1966 Big Block Air Coupe
11-26-2013, 06:03 PM
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
1966 Big Block Air Coupe
I purchased a 1966 Air coupe a few years ago with a 383 stroker and M22 in it. The plan is to but an ZR-1/Lt-5 engine in it. After we pulled the engine and trans we noticed the cross member was relieved for a big block. Also the front coils are 8-9 coils, hood support on drivers side and throttle linkage is curved, not straight. The car needs a complete frame off restoration. The original air conditioning is not working. The car has power steering but manual brakes. The rear sway bar is missing. It most likely is a 390 hp 427. It has an after market 427 hood. Interior is original. Tachometer redlines at 5500, oil pressure 60 psi.
The question is should I sell the car to someone who wants a big block project or continue with the LT-5 install?
The question is should I sell the car to someone who wants a big block project or continue with the LT-5 install?
11-26-2013, 06:15 PM
#2
Drifting
The real question is what do you want to do? From lots of years of Corvette experience all genre's included.
It is of firm opinion if the car was born with a big block, restore it with a big block. Just as it would have left the factory, hence the way they bring the big bank!
While the LT5 is an impressive peice of history, it belongs in the C4.
If you truly want an expensive resto-mod use an LT5, but if your in this for pure investment, factory stock is the way to go!
For a budget minded resto-mod, the LS platform is the way to go in all catagories except for exotic look.
As I've said in previous post, I leave the hood up on the ZR-1 majority of the time just so anyone can see how impressive it is.
Better yet what you asking for the car?
It is of firm opinion if the car was born with a big block, restore it with a big block. Just as it would have left the factory, hence the way they bring the big bank!
While the LT5 is an impressive peice of history, it belongs in the C4.
If you truly want an expensive resto-mod use an LT5, but if your in this for pure investment, factory stock is the way to go!
For a budget minded resto-mod, the LS platform is the way to go in all catagories except for exotic look.
As I've said in previous post, I leave the hood up on the ZR-1 majority of the time just so anyone can see how impressive it is.
Better yet what you asking for the car?
Last edited by z06scentair; 11-26-2013 at 06:24 PM.
11-26-2013, 06:31 PM
#3
Team Owner
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And the end of the day it will be a non original engine no matter what he does with it. The true value is a factory AC car
11-26-2013, 06:52 PM
#4
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The thing is, none of what you described makes that car a big block? All 66 frames are cut out, most small blocks have a 5500 and 60 lb gauge, without paperwork and things like the original block it is a stretch to say it is a BB car.
I purchased a 1966 Air coupe a few years ago with a 383 stroker and M22 in it. The plan is to but an ZR-1/Lt-5 engine in it. After we pulled the engine and trans we noticed the cross member was relieved for a big block. Also the front coils are 8-9 coils, hood support on drivers side and throttle linkage is curved, not straight. The car needs a complete frame off restoration. The original air conditioning is not working. The car has power steering but manual brakes. The rear sway bar is missing. It most likely is a 390 hp 427. It has an after market 427 hood. Interior is original. Tachometer redlines at 5500, oil pressure 60 psi.
The question is should I sell the car to someone who wants a big block project or continue with the LT-5 install?
The question is should I sell the car to someone who wants a big block project or continue with the LT-5 install?
11-26-2013, 07:08 PM
#5
Melting Slicks
11-26-2013, 08:00 PM
#7
Racer
Thread Starter
Thanks everyone for the feedback. I'm going to continue with the project. I don't think the car is worth saving. It should make a nice cruiser with the LT-5 and 4L65E.
11-26-2013, 08:59 PM
#8
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But if you are going to drive the car alot put the small block in it. Believe me in the end you will like it better if your plans are to be driving the car alot... Robert