$5,000 - redo engine or go with a 5 speed?
09-01-2012, 01:18 PM
#1
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
$5,000 - redo engine or go with a 5 speed?
So I've come into some extra money from my parents that I'm trying to convince my wife to let me use on the vette.
There are only two things on my '71 that I haven't touched since I've restored pretty much everything else and that's the engine and transmission. I've got a base 350ci/270hp mouse motor that has about 50,000 miles on it, and while it works just fine, I think it needs a refresh. I'd like somewhere North of 400hp if I were to have it rebuilt, probably going the 383 route. I believe the block is original to the car and I'd like to keep the block stamp. I'd love to put on AFR heads, some new exhaust headers, and maybe even take it EFI with the TPiS mini-ram.
The other option that's a long stated goal of mine is to take the car back to a manual as a PO put in a TH400 that works just fine right now, but it leaks and I'd love to have the manual in there. The only thing that make me decide not to go this route is that I just finished the interior this year, correcting the console and lighting for an auto as the PO still had in the 4spd console. I'm looking at the Keisler SS700.
I'm leaning towards the motor, but I'd appreciate any input anyone has on the subject.
There are only two things on my '71 that I haven't touched since I've restored pretty much everything else and that's the engine and transmission. I've got a base 350ci/270hp mouse motor that has about 50,000 miles on it, and while it works just fine, I think it needs a refresh. I'd like somewhere North of 400hp if I were to have it rebuilt, probably going the 383 route. I believe the block is original to the car and I'd like to keep the block stamp. I'd love to put on AFR heads, some new exhaust headers, and maybe even take it EFI with the TPiS mini-ram.
The other option that's a long stated goal of mine is to take the car back to a manual as a PO put in a TH400 that works just fine right now, but it leaks and I'd love to have the manual in there. The only thing that make me decide not to go this route is that I just finished the interior this year, correcting the console and lighting for an auto as the PO still had in the 4spd console. I'm looking at the Keisler SS700.
I'm leaning towards the motor, but I'd appreciate any input anyone has on the subject.
Last edited by StingrayLust; 09-01-2012 at 01:25 PM.
09-01-2012, 01:34 PM
#2
Racer
Member Since: Jun 2003
Location: Lititz PA
Posts: 368
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If it were me, the transmission would be the upgrade...
A better engine is till going thru the same trans, whereas the manual will give you a different/better experience.. that will change to tone of the motor too!
Andy
A better engine is till going thru the same trans, whereas the manual will give you a different/better experience.. that will change to tone of the motor too!
Andy
09-01-2012, 06:08 PM
#8
Melting Slicks
Unanimous! Plus upgrading the trans can be done in a weekend compared to rebuilding or replacing the motor. 50K miles - that 71 didn't even break in yet 
09-01-2012, 11:35 PM
#10
Team Owner
Member Since: Oct 2004
Location: altered state
Posts: 81,242
Received 3,043 Likes
on
2,602 Posts
St. Jude Donor '05
ASk permission? You guys nuts?!
Forgiveness after sneaking it is much easier!
get the 5 spd fwy cruising at lower revs and youll feel like you picked up 50hp just from the gearing/less hp loss. It will keep you occupied for awhile til you get a VISA with a PO box then order the 383 on it.
Dont mention it! lol
Forgiveness after sneaking it is much easier!
get the 5 spd fwy cruising at lower revs and youll feel like you picked up 50hp just from the gearing/less hp loss. It will keep you occupied for awhile til you get a VISA with a PO box then order the 383 on it.
Dont mention it! lol
09-02-2012, 11:50 AM
#11
Melting Slicks
OK, $5k to spend. Engine or tranny? I'd do both. You can do the 383 build for about 4k if you spend wisely and assemble yourself. Keeping the stamp pad is not a problem just make sure the guy running the mill to surface the deck understands that.
You cannot get that keisler tranny, but you certainly can find a muncie for $500-$600, clutch for $200 (I saved $150 at amazon over summits price) and then you just need to find a pedal box and linkage.
I spent $200 overhauling my muncie, parts are very reasonable and easy for the diyer to overhaul. The newer trans is going to get you the better gas mileage, but if its more of a boulevard cruiser who cares. I personally could not justify the expense of the new tranny, you can buy a lot of gas for the money saved keeping it a 4 spd.
You need to look at your rear differential gear too so it works well with whatever transmission gearing you go with.
I had the engine you desire built, a 435hp 383. Original block, everything else has been replaced with forged parts a roller cam, and aluminum heads. I also put on some shiny parts such as oil pan, timing cover, and air gap manifold. I spent $5k. total. It was assembled by the shop, he's got a great reputation for putting together a reliable engine.
You cannot get that keisler tranny, but you certainly can find a muncie for $500-$600, clutch for $200 (I saved $150 at amazon over summits price) and then you just need to find a pedal box and linkage.
I spent $200 overhauling my muncie, parts are very reasonable and easy for the diyer to overhaul. The newer trans is going to get you the better gas mileage, but if its more of a boulevard cruiser who cares. I personally could not justify the expense of the new tranny, you can buy a lot of gas for the money saved keeping it a 4 spd.
You need to look at your rear differential gear too so it works well with whatever transmission gearing you go with.
I had the engine you desire built, a 435hp 383. Original block, everything else has been replaced with forged parts a roller cam, and aluminum heads. I also put on some shiny parts such as oil pan, timing cover, and air gap manifold. I spent $5k. total. It was assembled by the shop, he's got a great reputation for putting together a reliable engine.
09-02-2012, 12:27 PM
#12
Le Mans Master
I've been wrenching for years, and a big fan of the quick swap idea. Buddy of mine with a 79' L-82 4 speed 3.70 axle car, swapped in a 5 speed od Keisler TKO, and lot's nicer for highway cruising now. If doing an engine, get another one, a stand, picker, and work on it at your leisure. Weekend swap when you're ready. Believe me, really the best way, as how I've always done it. If keeping the spare engine, get a rolling engine storage cradle, and put a piece of wood on it, for a nice storage shelf.
