ndirishr1

I'm looking to drop a complete crate engine in my '68 4-spd to replace the 327. If I can get a high HP small block so I don't have to change the hood that would be my first preference. If I do have to go big block to get the ponies then I like the looks of Eckler's Stinger hood.

I'm interested in hearing what others have dropped in their C3 and how they like it.
Also if anyone has used the Stinger hood?

spikezz4

How much money do you want to spend on the HP you are looking for? Crate engine choices have grown immensely in just the past two years.

We have an LS6 crate engine and although the height is not needed, we will use Eckler's raised hood for cowl induction.

Spike

BSeery

I dropped in a ZZ4 (355 HP/405 TQ) for around 4K total. The motor and shipping was around $3500, and the rest was for new wires, new belts, antifreeze, oil and what not.

My ZZ4 swap project

You can also look at Pace Parts or Sallee Chevrolet. Do a yahoo search on them as we are not allowed to post the direct links anymore ( :cuss )

gdh

The ZZ4 is a great crate engine, there are 383 strokers available, just ask GrandSport about is and I belive it was cheaper than the GM. Remember to fully read the warranty claims, it is an eye opener for most to see what it does and does not cover.

69stingray

Sallie has several versions of the ZZ4. The HT383 crate engine has higher HP numbers but lower TQ numbers. Search the forum for AR Racing (I think). They have some nice 383 motors that everyone seems to like.

The Money Pit

I hear World Motown 415 has a two year warrantee. Not bad for 475hp out of a smallblock.

Ryan77

I plan on buying a 383 from AR Racing this summer, and a few other forum members already have. I'm buying the 470hp/465tq 383 with hypereutectic pistons, Edelbrock aluminum E-tec heads, Comp Cams roller camshaft, 1.6 roller rockers, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, and a 4 bolt main to name a few things ;) . It goes for $3,500. The motors are complete from intake to oil pan, you supply a carb, distributor, water pump, and all the other odds and ends, most of which can be taken from the original motor. Other members have motors from them too, like TShort and GrandsportC3. Do a search of the archives for AR Racing. Here's one link to some of their http://cgi6.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...ns%40erols.com


[Modified by Ryan77, 7:26 PM 2/9/2003]

Crash Dummy

K&N makes a drop base air filter system called the *X-stream* that has top flow characteristics, so I'm thinking your options are alot better these days of putting alot of HP under a stock hood with the high rise manifolds. I have not gotten to that point yet, but I have plans on buying the K&N 3040(2 3/4" element) drop base system. It's pretty pricey at about $120, but looks to be the best option.

What high performance engines to not buy? I have no personal dealings with Mark's Performance out of Arizona, but the feedback(18 negative) alone on E-bay would make me wary.

OatBoy

if you got the bucks, Bill Mitchell offers a 427 small block with loads of power, its 8k though. i always wanted to drop that in a c3 :yesnod:

Metal Wulf

:iagree: I'm getting an AR next fall/winter, I can't wait :cheers:

GrandSportC3

As others mentioned before.. I got a AR Racing engine.. and it was a great investment... The engine was exactly as promised and has lots of power... I actually got a 383/465 HP engine for $2995... However - it seems as if they are not offering my engine anymore.. However - they have other similar engines.. I was impressed by the quality and power of the engine.. So far - I put 6000 - 7000 miles and 30+ drag strip passes on the engine and she still runs like new... For my best ET/mph check my sig...

BTW - the engine has enough power for mid 11's.. However - I'm having problems with my clutch linkage.. I'm sure that I will hit 11's as soon as the linkage problems are fixed...

:cheers:

Olivier

ndirishr1

If that 427 is streetable I like the sounds of that. Throw some 427 badges on the car and I'd really play with peoples minds at the car shows! Might be worth saving for.

1971Ultra

I chose the ZZ5 Fastburn with the hotcam kit. I have yet to a dyno, but their claim is 430 HP with 430 TQ. It was a little on the expensive side ($5000). A few things to consider with this motor:

It is a brand new motor (0 miles on it)
It comes with a long style water pump, yours will be short style.
It comes with an HEI distributer, yours will be mechanical.
It comes with a automatic trans flywheel, yours is set-up for manual.
Since you putting in a new motor, you might as well put in a new clutch/pressure plate.
You may need to purchase a new carburetor. Possibly an electrical fuel pump.
It can go on and on and on.

I've only got about 300 miles on this motor, other than some fuel/air flow adjustments, it is an awesome motor. However, I would encourage you and as suggested above by a few others to take a look at A & R. They have excellent motors on ebay all the time and what appears to be great bang for the buck.

K

MassVette

A Big Block is a bolt-in for any C-3, and will give you much more bang for the buck, if you are spending 4-8k on a crate motor.
my 2c.
:yesnod: :chevy :chevy :yesnod:

8T1-7T9 BIONIC VETTE

I'm ordering the Bill Mitchell 427 short block assembly....installing AFR 210 heads with roller cam....Don't know HP output but it should be way over 500+ HP with mega torque numbers.....Just got the price delivered to my door...$4875.00
Then I'll be looking for badges too.... :D :seeya cappy

MARKUS_P

Cappy, where did you buy it from?
And what cam do you have in mind?
Just curious....
Markus

8T1-7T9 BIONIC VETTE

Markus_P,
I'm purchasing locally in Hawaii.....It's cheaper than ordering through Bill Mitchell.....BM tacks on shipment charges.....I get away from shipment charges by going through our local speed shop since they order many engines in at one time....I've noticed a few BM on the strip since I have one myself....They run the racing engines....the cars are cranking down some respectable times.....My 415ci is killer......I'll probably sell 415ci to someone looking for more ***** in a small block....Easy to sell if you have the engine ready.....It'll take one down the road and the engine will sell itself. :eek:
I don''t have the cam specs close at hand....they're in a box located in my storage room....later today I'll pull the spec sheets out and provide you with the numbers......I have to bring them inside anyway....every time I turn around someone is asking me for the specs on that cam.....When I ordered the AFR 210 Heads....AFR told me this would be the roller cam / head package that goes with the BM 427 ci small block. They assured me engine will pull down 500+HP and 500+TQ numbers....I like having big block numbers in a small block package.....Blows people's mind......they swear I have a big block under there...till I pop the hood. :seeya Cappy

ndirishr1

Cappy:

What hood are you planning to use?

8T1-7T9 BIONIC VETTE

ndirishr1,
Same hood I have on now...Eckler's Turbo Hood. It clears the Bill Mitchell 415ci and they both have the same height.....My hood still has a couple of inches before it touches the top of the K&N air filter. That's why I like small block with big block numbers....everything fits with plenty of space left over to have A/C....Turbo's etc. :seeya Cappy

L82-JWS

Hi........installed zz4 in 79 mounted to BW 4speed. Very happy with engine. I had to go with new flywheel because of rear main seal difference. Installed new clutch, had to get short water pump.....some different sensors.....changed radiator......total project about 5K.....motor was 3500, and about 1500 in replacement parts........true dual exhaust, no cats.......lot of valuable info was attained thru this forum, so ask away.........