What kind of engine should I put in my 76?

[Red76Vette]

What kind of engine should I put in my 76? I want to drop a crate engine in my 76 but don’t know what exactly, I live in CA so I have emissions laws to abide my but I want something that will blow away most cars on the road now for a reasonable price around $2000-$5000. What do you guys think I should do my engine needs a valve job pretty bad but it is a daily driver and I don’t want to drop a bunch of cash into this engine to have something else go wrong with it a month down the line so I figure if I drop a crate motor in it I wont have nickel and dime problems. Any thoughts on what type to get and where I should get it.

Thanks, Chuck

 

[78SilvAnniv]

I bought a GM crate engine.

I would think that you can't go wrong with GM.
Perhaps you could do a search with "crate" or "crate engine" being the key word/s?

If the engine in your 76 is the original, I would pull it out and set it aside (properly buttoned up for storage) and drop in a crate engine suited to your needs.

I don't have any experience in this area, so hopefully other members will chime in. Scott81...I thought you had some good comments on crate engines and where to find them...
Heidi

 

[LEEJANDZ]

Red76Vette --- Any thoughts on what type to get and where I should get it.

What is your "right now" budget? That has a lot to do with what you can do. You can buy a motor, but you still have to pay for the installation and extra parts here and there.

I have some ideas... cheap & expensive.

Im in ORANGE CA, so im pretty close if you need any help.

Feel free to send me a PM.

----------------------------------------

JASON

1979 L-82

 

[Red76Vette]

not much money now

That is the thing I don’t have much now I have about 2000 saved up but I have a tax apt. on Tuesday 25th lets just say it wont be pretty don’t have time to get into detail but in short I won a game show (The PRICE IS RIGHT) so I have allot of taxes to pay. But I am going to be doing this hopefully soon and would like to research all of my options so any input would be greatly appreciated. The only place I have looked at so far is paceparts.com so I just want to know any other places to price and look at.

Thanks, Chuck

 

[LEEJANDZ]

Red76Vette --- I have about 2000 saved up

Is part of that 2k going to taxes?
I do taxes if you need any help.

If you need a valve job, get new heads, cam, intake & exhaust.
That will run you just under $2k.

Are you going to the VETTE rally in LAS VEGAS on APRIL 5???



-----------------------------

JASON

 

[Shark Chief]

Vette Rally? Vegas?

Any Links? or a website? thanks.

Louie:cool

 

[LEEJANDZ]

Here is a link to the thread.

VETTE RALLY IN VEGAS - APR 5

Maybe we could caravan.

 

[Red76Vette]

No ideas on what type of engine i should get for 2000-4000 i want to check out my options

 

[LEEJANDZ]

Red76Vette -- No ideas on what type of engine i should get for 2000-4000 i want to check out my options

With a $2-4000 budget you have to keep a few things in mind.

Are you going to do the work or pay someone else?
Do you mind not driving the car while the work is being done?

Answer these questions and we can go from there.



JASON *** BRAND NEW MAGNECOR WIRES FOR SALE!!! *** 1979 L-82

 

[MaineShark]

The GM Performance Parts crate engines are usually well-liked. They come with a warranty and all. The lowest of the GMPP crate engines produces 330 hp, and costs something like $2500.

I was going to go that route, but I decided to build an engine of my own, just for fun. So, hopefully I'll have more power (375-425 hp) for the same money.

Joe

 

[Jack]

What kind of engine should I put in my 76? I want to drop a crate engine in my 76 but don’t know what exactly, I live in CA so I have emissions laws to abide my but I want something that will blow away most cars on the road now for a reasonable price around $2000-$5000. What do you guys think I should do my engine needs a valve job pretty bad but it is a daily driver and I don’t want to drop a bunch of cash into this engine to have something else go wrong with it a month down the line so I figure if I drop a crate motor in it I wont have nickel and dime problems. Any thoughts on what type to get and where I should get it.

Thanks, Chuck

GMPP's ZZ4 or HT383 ... either under $4K ... emissions may or may not be an issue ... check your laws & regs ... and what is practical. Maybe your car is exempt due to age ... dunno?
JACK:gap

 

[mvftw]

This should help... http://www.paceparts.com/subcatmfgprod.asp?0=239&1=241&2=1084

 

[Captain Kaboom]

If you really want high performance, check out AR Racing engines. They only sell them on eBay. Everyone that I have heard that has bought one has had a good experience with them. They are affordable and apparently well built engines.

I bought a mild ATK crate engine. The high performance 240 HP model is about the same output as an L-82 (the ATK has slighty higher compression). I bought it because it's a dang good deal: Under $1,400, free shipping, 3 year/unlimited mileage warranty (parts and labor)- and it is a drop in crate long block with everything except carb and intake. I've had one in my '77 for about 3 months now and no problems. You can find them at www.rebuiltcarengines.com

Kaboom

 

[rpounds]

Hey, you C3 guys in So. Cal.

Are any of you members of the local clubs? I have considered trying to get a C3 club started in this area. The existing clubs that I have seen (and am a member of) are heavily populated with C5s and C1-2s. Some seem a little snobish towards the lowly C3 owners. Especially the owners of the mid 70's and early 80's. You think there is any interest in a C3 focused club?

Ron

 

[LEEJANDZ]

No C3 clubs I know of, so I would be interested.

79 L-82 in Orange CA.
Not too far from you.

I know there are more OC/LA C3 owners on this site.
Maybe we should try and get our own group together.

We need a rally here!!!

PM me... maybe we cant get something together.

 

[Neepawa]

Seems ironic that other owners would look down on a C3 when the poll on this site indicates that the C3 is the most popular.

I have not concern over what someone else dives, but I am not sure that a C5 and C3 have much in common, other than the badge. The C5 are awsome and I would expect them to perform without flaw in every way. The C3 are also awsome, but the flaws in a 20 or 30 year old car are there.

I am not a member of any club, but I think it would be worth a try. Sign me up.

Paul