Buying a C3: Big block or small block?

"cletus44 aka Clayton Seams" (cletus44)
06/13/2014 at 11:42 • Filed to: None

So I've got a bitchin' new job (as of a few months ago) and the stars have aligned to allow me to have the means to purchase my all-time dream car. It's always been the 1968 Corvette. Ever since I was 10, a yellow C3 is all I've ever wanted.

The question is this: Which engine should I buy? They came with 327's and 427's and each of those were available in high and low strung tunes.

I'm not after horsepower and absolute speed, but I love the sound and sensation. I would plan to drive the car as a daily vehicle in the summer and take it on long road trips as well.

I'm leaning towards a low-strung small block for cooling and engine access. The big blocks sound cooler and are generally badass but they understeer a lot and the tight packaging causes cooling issues. Big block chevys run hot anyways.

I won't be buying it for at least a year but I was just wondering if anyone has any advice or input on what engine and options to get on an early C3. Oh, and it has to be a coupe and it has to be a manual!

DISCUSSION (12)

Kailand09 > cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
06/13/2014 at 11:44

Great choice of car! You'd be ok with either, but despite the few drawbacks I'd still grab the big block myself.

Corz 3.0 > cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
06/13/2014 at 11:48

Small Block if you want to actually enjoy carving corners, big block if you don't give a shit about things like fuel mileage or braking.

Source, I have a chrome bumpered stingray

cletus44 aka Clayton Seams > Kailand09
06/13/2014 at 11:49

Thanks! There are definitely pros and cons to each

cletus44 aka Clayton Seams > Corz 3.0
06/13/2014 at 11:50

I've seen your (beautiful) car! Any buying advice that the forum FAQ's might not have mentioned?

Aaron James > cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
06/13/2014 at 12:08

This is the one right here.

http://www.autotraderclassics.com/classic-car/19…

boobytrapsandtreasure > cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
06/13/2014 at 12:13

If you want a better balanced car go with the 327. If you want to haul a$$ in straight lines do the 427.

Rock Bottom > cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
06/13/2014 at 12:17

Either way it's going to drive like a gorgeous and fantastic sounding lumber cart. I say go big or go home.

God I want a big-inch C3... make mine a side-piped convertible with a nasty Rat under the hood and I'll die happy.

Kinja'd!!!

cletus44 aka Clayton Seams > Aaron James
06/13/2014 at 12:24

ME GUSTA

Corz 3.0 > cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
06/13/2014 at 12:31

Look out for the birdcage rot and frame rot. The birdcage is the metal frame around the interior. They rot out around the windshield, the frame rots right in front of the rear tires. Another thing to keep an eye out is the rear trailing arms. The bushings are actually in the bodywork.

cletus44 aka Clayton Seams > Corz 3.0
06/13/2014 at 12:41

Good advice, thanks!

MPA > cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
06/13/2014 at 14:30

As much as I think popping a hood and seeing a big block is so bad ass, a small block will give you a more balanced car, and you can always build a small block to a size close to big block cubes

Axial > cletus44 aka Clayton Seams
06/13/2014 at 23:24

Small block. It gives you a better weight distribution, it won't kill your ears, and it'll get acceptable fuel economy during your summer daily.

Personally? Big block or bust. Side pipes are a must. Everything else can eat dust. :D