Help me decide what motor for my 68 Z/28
#1
Help me decide what motor for my 68 Z/28
Hello, need to start working on a new motor for my car. A little back ground on my 68 Z/28 Camaro. I bought it in 1980. The original 302 motor was FUBAR in 1974. The guy I bought it from replaced the motor in 1973 or 74 with a GM crate 370 HP LT-1 short block and over the counter Angle plug heads. So it not a matching number motor for the car. I rebuilt the 350 motor in the mid 80s. Problem it is tired again has some oil leaks and I would like a motor that would run fine on straight pump gas. The Camaro still has the original intake, deep grove pulleys, correct distributor, matching number M21 4 speed, 12 bolt with 4:11s.
I have a fair collection of Chevy engine core parts such as 283, 327, 350, 396, 400, 402, 427, 454 to start from should I go this route. Problem I just keep hearing bad stories about some of this area automotive machine shops around here lately. So I'm starting to think about ordering a crate motor of some sorts.
I like both small and big block Chevy engines. So my question is what motor would you put in this car if it was yours?
I have a fair collection of Chevy engine core parts such as 283, 327, 350, 396, 400, 402, 427, 454 to start from should I go this route. Problem I just keep hearing bad stories about some of this area automotive machine shops around here lately. So I'm starting to think about ordering a crate motor of some sorts.
I like both small and big block Chevy engines. So my question is what motor would you put in this car if it was yours?
#2
TECH Fanatic
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What i'd do would first think what is the car going to be used for.
Alot of machine shops will deal with shipping if you have a pile of motors sitting around, I have a soft spot for 327s myself.
What are you planing other then running on pump gas? Let us know and we can better help pick a motor to enjoy.
Alot of machine shops will deal with shipping if you have a pile of motors sitting around, I have a soft spot for 327s myself.
What are you planing other then running on pump gas? Let us know and we can better help pick a motor to enjoy.
#3
I'd just order a new crate 383 for it. You can take the original parts off the current engine and keep those incase you every find a block with matching numbers. Other then that, crate motors are cost effective and producing more hp these days then every before.
How much do you drive the car? What kind of idle do you want? MPG? There is a lot to consider when you are choosing a motor.
How much do you drive the car? What kind of idle do you want? MPG? There is a lot to consider when you are choosing a motor.
#4
OK, These days the car is street driven only on nice weekends. But I do like a reasonable amount of power available when it does get driven. I would like to have a minimum of say around 370 horsepower and a maximum of around 460 - 475 horsepower.
Does anyone in aftermarket still make small journal 327 rods?
Does anyone in aftermarket still make small journal 327 rods?
#6
Deranged Rat Fink
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If you're not too concerned about cash , might think about a LS7 . Stuff a cam and longtubes , get about 600 hp at the flywheel , plus it will start up rather nicely with EFI
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#11
2 words: RAT MOTOR! Remember this: There ain't no replacement for cubic inch displacement! This is what I have in my 67 RS/SS: 454/TH400/4.10 12-bolt. Gas mileage is crappy (6mpg but I don't drive it every day anyway) but even as a loaded boat (curb weight tops 3600 lbs) I lay waste to just about anything next to me on the street + it's very easy to fix and/or tune-up. I will confess to wanting to add a Gear Vendors overdrive for hiway use.
#15
Nothing sounds better then a big block....
But If it were my 69z, I think I would de-stroke the lt1 to 302ci and do a bullet proof valve train that can rev to 9000 rpm. Then put the extra cash into making it handel like its on rails.
yep 9000rpm, chambered exhaust, 69 hammer slammer.
For me...hugger orange with white z stripes.
hounds tooth, wood steering wheel, gun metal tq thrusts, and a 5 speed for better cruzing.
But If it were my 69z, I think I would de-stroke the lt1 to 302ci and do a bullet proof valve train that can rev to 9000 rpm. Then put the extra cash into making it handel like its on rails.
yep 9000rpm, chambered exhaust, 69 hammer slammer.
For me...hugger orange with white z stripes.
hounds tooth, wood steering wheel, gun metal tq thrusts, and a 5 speed for better cruzing.
#16
Originally Posted by TTSSZ
Nothing sounds better then a big block....
But If it were my 69z, I think I would de-stroke the lt1 to 302ci and do a bullet proof valve train that can rev to 9000 rpm. Then put the extra cash into making it handel like its on rails.
yep 9000rpm, chambered exhaust, 69 hammer slammer.
For me...hugger orange with white z stripes.
hounds tooth, wood steering wheel, gun metal tq thrusts, and a 5 speed for better cruzing.
But If it were my 69z, I think I would de-stroke the lt1 to 302ci and do a bullet proof valve train that can rev to 9000 rpm. Then put the extra cash into making it handel like its on rails.
yep 9000rpm, chambered exhaust, 69 hammer slammer.
For me...hugger orange with white z stripes.
hounds tooth, wood steering wheel, gun metal tq thrusts, and a 5 speed for better cruzing.
But I still like a Rat motor.
#19
Originally Posted by 2xLS1
IMO, the only thing that makes a 68 Z28 a Z28 is a 302. Even if it's not the original #s matching one. Any other motor just makes it a 68 Camaro. Especially since you have all the good pieces that go on a 302.
#20
http://www.exoticperformanceplus.com...tCar.php?car=9
Check out this original '69 Z28. Same situation, the original engine is long gone. We removed a shot 427 out of it three or four years ago and installed a 502 with a six speed, and fuel injected it. We just sold this engine combination and am finishing up an 2005 GTO LS2 drivetrain installation in it. I'll be adding many pic's to it this coming week. Bob
Check out this original '69 Z28. Same situation, the original engine is long gone. We removed a shot 427 out of it three or four years ago and installed a 502 with a six speed, and fuel injected it. We just sold this engine combination and am finishing up an 2005 GTO LS2 drivetrain installation in it. I'll be adding many pic's to it this coming week. Bob