Calling all motor heads..

[lymelizzard]

..sup guys. So I have this 1969 camaro SS that keeps looking at me funny. I had enough and I'm going to get her back on track. Basically fix her up.

My question is, which motor would be the best to put on this car? I kind of don't want to go over kill with it but I'd like some muscle. I mean it's american made and she has roar really nicely.

I think the stock engine was 350, but the heads are cracked up and well other parts don't work. Called a reliable mechanic and he basically told me it would be cheaper to get an engine for it than to reconstruct this one.

I'm not sure which I should go with. 350, 396, 427. I think the last one would be over kill though.

Need feedback and info please.

How about this............new drivetrain from the current Camaro SS

http://www.jegs.com/p/Chevrolet-Performance/Chevrolet-Performance-LS3-62L-430HP-Gen-IV-Crate-Powertrain/2122872/10002/-1

[Ivan The Awesome]

Wow thanks guys. I truly appreciate all the help. Everything has been very informative. This coming week I'll look at the engine and see where to go from there.

This car is not for sale. It was my mothers first car and she told me that if I want that car, i have to fix it. This is almost like an inheritance. The body is still in tact just some rust but I can deal with that later. I just want to get her up and running, then go slow with the cosmetic things.

[thefuzz]

Wow thanks guys. I truly appreciate all the help. Everything has been very informative. This coming week I'll look at the engine and see where to go from there.

This car is not for sale. It was my mothers first car and she told me that if I want that car, i have to fix it. This is almost like an inheritance. The body is still in tact just some rust but I can deal with that later. I just want to get her up and running, then go slow with the cosmetic things.

Stick with the 350. Easiest to find parts for, and very easy to work on.

Should bolt right up to any tranny that is in the car.

Still remember the firing order from the last one I worked on.

1 8 4 3 6 5 7 2

[g5jamz]

Yeah...small block 350 is one of the easiest/most plentiful engines out there. I'd be more inclined to go original 396 or something like that, but money would definately be a factor. There's a candy apple one off Grovemont Drive in Garner, NC that drives me crazy when I go by it. Would love to have it.

[charlotte49er]

I put a Chevy ZZ3 crate motor in my 1972 Vette back in the 90's. It was a beast! If the road was just a little wet, it woudl easily spin the tires. (And I had 1984 Vette wheels & tires on it!)

Creat motors are cheaper than rebuilds, unless you want to okeep matching numbers.

http://www.crateenginedepot.com/

Turn-Key ZZ4 Crate Engine 350CI 355HP HO with Accessory Kit And More 19201330

FastBurn 385 Crate Engine 350CI/385HP with Aluminum Vortec Heads 12496769

ZZ383 Crate Engine 425HP 12498772

350 Crate Engine 290 HP Deluxe 19244450 you can get with everything ready to drop in for $2500.

[Inimicus]

Ivan, look man. All the dudes in this thread are just want you to sink a little bit of cash ton of money and time into this magnificent automobile old junker that in the end will make hot chicks wet wont be worth a fraction of the money you put into it.

Since you're a Panther fan I'm going to help you out. Ill take it off your hands and "dispose" of it.

'Cause I'm a nice guy and all.

Seriously go with the 350. Great engine and you'll never regret it. Personally Id get a short block but that's because I want to spend some time under the hood but that crate option is a solid choice too.

[stirs]

as far as older engines, the 283 and 327 were great.

for your situation, the 350 would probably fit best followed by the 396. Availability of parts will not hurt your pocketbook nearly as much.

[88 Bronco]

I'd suggest selling it and buying a Mustang.

[Ivan The Awesome]

I'd suggest selling it and buying a Mustang.

Get. The. fug. Out.

[88 Bronco]

[pir8fan05]

2.0 TDI

[pstall]

327 or built out 302

[o803oVaDeR]

You can never go wrong with the 350. In my opinion that is what I would use. I am quite jealous right now. This is one of my dream cars, and would love a project like this. I plan on trying to find an old Camero or Mustang in a few years. I got another bike on my list next, then comes a project car to play with. You got any pics? would love to see it.

[sunbunny]

I put a Chevy ZZ3 crate motor in my 1972 Vette back in the 90's. It was a beast! If the road was just a little wet, it woudl easily spin the tires. (And I had 1984 Vette wheels & tires on it!)

Creat motors are cheaper than rebuilds, unless you want to okeep matching numbers.

http://www.crateenginedepot.com/

Turn-Key ZZ4 Crate Engine 350CI 355HP HO with Accessory Kit And More 19201330

FastBurn 385 Crate Engine 350CI/385HP with Aluminum Vortec Heads 12496769

ZZ383 Crate Engine 425HP 12498772

350 Crate Engine 290 HP Deluxe 19244450 you can get with everything ready to drop in for $2500.

Am I missing something? Cause I can spin tires on dry pavement with my mom's grand marquis. lol That thing's a beast with it's little 4.6