Next steps for my garage (?)

[GregWeld]

You're absolutely right that the motor would be "soggy" at low rpms --- that's because the AFR heads most likely REDUCED the already ridiculously low compression ratio of that motor. BUT --- you were also right in that the heads might be useful on the next motor if you choose to go that route....


However -- with the low cost of complete GM crate motors -- you might be better off just going the ZZ4 or the 383 fast burn complete motor route (that's a weekend swap project at most!)... and you'd have a factory warranty and a fun little car... and my guess is you could pass Cali emissions for your vintage car.

Shop for a discount and you should be will under 6 grand to do this swap.

I'm not a fan of the late 70's Vettes - but it would still be a nice car to drive daily provided it has some fun factor with it.

Buy a used Porsche -- and you could be 6K into a transmission a month after you buy... They're not cheap to maintain... so that's kind of a crap shoot to me. Yeah -- they're killer little cars -- but they can bust you with a relatively minor mechanical issue. Of course, the Corvette could also break down - but parts and service would be far far less than the comparable Porsche.


I'd rather have a decent fun car - the vette with new propulsion - and have some money in the bank and freedom from the fear factor.

[Shark Racer]

Originally Posted by GregWeld

You're absolutely right that the motor would be "soggy" at low rpms --- that's because the AFR heads most likely REDUCED the already ridiculously low compression ratio of that motor. BUT --- you were also right in that the heads might be useful on the next motor if you choose to go that route....


However -- with the low cost of complete GM crate motors -- you might be better off just going the ZZ4 or the 383 fast burn complete motor route (that's a weekend swap project at most!)... and you'd have a factory warranty and a fun little car... and my guess is you could pass Cali emissions for your vintage car.

Shop for a discount and you should be will under 6 grand to do this swap.

I'm not a fan of the late 70's Vettes - but it would still be a nice car to drive daily provided it has some fun factor with it.

Buy a used Porsche -- and you could be 6K into a transmission a month after you buy... They're not cheap to maintain... so that's kind of a crap shoot to me. Yeah -- they're killer little cars -- but they can bust you with a relatively minor mechanical issue. Of course, the Corvette could also break down - but parts and service would be far far less than the comparable Porsche.


I'd rather have a decent fun car - the vette with new propulsion - and have some money in the bank and freedom from the fear factor.

The trouble with the ZZ4 (and I've thought about it, a lot!) is that the L98 heads on there don't have the exhaust crossover port. So the warranty would be gone as soon as I popped the heads off.

I know some people have fixed that by piping exhaust gas to the choke hot air plate, though.

This is the 78 in question, for what it's worth:


I'm kind of "stuck" with the car. I've owned it for 14 years, it was my first car, and the previous(and first) owner was my grandmother. (yes, I drive a grandma-mobile)

I definitely appreciate the advice. It would make a ton more financial sense too. That's why I got into modifying old American cars.

[GregWeld]

Buy a complete crate motor - and don't touch it!


Nice car by the way -- that makes my decision even easier! I'd drive that any day provided it had a fun motor in it.

[camcojb]

Originally Posted by GregWeld

Buy a complete crate motor - and don't touch it!


Nice car by the way -- that makes my decision even easier! I'd drive that any day provided it had a fun motor in it.

Yep!

[Rick D]

My take because you asked, why not spend a little more and convert to the Erod LS motor?? I thought it was 50 state approved? For sure you will spend more but also a very reliable car. But again I don't know if it will work in Cali?

What ever way you go, I would stay with the Vett for sure, nice car!!

[Shark Racer]

Originally Posted by Rick D

My take because you asked, why not spend a little more and convert to the Erod LS motor?? I thought it was 50 state approved? For sure you will spend more but also a very reliable car. But again I don't know if it will work in Cali?

What ever way you go, I would stay with the Vett for sure, nice car!!

The ERod will work, for sure. I just want to have the car look mostly original on a hood pop.

The 78 is not getting sold any time soon. I'm selling a third car to make $$ for either the motor or the Cayman.

[glassman]

I believe the EROD is 50 state emissions legal, i m 90% sure of that.

I'm also sure that you will run into major clearance issues with the LS into that particular vette. My friend and fellow Lat-g member CJ's garage is doing one right now....and yep....its around the upper control arms...doable, just not easy...