would be a beast , or throw in a 700R4, you would get a very nice launch and great fuel milage in the overdrive.
just my .5
tom

 

[Robin7TFour]

i have to agree. keep the 4-speed, i wish i could get rid of my th-400. a stick make a corvette more of a sports car.
also with the 383 kits its real easy to make lots of usuable power. plus if you have a matching numbers car, its bound to be worth more eventually

1/2 cents

robin

 

[bobherr46]

I am currently scratch building a 406 to replace the matching # 350 in my 79 L82. I wanted the challenge of building up a new motor and wanted to save the orig motor as I work toward a complete restoration later. There are a lot of 350,383,400-406 small block crate motors available in the $3-4000 range that would swap much easier than a big block. If you have to have the monstor cubes it is possible to build a 455 inch small block starting with Rocket block but now you are spending big bucks. I think the recommendation to check out the "enlarged' small blocks is a good one. - Bob

 

[bossvette]

I am running a 383 with a Tremec TKO 5-speed that makes my Vette a blast to drive I cant realistically give a dollar figure, I did all work myself (except machine work) which helps a lot but also converted to Tuned port injection at the same time. There is something about a 383 for a street driven car the motor makes it power where I drive the most and is docile at low RPM with a smooth torque curve.
If you plan on building it yourself the correct choice of cam-heads-intake/exhaust is critical to a successful engine build.