Which engine, can't decide?
 

Hello everybody. As you know, Im new to the forum. Im not new to hot rodding though. I have an engine problem. As far as everything lines up, my 70 is a reall SS. I do not have the orig. engine. I know for a fact, that my car had a factory installed working Cowl Hood, a factory 4 speed transmission, non A/C, factory 12 bolt rear axle, factory dark green interior with SS emblems on the door panels, and factory dark green metalic paint with white SS stripes. Now, with all that said...It still doesnt help me with the factory installed engine and transmission which I do not have.

What I have in the shop engine wise.
1994 Gen V 454 4 bolt block, crank, rods, GM 088 502 rectangle port heads with 2.25"/1.88" valves

1994 GM 5.7L TBI complete, wire harness, computer (Engine needs rings and bearings)

1998 GM LS1 out of a Camaro SS, mostly complete, non complete wire harness and computer.

1963 to 1965 GM Muncie 21 close ratio 4 speed (Fresh)

1994 GM Early 4l60E from same vehicle as TBI 350.

I have gone down several different roads on engine and trans combos. My most recent is the LS1 project. I have done lots of research on getting that engine into the car. There are several other things to consider on the LS1 conversion though. First of which is the bellhousing bolt pattern is a bit different, but a early model trans WILL work behind it just loosing one top bolt. Flywheel/flexplate are special to a early model trans swap but can be purchased.

Anyway, sorry for the long post. I am truly undecided on which way to go. Any opinions will be greatly app...

The last thing, given the projected fuel prices, the most cost efficent rout is probably slapping rings and bearings, gaskets, bolting the OD trans up, and putting this car on the road with the TBI 350 and 4l60e...Just doesnt seem right ya know??? UGGGGGGG!!!

Thanks

Shawn

How about the 454 and the 4L60E. You'll have overdrive on the highway and still have the grunt of a big block. Unless it's going to be a daily driver is fuel cost that big of a concern? There are lot of nice Chevelles out there with small blocks but just seems a 70 SS really needs a big block. Of course I have a 70 SS with a big block so maybe I'm a little biased.

Well, one reason I was leaning toward the 350 was because it is cheap to overhaul, is complete, though not the best EFI, it works. I have all the harness and computer for the engine and trans. I still have lots of BBC parts to buy before I can put it together. But...then there is the LS1. All aluminum, light weight, great EFI, plenty of power. But, then we are talking about dollar bills!!! I have no idea which way to go...

IMHO, an original bigblock car should stay bigblock, and I'm NOT a purist...

I'd go with the 454, and the Muncie, and put a ~3.31 rear gear in it with some tall tires so it's manageable on the highway.

Sell everything else for gas money. :D

That was my orig. Plan from the start. I forgot to mention one thing. Rear gear is a 4:10 Richmond with Moroso brute posi unit.

Oh..forgot something elese. I do have a fresh .10/.10 427 crank, resized rods with ARP bolts, balanced, with TRW forged pistons I could use with a one piece rear seal adapter. And that stuff is ready to go. Just a thought?

If you put anything in it but the BBC, you'll always wonder how much nastier it would have been. I say big block, and I'm a smallblock guy.

The muncie will handle it. The 4L60 would probably need some beefing up, and a converter. Instead of paying for that stuff, use the money for a ring/pinion swap and you're done. That would make for a pretty reasonable, but respectful setup. If you want better mileage stay off the go pedal. (yeah right :D)

I think the engine/trans combo is dependant upon how you plan to use the car ... assuming, of course you want to build it specifacally for your own use.

If you are going for the highest return on your dollar then stick with what was stock for a 70 Chevelle ... perferably a BB. Looks like you would have to do alittle trading to accomplish that though but the muncie would seem to be the only part you should hang onto and match it up with a early carburated 454.

Just my opine .. like I said it depends on what you are trying to achieve. You gots some tough choices! LOL

4L60e would need some type of computer to run it also, since they're controlled electronically.

I say go with the big block. Its a muscle car! JMHO

Well, after running the $$$ on each combo, and my current vehicle situation, the rising fuel prices, and the projected fuel prices...I think I'm going to do a light overhaul on the TBI 350. If I spend leas then a grand on getting it right, along with it's 4l60e, and computer, I think I can get at least 17 to 18 mpg out of the car. I can park my diesel, and use it as a daily driver till fuel cost come down.

Good move, keep a eye out for a used and inexpensive TPI setup during the rebuild ... for a nice setup.

I'll be keeping my 454 for a later build. But for now, the 350 will be good for economy and so I can enjoy this car. It's been a very long time since it wa driven. Was there much of a difference between performance between TPI and TBI? And is it worth spending the extra money for the TPI parts? I have a complete TBI engine, trans, harness, and ECM. I don't want to get to crazy with the small block. I still plan on the BBC one day.

TPI are known for having a crapload of torque, and running out of steam by 4500rpm... they're effectionately known by the 3rd gen Camaro guys as "the best truck engine that was never put in a truck"

Neither are very good for performance by today's standards, but the TPI has more potential if you want to stick money into it... but I wouldn't stick much into one of those either... at that point, just go LS. :)

I change my mind on engine combos every day, 10 times a day. I have three choices and have completely different combos of that. Its killing me!!! What to do, what to do.

I am still having the idea of a DD for awhile. So, I probably wont build the BBC. They can all sit over in the corner. I have three of those, two 396s, and a Gen V 454. But...As for the rest, LS1 and that expensive set of headers, wire harness mods, and computer mods, and... Probably still leaning toward the TBI 350 and 4L60E, but I have to freshen it up. Maybe I should just sell the whole dang car and engine mess and find a 2000 to 2002 Camaro SS and just drive the heck out of that? What fun would that be though.

UPDATE:

Well, here is what has happened since the last post. Sold my GEN V 454, traded the TBI 350, and 4L60E for Edelbrock Conversion Headers for the LS1. SOOOOOOOO, it looks like I am going ahead with the LS1 conversion. Keep in mind, this engine came out of a 98 Camaro SS, so it has very good power as is. Here are the plans that I have to go forward with now, because this is all I have now...

I am bolting my Muncie 21 to this LSx. I am going to use a hyd throw out bearing, and keep the trans old school. The only thing I am kicking around now is...Keep it fuel injected, or go with the Edelbrock Performer RPM Carb swap and give it that old school look there... We will see!!!!!!!!!!!

i to have that same issue. i have an LSx in my garage with a 454 sitting in the chevelle still dont know what to do up to today!

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