I have an oportunity to purchase a 1989 Z28 for cheap as almost free.

The only catch is it's missing a couple of vital things..........namely engine and drivetrain.

The body and interior is sound.
It was formerly an automatic, and I would like to stick with and auto because if I end up getting it, this will be my track car.

What's my best bet for a reliable engine and drivetrain combo that will make gobs of power too?

I'm leaning towards a 454 because it's common, but I'm not sure if it will fit in the tiny engine bay......

Some advice and guidence is needed please.

I'm not much of a mechanic but I would really like to have a track car to play with..

Your replies are appreciatied.

 

A 454 can be made to fit but it's a lot of work. You could go with a carbed 400 smallblock and it would bolt right in with stock parts...back it with a TH350 and stick a 12-bolt in the rear and you've got a good solid base to work with. That's the route I would go.

 

Sounds like a great opprotunity for a project car. If I could say one thing, it would be "plan now for what you want in the future." For example, if you want forced induction one day, build up the bottom end of the motor and give it a low compression ratio.

I heard of Big Blocks in third gens but there is a lot of cutting and welding involved.

I would suggest putting up a post about the tranny/rear end in the drivetrain forum. A lot of guys there know what they are talking about and could help you out.

Good luck with it.

Nick

 

i just did a big block in my 3rd gen .... it will cost u alot of money to put a healty big block in. if u lack money and want a easyer task then i whould do a small block.... and big block headers requier alot of work to make them fit. no one makes a exhuast for them...... its alot of custom work

 

Hedman or Hooker one makes headers for BBC 3rd gens. But Ive heard they dont have amazing flow numbers.

But most people Ive talked to say that its not that differnet than dropping in an SBC. Other than fitting in sufficient exhaust.

However putting together a BBC wil be more expensive than an SBC

 

Hmm..........This is going to be a buget 1/4 mile racer, so after hearing that - I would say BB power is out.

I suppose a carbed 350 can be had for a fair price then.
I can get some extra help from a bottle in the hatch if need be I suppose.

I wasn't sure about tranny choices - from what I've read and heard so far though - looks like a 350/350 combo is the way to go.

Although the interior is decent I wonder how much weight I can shave off by scraping it?

I guess some sticky tires and a 12 bolt will round off the project nicely.

 

First thing I would do is figure out what you have to spend, and what you want to do. Its incredable how many people give up on projects simply because they run out of money. Figure your going to spend twice as much as you planned because you probably will.
As for the interior, its not much savings, I would keep it.

 

Hooker makes the headers.... there not a direct bolt in they take cut and welding of your chassis to make them fit and the big block swap is alot different then a SBC swap but in the edn its worth it