stock vs replacement engine

[Mark U.]

with all the cars today being sold at barrett jackson and such seems like cars that do not have orig drivetrains do not suffer when being sold,sometimes they bring in much more money.Here is my question I own a numbers matching 327 300 hp coupe A.I.R. that is loaded with options,i love to drive this car but it does lack h.p. and being a powerglide.Thinking of replacing the engine with a ann. 427 with a 5 speed trans what will it do for resale {you always have to keep in mind what your doing and if you sell it what its worth after wards}.My car need nothing to drive anywhere right now.
thanks for your input.
Mark


Remember i am just thinking about doing this.

[Harmon C.]

Re: stock vs replacement engine

It's your car so make it like you want it. Try not to add holes to the body or frame so the change back could be done without notice and save all the parts. Your car if a driver now with no special low mileage claim could be worth the same with the setup you are thinking about. If you can change it back without notice to the trained eye your only loss will be the cost to have fun with it and don't try to get that back. Buyers either want a fun show car or a car to set around and be judged and it don't work to think you can do both with any one car.

[Jack H.]

Re: stock vs replacement engine

You may be opening Pandora's Box, not that the course of action you propose (SB -> BB) is technically 'impossible'... But, there are engine support issues that you will have to deal with in the process.

First, if the BB you intend to install parallels that of the factory (L36/L72), then you'll have to deal with the hood clearance issue. That's why factory original BB cars came with the 'power bulge' version of the hood.

Second, you're increasing the underhood BTU generation of the power plant. Factory stock BB cars used a different cooling system with increased heat dissipation characteristics and that dictates changing the radiator support, radiator and fan shroud components.

Do you see where I'm going? If you really intend to use/drive the car, you're talking about more than a straight across engine transplant. You have to get the underlying engine support components to match too and those impact the car's body, cooling system, suspension, Etc.

If it's an issue of more kick in the pants for your $$$, why not consider a current day, high performance, SB which you can acquire in the form of a crate motor? Performance isn't just a matter of raw displacement. The efficiency silhouette of the motor can contribute GREATLY...

[Harry S.]

Re: stock vs replacement engine

I agree with Jack. You will get the increased HP you want and most like at a better price point. Also look into the rear gear ratio you have and what you may want to go to. You probably have a 3.08 or 3.36 where a 3.70 will perform a whole lot better. A 4.11 may make you crazy.

[Tom H.]

Re: stock vs replacement engine

Mark:

This is just my opinion, so take it at that.

It is getting harder and harder to find nice original cars. Replacement motor cars are always available everywhere.

If you want something different, I'd sell your original car and pursue a different car that may better suit your performance needs !

Just an opinion.

[Paul H.]

Re: stock vs replacement engine

I take it you are talking about one of the newer LS7 427 small block motors?? At least weight won't be an issue with that. If you crave more horsies that will do it but you will have computer issues to deal with. When you go to sell the car you will have both an original motor and the aftermarket configuration. Will it enhance value?? I think the full resto-rods with complimentary high perforomance frames and suspension get pricey. If you stick with stock underpinnings it probably won't do much either way for value.

Bottom line: It's your car and do what pleases you. When and if you go to sell, it's worth what someone is willing to pay for it. I'd rather live for me than the next guy.

[Clem Z.]

Re: stock vs replacement engine

just replace it with a bigger cubic inch small block like a 383 or a 406 and these are available from lots of builders and will fit right in your car without major changes except maybe a better rad.

[Joe C.]

Re: stock vs replacement engine

with all the cars today being sold at barrett jackson and such seems like cars that do not have orig drivetrains do not suffer when being sold,sometimes they bring in much more money.Here is my question I own a numbers matching 327 300 hp coupe A.I.R. that is loaded with options,i love to drive this car but it does lack h.p. and being a powerglide.Thinking of replacing the engine with a ann. 427 with a 5 speed trans what will it do for resale {you always have to keep in mind what your doing and if you sell it what its worth after wards}.My car need nothing to drive anywhere right now.
thanks for your input.
Mark


Remember i am just thinking about doing this.

"Numbers matching" means nothing, especially without paper.

If you have the "original engine" and all of the paperwork to prove it, along with NCRS "pedigree", then your car should command more than a similar car without paperwork/pedigree.

Now, if your car is an ugly color or mismatched color combination, and/or a low optioned/low horsepower car, the above criteria makes it much more valuable than one without it. In the case of an "ugly duckling" and also without paper/pedigree, then IMHO, it is a no-brainer to make it like you want it. Not only will you have a nice car, one that turns heads at the shows, but you will also have a much more valuable car.

What do you intend to use the car for?
What characteristic is more important to you: torque? horsepower?

One more thing to keep in mind if you prefer a torque-monster (truck motor) over a high horsepower screamer.................be prepared to break stuff like half shafts, spindles, and u-joints.

[Dale S.]

Re: stock vs replacement engine

There are bigger small blocks than 427, ie 434, 454 (and I dont know what else) of course your chassis and drive train wont handle it. Buy a new vette if you want to go fast! Dale

[Steven B.]

Re: stock vs replacement engine

with all the cars today being sold at barrett jackson and such seems like cars that do not have orig drivetrains do not suffer when being sold,sometimes they bring in much more money.Here is my question I own a numbers matching 327 300 hp coupe A.I.R. that is loaded with options,i love to drive this car but it does lack h.p. and being a powerglide.Thinking of replacing the engine with a ann. 427 with a 5 speed trans what will it do for resale {you always have to keep in mind what your doing and if you sell it what its worth after wards}.My car need nothing to drive anywhere right now.
thanks for your input.
Mark


Remember i am just thinking about doing this.

Mark, after watching years of BJ I doubt if most of the resto mods, etc. bring close to the actual cost of the build. It has been said it is cheaper to buy one than build one.

If you want more usable HP/torque headwork and a few minor mods to your existing engine will give you over 100 additional HP and you keep the original numbers, etc. I have done that with two of mine and have more than enough and I am not easy on them. If you want more cheap acceleration you can also change to a shorter tire on the rear. As for the trans you can build the power glide to out accelerate a manual. Kits are cheap or you could go the whole way.

Steve

[Tom S.]

Re: stock vs replacement engine

I agree buy a new vette if you want to go fast. But in my opinion you should not hack this one up... Just my opinion! Tom

[Jim C.]

Re: stock vs replacement engine

Just my VERY humble opinion. Over the years, I've owned only two low option 1966 Corvettes. Nothing special. Both 327/300, very original, never messed with, original drivetrains, etc. Both very nice "drivers" but still Top Flight. Maybe you should sell your car and go get what you want, but please don't alter an original car with it's original motor. I think cars like yours (sb or bb) are getting harder and harder to find. I would keep it original.

Jim C.

[Ridge K.]

Re: stock vs replacement engine

Mark:

This is just my opinion, so take it at that.

It is getting harder and harder to find nice original cars. Replacement motor cars are always available everywhere.

If you want something different, I'd sell your original car and pursue a different car that may better suit your performance needs !

Just an opinion.

I agree 100% with Tom's advice. Sell yours, as there's a person or two out there that would absolutely love to have your car, exactly as it is equipped.
You should sell for enough to buy a car that more suits your likes.
Seems like most posters are giving this same basic advice.
Good luck, Ridge