New Engine for 1979 T-Top

Advice is requested regarding choosing a new engine.

I am working on a 70-80% restoration of a 79' silver shark. It's been a real hoot taking the old girl apart. Now the rebuild begins. The original TH350 A/T and torque coverter have been professionally rebuilt w/HD kits. All suspension and brake components are upgrades and new. I am leaning toward a GM crate engine. Chevy has a small block 350, 285 hp Part#12353641, and High-Performance-Engines has a Chevy 350, 275 hp Part #VC01. I mention those two just as illustration of the hp I am looking for.

My concerns are with fit, accessory bolt ons and vette vacuum systems. Are Vortex heads and intake manifolds compatible with 1979 vacuum system requirements? What should I be looking for?

Share your experience with engine swapping, I'm open for suggestions. Thanks guys and gals.

As far as fit goes, and small block crate engine should fit just fine. Vacuum connections depend on your intake and carb. Enough vacuum depends on which engine you select. It may be low at idle if the engine is built up enough. This can also cause poor idle. Check the supplier statement of idle quality before you decide. Poor idle is not a bad thing, if you are after a lot of power. The Power range you are looking at should still idle nicely.

Ken Styer

Thanks Ken, I'll add idle quality to my list of items to look for in selecting the motor, intake and carb.

Happy Motoring.

Albert

Have you considered adding fuel injection? A stock Tuned-Port motor has the horses you are asking about. Very streetable, acessories fit, minimal modifications to the car. I have 2 of them (1 in a vette, 1 in a truck) and they are great! low-end torque is wonderful.

Idle quality will also provide enough vaccuum for those pesky headlights.

Absolutely, the "pesky" headlights are the very reason I want, above all, to be sure I select the correct intake and carb.

Albert

dual plane intake for vaccuum. low overlap on the cam

|UPDATED|1/9/2004 7:10:08 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

I'm learning, so no I had not considered fuel-injection; I have been leaning toward stock restoration, or close there to.

Albert

Now that's a convertible! Great looking car.

Thanks for the "on task" advice,

I have what may be the original 1979? intake manifold (looks very much like the current chevy #10185063 used on ZZ series 350HO engines)which is cast iron. I also have a Rochester Quadrajet #17058460, probably from the original L48 engine. Is it too much too ask to find a crate 350 (rebuilt/remanf?) that will work with the above? Just curious.

Albert

the intake and carb will be fine. you may want to get the intake ported/polished or just polished (internaly) to help increase flow. the q-jet is a great carb for vaccuum.