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wayne33

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Hello all. I have a 68 camaro. Im looking for some advise on a motor. I have the car in pieces doing body work and sanding and painting every piece. I dont know what motor to go with bbc or 383 or lt1. I've had a 383 lt1 in a impala(loved it). I have never owned a bbc. I will be replacing tranny and rear end once i deside on motor. it has 10 bolt non posi now. My plans are to have fun with car. I might hit the track here and there.

What do you guys think?

thanks a head of time for your input.

wayne
 
#2 ·
I'm a BBC guy, so you know which way I'll vote. More wow factor with a BB. However... allot of parts are BB specific on the Camaros and Novas due to the steering box being behind the crossmember. They take special frame mounts for the engine mounts that offset the engine an inch towards the passenger side. You can still use your SB frame mounts for the BB, but it will have the engine centered in the engine bay and eat up valuable clearance for headers. Heater core cover is different on a BB. The transmission crossmember is BB specifc, too. If you are running a manual, the Z bar for the clutch liinkage is different, too. All these parts are readily available aftermarket, but they all cost $$.
 
#4 ·
Plenty of guys here know which crossmember you'll need for a 700R. I don't, but there is a GM crossmember for the TH400. I think repop frame mounts are around $75 from the Camaro vendors. TH400 crossmembers can be had in the $50-$100 range. Make sure if you order BBC frame mounts, you get the right engine mounts to go with them.
 
#5 ·
One more thing. You'll need to change the front coil springs to go with a BB since they are heavier. You may be able to keep your SB springs if the BB has aluminum heads/intake. If you change the springs, now would be a good time to switch to disc brakes/install new ball joints and bushings if you don't already have them since you'd have to have drop the lower control arms to change the springs. It's kinda like working on an old house. Where do you stop?
 
#7 ·
I was going to do a supercharged 383 and was looking to spend about $6k for a forged 383 longblock from Blueprint until I ran across these guys. 530hp 408 SBC normally aspirated with a TKO-600? Yes, please. I'll probably wind up saving a grand and going with the smaller cammed 470hp/510lbft motor since my car is mainly street driven though. All forged, aluminum heads, 12 month warranty, yada yada yada for $4800.

http://www.tandlengines.com/chevrolet_index.html
 
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