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Questions about rebuilding my '67 Camaro

Discussion in 'American Muscle' started by GoFerrari28, Jan 9, 2006.

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  1. GoFerrari28

    GoFerrari28 Formula 3

    Jun 16, 2004
    2,313
    Ridgemont, CA
    Full Name:
    Jeff Spicoli
    #1 GoFerrari28, Jan 9, 2006
    Hey all. I'm selling my 2000 BMW 328 and I finally got around to making up my mind regarding my '67 Camaro RS. I was thinking about selling it as well and picking up a Cooper S with a manual transmission since all my cars are either auto or F1, and I decided to rebuild the Camaro instead. I bought the car about 14 years ago with plans for rebuilding it one day, and I have started and stopped a few times. Unfortunately, work was usually the reason for the interruptions.

    About 5 years ago I built a (then) new ZZ430 clone, starting with a ZZ350 small block and adding Airflow research heads, an Edelbrock Performer RPM intake manifold and a Holley 770 cfm carb, and I bought an Edelbrock EFI system for it that I still have in the box. Based on the components the engine realistically should make 440 HP at flywheel. The engine is still on the stand and I have the old engine in the car. I also have a 3.43 12 bolt rear end with a limited slip differential and a full Hotchkis suspension set and Baer brakes 4-wheel disc brake set in boxes. The car still has the TH-350 that I swapped in several years ago, but I am planning on going to a Richmond 5-speed.

    Here is the issue: I have decided to rebuild the car, but I have been thinking about buying a big block 502 c.i. crate engine which will set me back about $9,000, including all the parts that I would have to get to convert my car from a small block to a big block. Now, myself having proclaimed on this site that engine displacment is like breast size;there's no replacement for displacement (I've been hanging around Lamour too much), does anyone here have experience in changing out a small block for a big block and the change in handling characteristics, etc? Are big block cars that much more fun to drive? Is the small block more manageable or is the big block worth shelving a $7k engine in favor of the additional HP & torque?

    And yes, my dad's a TV repairman, got an ultimate set of tools. I can fix it.
     
  2. DMOORE

    DMOORE Formula 3

    Aug 23, 2005
    1,720
    San Diego
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    Darrell
    #2 DMOORE, Jan 9, 2006
    The 502 is awsome. I helped a good friend of mine put one into a 68 Camaro. Going from small block to big block is really simple. Engine mounts are about all that is needed to change. By the way, he picked up the 502 for about 6k brand new with a 2 year warrenty. Remember, the 502 has aluminum heads which takes off about 150lb from a normal big block so handling isn't too bad. My buddies car ran low 11 sec 1/4 mile on pump gas, and that was with a lot of tire spin. If you really want to get crazy, guys are getting over 750 HP with centrifical superchargers running only 6psi. Once you go big block you'll never go back.
    Regards, Darrell.
     
  3. GoFerrari28

    GoFerrari28 Formula 3

    Jun 16, 2004
    2,313
    Ridgemont, CA
    Full Name:
    Jeff Spicoli
    #3 GoFerrari28, Jan 9, 2006
    I forgot to mention that I would be setting up the car as a pro-touring style rather than drag racing.
     
  4. DMOORE

    DMOORE Formula 3

    Aug 23, 2005
    1,720
    San Diego
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    Darrell
    #4 DMOORE, Jan 9, 2006
    Thats OK. My buddies car wasn't set up as a drag car either. It was a very clean street driven car. The most amasing part of driving that car was the torque. Any gear any speed, hit the throttle and it was just gone. Instant passing power.
     
  5. CMY

    CMY F1 World Champ

    Oct 15, 2004
    10,142
    Redondo Beach, CA
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    Chris
    #5 CMY, Jan 9, 2006
    Go with the 502 but try to get a manual tranny (T56?) to make it a bit more interesting. Small to Big Block change-over isn't a huge undertaking but far too many are done with drag in mind.
     
  6. turbo6

    turbo6 Formula Junior

    Jul 22, 2004
    386
    CT
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    Trevor
    #6 turbo6, Jan 9, 2006
    Have you ever considered supercharging your existing motor? It's just another idea that might be less expensive?

    I have thought about cool an LS2 swap into a 67 camaro would be. I have found very low mileage complete LS2's with all the accessories for about $3500 shipped, but then you need a tranny not to mention its 400hp and you already have 440.
     
  7. Chevarri

    Chevarri Formula Junior

    Jan 20, 2003
    764
    In a rose bush.
    Full Name:
    J'aime
    #7 Chevarri, Jan 9, 2006

    You'll need BB springs, BB sways, extra cooling, and a light foot ;) FAT POWER!! If I might add if you're willing to spend an extra 7k on the motor you could get a crate LS1 or LS2. Benefits? We all know the benefits of the LS1. Downside? I can't really think of any. As far as the LS1 goes, you could spend the 7k to get a crate motor, and sell the "old" SB for some go fast parts, Heads, Cam, Intake Manifold, etc. Since you want a pro-touring Camaro I think the LS1/2 would be more beneficial since it's MUCH lighter and is a much better overall design. Food for thought.
     
  8. turbo6

    turbo6 Formula Junior

    Jul 22, 2004
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    Trevor
    #8 turbo6, Jan 9, 2006

    exactly, but I don't think I would get a "new" crate engine, but rather something like this


    http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/02-Trans-Am-Camaro-LS1-Engine-w-Auto-Transmission-39k_W0QQitemZ8028503979QQcategoryZ33615QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

    You could keep the LS1, and probably sell the 4L60E for about $1000-1500. then go get a brand new T56 for $3000 or so and you can have a LS1 setup for 5-6K. You could probably have a supercharged or heads/cams LS1 for the price of the BB you are looking at.
     
  9. GoFerrari28

    GoFerrari28 Formula 3

    Jun 16, 2004
    2,313
    Ridgemont, CA
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    Jeff Spicoli
    #9 GoFerrari28, Jan 19, 2006
    I prefer to keep the car normally aspirated but utilize EFI, and I would like to buy a crate motor that has a warranty. Fortunately, driving my 360 has allowed me to work on modulating the throttle with my toes, so a heavy foot should not be a problem. The Hotchkis sway bar is like 1 3/4 inches wide, and I have to replace the springs anyways and get a new radiator, so that isn't a big deal, its just that with all new pulleys and accessories, I am still debating the big/small block question until tomorrow when I call a guy I know at Sallee Chevrolet in Oregon. Either way I'm going to start preparing the car for dissassembly this weekend and make room in the garage for the various components to be laid out. I'll try to take some pics of the Camaro and my other cars this weekend.
     

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