by "cletus44 aka Clayton Seams" (cletus44)
Published 11/14/2017 at 09:15
by "cletus44 aka Clayton Seams" (cletus44)
Published 11/14/2017 at 09:15
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STARS: 13
Pulled out the driveshaft to replace the U-joints the other day. I’m also tentatively shopping around for a 454 core... Can’t wait to get it back on the road for real.
"Sweet Trav" (thespunbearing)
11/14/2017 at 09:32, STARS: 0
454 for this or something else?
Big blocks suck. I could go on and on about why they suck. But a small block or an LS motor is always a better choice unless you’re pulling a trailer or have an 8-71 roots blower laying around.
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
11/14/2017 at 09:41, STARS: 1
I hope to see and read more about it soon :)
"crowmolly" (crowmolly)
11/14/2017 at 09:47, STARS: 0
Suck? That’s pretty harsh. But I’m in agreement that there’s little reason to build one now unless you WANT one or are looking for huge power.
"Flavien Vidal" (flyingfrenchy)
11/14/2017 at 10:00, STARS: 1
I can’t wait to see it on snow tires driven around Quebec! (Seriously, you have to do it. Corvette in the snow are lots of fun!)
"cletus44 aka Clayton Seams" (cletus44)
11/14/2017 at 10:26, STARS: 5
Big blocks are old school cool. If I wanted a fast car I’d just buy a C5.
"cletus44 aka Clayton Seams" (cletus44)
11/14/2017 at 10:26, STARS: 0
But the rust!
"BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires" (biturbo228)
11/14/2017 at 10:52, STARS: 2
This.
For actually making a balanced sports car that handles well a big-block is not what you want.
For a ratty-looking Corvette designed to smoke tyres and hoon around...a big-block is perfect :)
"Sweet Trav" (thespunbearing)
11/14/2017 at 10:54, STARS: 0
When a decent set of heads costs more than a complete LS crate motor, yes. They do suck.
"Sweet Trav" (thespunbearing)
11/14/2017 at 10:55, STARS: 0
A big block completely spoils the C3 chassis. Too heavy, even with aluminum heads. You’d probably really like a 383 stroker though.
"cletus44 aka Clayton Seams" (cletus44)
11/14/2017 at 11:02, STARS: 1
I see your point but with aluminum heads/intake, a BBC weighs just 75 pounds more than an all iron SBC like I have now. I also want to keep it to what was available in 1970 and keep it period correct. So a 383 is out of the question for me. I’ll be keeping the 350 around so I could swap it back if I was so inclined.
"cletus44 aka Clayton Seams" (cletus44)
11/14/2017 at 11:06, STARS: 1
I find your views interesting and wish to subscribe to your newsletter.
"Sweet Trav" (thespunbearing)
11/14/2017 at 11:11, STARS: 1
I did an entire 6.0l LS swap for the price of a set of good BBC heads. I get that this is what you want but it’s a terrible $$$ to smiles proposition. Even some of the 18 degree SBC stuff would wake up your motor like crazy, better heads and intake and an aftermarket cam designed in this century.
If you’re dead set on a BBC, I’d recommend the 96-98 454 with MPFI out of the trucks and grab a set of aluminum heads. That way you get roller cam provisions from the factory, the only non-1970 item you’d be forced to run is an electric fuel pump because they don’t have a provision for a mechanical fuel pump. Only downside with the late 454 truck block is that there is no valve relief in the pistons so throwing a radical cam in there isn’t possible due to PtV clearance.
"crowmolly" (crowmolly)
11/14/2017 at 11:18, STARS: 0
You don’t need to throw a set of AFR or Brodix heads on to make good usable power. Unless you are talking about an engine with peanut ports. Those really suck.
It’s an old platform and there are better choices now. Building one doesn’t make financial sense unless you need to make a LOT of power. I personally wouldn’t build one unless I was going to feed it a lot of spray.
But if you don’t want to do another cookie cutter LS/Ebay turbo motor build there are worse choices.
"cletus44 aka Clayton Seams" (cletus44)
11/14/2017 at 11:19, STARS: 0
This stuff is all true and accurate. But no matter what I do, it’s gonna be period correct to the 70's. AFR heads are awesome but I have a lead on a set of original aluminum GM heads for not crazy money. My rough game plan was to find a 1970s 2-bolt main 454, install aftermarket pistons to raise the compression ratio, use those GM aluminum heads and keep the stock bottom end. Nothing crazy, just a torquey earth mover. Big blocks are pricey and questionably worth it, but I just have to experience one. How’s the Monte?
"Demon-Xanth knows how to operate a street." (demon-xanth)
11/14/2017 at 11:43, STARS: 0
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/mll-bp4963ctc/overview/make/chevrolet
"BvdV - The Dutch Engineer" (dutchengineer)
11/14/2017 at 11:44, STARS: 0
So it’s back up and running? Awesome. I know of a certain Dutch guy that wouldn’t mind a being taken around the block in it ;)
"cletus44 aka Clayton Seams" (cletus44)
11/14/2017 at 11:52, STARS: 1
It’s running great but the driveshaft is still out of it. When it’s operational, we’ll go for a drive!
"BvdV - The Dutch Engineer" (dutchengineer)
11/14/2017 at 11:53, STARS: 0
Oh, I misread, thought you had already fixed it, my bad.
Sounds like a plan!
"Sweet Trav" (thespunbearing)
11/14/2017 at 12:39, STARS: 1
Great. It’s hibernating for the winter. Only a few things to do, new power steering pump and box, new sway bar bushings, a little electrical work to get my fan bypass switch working. Nothing major.
"Sweet Trav" (thespunbearing)
11/14/2017 at 12:42, STARS: 2
A roots blown big block can make 800 HP falling off a log. Other than that, even with SBC heads as good as they are these days a 500 hp NA stroker isn’t too hard. Big blocks are just big heavy and 100% not worth it in my book.
Not fucking around with carbs is enough reason for me make all future projects LS based.
"cletus44 aka Clayton Seams" (cletus44)
11/14/2017 at 13:15, STARS: 0
Cool! Hope to see it again soon.
"Sweet Trav" (thespunbearing)
11/14/2017 at 13:22, STARS: 0
We just moved across town. Have plenty of space to put you up if you’re in Detroit and need a place to crash.
"cletus44 aka Clayton Seams" (cletus44)
11/14/2017 at 13:28, STARS: 0
I will be soon! January I believe, will keep you posted.
"Flavien Vidal" (flyingfrenchy)
11/14/2017 at 17:59, STARS: 0
It won’t rust instantly :)
Just clean it up when you get back :)
"19JRC99" (19jrc99)
12/04/2017 at 20:48, STARS: 0
Ooh, a 454 in that thing would be so much fun.