Denpo

If you're willing to do the required work to make it fit (muuuuch easier than a Ford's), LS-like engine can be built on the cheap.

Scottd

Edelbrock sells a top end kit. Heads, cam, intake and carb. Its been a while since Ive priced them out, but I want to say they were in the 2K range. This package should take your car into the 350-400 hp range.

I know Im restating what everyone else here is saying, but the Ford engine is just a BAD idea. It will take TONS of work to bolt in, Im talking like you are going to need a degree in mechanical engineering and the salary to match. They could give you the engine for free and you are still going to loose in the long run.

rebel542

A loved one should take your car from you until your head clears.

FlippinCorvette

Idk how much it will cost. But I think I want to do something similar to lukyn. Any ideas?? Also would I be able to have my normal hood or need a new one?

Scottd

Flip- Im going to say this once. DO NOT even consider this Ford swap for another minute. Just STOP IT. Its not going to work. By the time you chop, cut, weld, weld, weld, fabricate, weld, chop, modify and butcher, you are going to be two years into this job. For 1-2 grand, you can buy, build or modify a SBC to push equal or better than that Ford motor. Im not ******** on Fords, they make good engines. However, you are barking up the wrong tree. Either modify your 350 or buy a Mustang.

FlippinCorvette

Bro... The idea I just now said I liked was modifying my engine... And then your very next comment said to do that.... I know your just helping man. Thanks I appreciate everyone's comments.

garygnu

if you use a elderbrock performer intake on a sbc ,you can retain your stock hood .you could use your block ,and buy a 383/396 sbc rotating assembly .or find a 383 long block that has the right stuff .do you have a good engine machine shop close by ?

FlippinCorvette

I have one about an hour and a half away.

7t9l82

the r.p.m air gap intake goes under the stock hood with a dropped base air cleaner, its no problem.

lukyn

The edelbrock kit 2098 was $1800 from Pace Performace. It had everything you need except a carb. Intake, cam, heads, timing set, lifters and gaskets. You need to also supply your own pushrods and lifters. The intake is 3/4" taller so a drop base ac would be needed with the stock hood. I run a hood scoop.

cv67

C3s are a little heavyish imo..you can build up a 350 to run good (ive almost always been disappointed with a head/cam swap) but if youre on limited funds Id grab that $3700 427 in the parts section that is a great value! The torque is too much fun!
Great bang for the buck imo.

daustin

I'd consider a set of Vortec heads, edelbrock intake and new cam. The heads will raise the compression and flow much better, intake & cam would help also. Bang for the buck is not bad with that combo.
Don

commander_47

I tell ya, for 2K you can really build a nice 400hp car with that stock engine.

Troll Craigslist, Ebay, and don't forget Skip White for some really good parts.

Summit and Jegs are always having sales, etc.

I would suggest a 383 with Vortec heads an Edelbrock RPM manifold, headers, a new cam and a Holley. Easily can be done for less than 2k.

Scottd

Vortecs make good power, but this is what I learned when I did a Vortec conversion on a 350 a while back.....
Vortecs cant run much of a cam without either machine work or swapping out valve springs. By the time you are done with all that, you are only saving 2-3 hundred dollars less than buying a set of new, aluminum aftermarket heads. This was my experience.

Hey Flip, sorry for bugging out on you earlier. I guess I didnt read your post well enough.

Im still casting my vote towards the Edelbrock package or buying a used performance engine from the classifieds.

FlippinCorvette

I like the edelbrock package idea

Scottd

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/edl-2022

summit has the kits starting at 1500 bucks. My only other suggestion depends on how well you know carbs. The Edelbrock 1400 series are SIMPLE to work on and run right out of the box. They arent as 'tunable' as other carbs and do suffer from heat sink issues. Holley street Avengers are more performance driven but require some special tuning.

Head and cam choice will spur pages of debate here. I suggest you call Summit and they can recommend a base package for you and take out all the guesswork.

DucatiDon

LOL!!!
Its not even just the transmission and motor mounts but accessories and exhaust and......on and on and on...

An LS swap is $$$$ and work...especially if you arent equipped to do it yourself! Again, accessories, exhaust, gauges...etc...

Buy a crate motor....new exhaust. An L48 will never feel fast compared to a modern car.
For $5k you can drop in a nice 350.

And do yourself a favor and add dual exhaust.

DucatiDon

I agree. But that L48 with dished pistons will be a problem making any kind of performance compression...unless the Vortecs have like 54cc chambers.
Just the accessories for a Big Block swap would kill your budget.

Decide if you want a whole motor, or a package to build yours. Dont forget a warranty is nice if you distrust your own skills. Paying someone to build it could run you right over budget.

63mako

The edlebrock packages are for blocks with flat top pistons. They are designed for the biggest HP number they can make. Doing that they give up bottom end and fat midrange power. These cars are heavy, many have auto trans with fuel saving rear gear ratios. Cams are too big in all their packages for an L48. You can do a lot better than an edlebrock top end package for the money it cost.

AirBusPilot

What's your experience level working on cars and engines?