Going a little more radical...

[MaineShark]

Well, my plans for the Shark have gone through a number of evolutions, as I'm sure many of you have noticed. Happily, I've avoided the temptation to buy expensive parts that I then don't end up needing.

I had envisioned the Shark as a nicely-performing daily driver, which kept conflicting with the old "more power" impulse. But with a Buick GN to play with, I'm now thinking that I might as well consider that my "driver" and go a little more radical with the Shark. Lose some of the practicality and up the fun factor a bit

That opens up a few things. One being that if I have an automatic-transmission car (the Buick) for a daily driver, I can give serious thought to converting the Shark over to stick shift. Another being that more aggressive rear gear ratios become possible, since gas mileage ceases to be as much of a concern.

Something that I've been thinking about is eventually installing an LSx engine of some flavor. With the likelyhood of a large displacement LSx derivative becoming available in the next few years for the new Z06, that becomes even more of an intriguing possibility. It also leads me to think seriously about keeping an eye out for a 6.0L truck (iron block) LSx engine if I can get a good deal on one. If I make the necessary adaptations to install that engine, I can get some fun out of a modern engine with larger displacement, and then when I can afford a fancy aluminum critter, I'll already have the appropriate mounting hardware and such installed, so the installation would pretty much be a matter of dropping in the new engine and attaching its computer.

I'd like to come up with a well-thought-out plan of attack, and I'm just curious if anyone has any thoughts on this...

Joe

 

[AKRAY4PLAY]

you can get a 6.0 iron block motor with all the stuff necessary to run it for about $4800. i found a couple of boat places that carry it while redoing my father's boat. might be an option. i remember you were thinking of adding a GearVendors overdrive to the rear diff?? just got off the phone with GV, and they have one available for just that type of install. Brian

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Joe,

Didn't you purchase the tow truck with the big block? Is this project off?

Bob

 

[MaineShark]

you can get a 6.0 iron block motor with all the stuff necessary to run it for about $4800. i found a couple of boat places that carry it while redoing my father's boat. might be an option.

Was that a new or used price?

i remember you were thinking of adding a GearVendors overdrive to the rear diff?? just got off the phone with GV, and they have one available for just that type of install. Brian

If I stick with the automatic tranny, that's the plan. If I go with a manual, I'll just go with a 5- or 6-speed unit and avoid the added complexity.

Didn't you purchase the tow truck with the big block? Is this project off?

Uh, that wasn't me. I'd like to build a big-block, dual quad, high-stall, silly fast in the 1/4, can't handle at all, cheap-as-heck (ie, get parts from junkyards and swap meets) Elky or Nova or something like that one day, but I personally don't like big blocks in 'Vettes. Nothing against those who do - I just prefer a large-displacement small block for this sort of car.

Joe

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Got you and Matchframe confused. Sorry.

You still holding on to that fan for me.

 

[MaineShark]

You still holding on to that fan for me.

If I ever find a box big enough for it, it's yours. But large boxes are getting harder and harder to find, now that most applianced come shrink-wrapped instead of boxed.

Joe

 

[AKRAY4PLAY]

Joe,
the 6.0 price was new GM marine prices. i can't find them again, i'm at work and the shortcuts are on my laptop at home, 1000 miles away. i am thinking the place was out of Washington. it will be a couple weeks before i get home, sorry dude. i will have some GV install pics in a few months though!! plan to post everything in a play by play for all to enjoy. Brian

 

[MaineShark]

Ah, I thought that was a bit higher than I wanted. What I'd do if I follow this plan, would be to get a used 6.0 for a good price, so it wouldn't hurt bad when I yank it later to put in a nicer engine.

Joe

 

[AKRAY4PLAY]

start hanging around metal scrap yards. i have noticed a few in my area, guys are getting all kinds of things for smoking deals. my roommate got a next to cherry Landcruiser for two days work in the yard. the cruiser just needs the motor put together, it's all there!! most of the wrecking yards are starting to get better money for crushing than stripping and selling parts, you might get lucky!

 

[70 LS1]

Sounds like a plan, Maineshark. A few years ago, I installed an LS1 and matching 6-speed in my 1970 vette. Best mod I ever made. It wasn't too hard, but it did end up costing close to $6000 when all said and done. It will toast a stock big block vette and still gets over 25 mpg. If you decide to go a similar route, let me know. There are a couple of us C3 guys that have already done this and would help out.