What am I in for?

[lachrimae]

Hello everyone.

I'm seriously considering buying a '73 vert (non-original motor) for my wife (and me) and I have a few questions before diving in:

Since the engine is not original & I'm an acceleration-aholic, I would rip out the engine in put in a powerful crate (something like: GM Performance Parts 350ci / 385hp ''Fast Burn 385'' Engine http://www.jegs.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=4230&prmenbr=361 )

I would eventually update the suspension & brakes but I'm wondering what costs I would incur straight away by dropping this engine in. i.e. would the stock 4spd manual tranny hold up? I've never swapped an engine before but I've been around the process a few times. Is there anything 'vette related that I'm not thinking of that could be a problem or that would need to be upgraded?

I'm setting up a budget for this project and trying to get info on total expected cost...

Thanks for your info!

Mark

 

[photovette]

Owning a C3 is a hobby, costs are whatever you're willing to spend on it. A C3 can also be a second (or first) car, so this is a hobby that does have some practical value--unlike collecting Beanie-Babies for instance. Also, look what any new car costs--and how much they loose in the first two years due to depreciation--even the cheapest new car would loose enough money in value to go along way in restoring a C3. Then also, the insurance is cheaper than a new car--State Farm has my '77 listed as a '2' for insurances purposes. My ex-wife's 2005 Corolla is a '12'. Then property tax is cheap, I paid 427.48 this year. And don't forget, the C3 will not depreciate--unless you sit it in a field to rust I guess.

 

[lachrimae]

I agree, it is a hobby.

I'm not worried about costs from an investment perspective, I'm just trying to set up a budget so I can get a timeframe of when I'll be able to afford adding the engine & any additional parts.

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

The stock transmission will be able to handle anything that a small block can dish out, as will the rest of the drive train. Don't forget that the engine you mention is rated at gross HP (not net) so this puts it as being similar to a '70 LT1 engine.

If you're on a budget, why not look at upgrading your exisitng engine since it's not the original.

Don't worry about brakes, there's nothing better than the stock system.

 

[lnirenberg]

Personally I'd save a little bit of cash for suspension upgrades--monoleaf springs gas shocks the like. I would also expect to find a pile of the rubber bushings fried unless they've already been replaced and this would the time to upgrade to poly. Basically, I'd scour the VBP catalog as I think these type of upgrades make a huge difference in drivability.

 

[photovette]

To have a budget, you need to know what is broke. Here's what I would start with:

0. Tune-up plus all belts, vacuum lines, and hoses.
1. Brakes
2. Steering
3. Suspension
4. Fuel system
5. Ignition system
6. Engine cooling system

Think about replacing whole systems instead of a part here or there--get it safe and reliable. Once you have the car driving smooth and nice, then start with mod's. This way you can enjoy driving it (Springs coming!) while you're saving up for that 502 motor...


I think the best book ever written on C3's (those intended as everyday drivers) is How To Restore & Modify Your Corvette 1968-82. The Best Bathroom Reader in the world!

 

[74bigblock]

If you are going to yank the motor... then you should find a car with good body and frame without a motor, or with a motor that is not running/not running well. This will lower your aquisition cost. If you are going to put a hot motor in the car, you will want to factor in the cost of a new clutch kit and fly wheel. It is not a question of if it will go, it's a question of when. The answer depends on how the car was driven and maintained before you purchased it. Suspension? Depends on what car you purchase. You should have the car inspected by a trustworthy shop that specializes in vettes.


In Summary, budget for the following:

Inspection/s
Aquisition cost
New motor
New clutch kit
Suspension
Don't forget labor if you aren't turning the wrenches yourself.

 

[70 VETTE 454]

Hey Mark,

I see your from Austin, I love it there. Im actually from Alice (close to Corpus Christi) but live in Florida now.

You can get a good deal on a vette around CC area, I have seen a couple there from time to time whenever I venture back that way to see the parents. I actually got my 70 off of Hwy77 coming from Victoria to CC. Paid $3,800.00 Running, but I wanted a hobby car to restore.

Your out of pocket expense will range from hardly nothing to allot on your project C3 to make it what you want, but it all depends on how much of the work you do yourself, that's where most of the money goes.

Im doing my own completely, and this is the first time I have ever attempted something like this, and its not as hard as I though it would be.

Originally, I was just going to change the bushings to Poly Urethane ones and a few other parts here and there and take it all apart, clean and repaint the old but still good parts and get what need to be replaced, replaced for the restoration. Well I ordered the Poly Urethane bushing kit from JEGS for my C3 to replace the old rubber ones, and I was so excited when they came in, I was ready to go. Lifted the body off the car, and as I started taking stuff off, non stop, along the way I wanted to upgrade this part and that part, and so on, and before you know it, I bought a 2500.00 VBP top of the line suspension . I originally was going to spend 5-7K for the WHOLE rebuild, cause I was going to "re-use" what I had, well as you know bigger is better and with all the latest stuff out there now that's better, stronger, and what not, well I had to replace it all, all new lines, new gas tank, new brakes, rotors, calipers, etc..... the list goes on and on........ and I haven't even begun on the body. Lets just say im over the 7K but I know its gonna be worth it in the end (till the wife finds out the total cost)

It will be what you make it and it depends how far your willing to go and how much time and patience you have.

Just in case your wondering, I never opened the Poly Urethane Bushing kit for my car, so if you need one, im willing to sell it. STILL factory sealed. hahaha, good luck on your project.

Dave

 

[Jack]

Since the engine is not original & I'm an acceleration-aholic, I would rip out the engine in put in a powerful crate (something like: GM Performance Parts 350ci / 385hp ''Fast Burn 385'' Engine Mark

If acceleration is primary ... you might want to focus more on Torque rather than HorsePower. Also, get info about WHERE the power band is for motors you're considering and compatibility with your rear gear ratio. If you're simply looking for real strong acceleration from idle to 70-80mph then TQ is more important than HP. Displacement (cubic inches) is where you'll find TQ. If crate motor is in the cards then I suggest two from GMPP: HT383 (it's a 383 sbc with iron vortec heads) ... or the ZZ383 variant (same as HT but with more cam and aluminum fastburn heads). Also consider motors' compression ratio and their octane requirements-availability.
JACK:gap