Hey guys, wondering if I could get some help picking out an engine for my '67. Currently, the car has the original (and tired) 283, TH350 transmission, and a non-posi 10 bolt rear. Basically, anything is going to be an improvement!

I'd like to drop in something with some more punch, but at the same time I want it to be very driveable. I'm not planning on drag racing or anything, but it would be nice to toast a Civic with ground effects once in a while.

I've been looking around at a bunch of crate engines online, and I'm having a hard time figuring out how much HP and torque I need. Any suggestions?

Also, let's say I bought something around 350hp - how hard is it to convert the rear to posi? At what level of HP am I going to have to upgrade the transmission? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
KG

Quick follow up - - what do you think about this one?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CHEVY-383-PRO-STREET-BEST-VALUE-FAST-CRATE-ENGINE_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742Q2em153Q2el1 262QQcategoryZ33615QQihZ005QQitemZ150220170502

I'll let others chime in since I don't know anything about the ebay seller. A 383 would be nice. I'm looking at buying an assembled smallblock 400 shortblock with an aftermarket block next. Good luck.

If you want to keep your current gears, I would use the loc rite system. It took me about 20 minutes to turn my 10 bolt open into a positrac system. You do not have to take the gears out to make this change. I have had it about a year and have had no problems with it.

If you want to keep your current gears, I would use the loc rite system. It took me about 20 minutes to turn my 10 bolt open into a positrac system. You do not have to take the gears out to make this change. I have had it about a year and have had no problems with it.

Thanks guys.

Im real happy with my ZZ454 with a cam upgrade, it drives great is very strong and gets 17 mpg in 5th gear with 3.70 gears. But if I was doing it over I would get a 454 or larger built with more power for about the same money.

I'll tell you something you hear much of on this forum. Lots of gearheads here will want you to go big block.

My guess is you are on a budget but want something with more power and reliable. I don't know if they sell Jasper engines in California but they are a nationwide chain. Jasper sells several different variations of rebuilt smallblock Chevys that have excellent warranties. You can go with a pretty much stock 350 to an aluminum head roller rocker 383 with over 400ft. lbs. torque. The beauty of both of these is they are very affordable. Search Jasper engines, they have all the specs on the net. They can also line you up with a seller and installer if you need it.

How about a late model engine like an ls1 or 6.0. I have a 67 with 6.0 going in it.

You haven't said what your budget is so there are a lot of options. A 540 motor or something from Mike Lewis (I think his user name is wolfplace) who is on this site would be a good option. As for tranny the Real Art Carr at California Performance Transmissions should be able to set you up with a nice 2004r ovedrive transnission that will launch hard and get good mileage cruising too. He's right there near you (I think in Huntington Beach) and is a legend. You can google California Performance Transmissions) A good drive shaft and a posi conversion runing some 3.73's and you are in business my friend. You'll be walking away from most anything on the road and won't have to stop at every gas station.

A 200 4R Transmission from Art Carr is the way to go.
Here is the Link
http://www.cpttransmission.com/

California Performance Transmission
5502 Engineer Drive
Huntington Beach, California 92649
800-278-2277

Sounds budget minded....Maybe Golen engines or Coast high performance may have a bang for the buck 383. Doesnt sound like you need any high end parts in it for the type of driving you do...Definitely like the incresed torque over the 350.

Dollar for dollar, nothing can compete with a small block 383. You can get a fully reliable street motor that will provide many smiles per mile. If you're going crate motors - Us ethe best with a no hassle warranty: http://www.gmperformanceparts.com/EngineShowcase/index.jsp?engId=ZZ383&engine=ZZ%20383&sku=12498772&engCat=sb

Or, if that looks like too much: http://www.gmperformanceparts.com/EngineShowcase/index.jsp?engId=HT383&engine=HT%20383&sku=12499101&engCat=sb

I cannot stress enough how important in choosing a transmssion and rear gearing will effect overall performance. With the 383's above, swap in a 200R4 from: http://www.bowtieoverdrives.com/catalog/catalog_inc/viewitem.php?ITEMID=12 The 200R4 is a direct swap. No cutting of driveshaft. Same size as a glide. Only changes are the shifter up-grade and adding a cable.

Add a set of 4:11's and you'll be smiling from ear to ear everytime you drive your Chevelle.

OK..
http://i31.tinypic.com/35m4cix.jpg

perfect. lol

i'm thrilled with my mildly built 383........stock TH350 with a 10 bolt that used to be open (Powertrax locker now - very easy and cheap to do). Relatively cheap to do and civics stand no chance unless they have more engine mods that the car is worth.

But if u got money flowin out your ears, Big Block Baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OK..
http://i31.tinypic.com/35m4cix.jpg
I think the filters would be to low to the ground...:thumbsup:

Well that engine definitly looks to be as streetable as it gets!! :noway:
I would look for a smallblock puttin out 400/500 ftlbs of torque.. :yes:
on 91 octain pump gas.. and not worry about the hp #s .. should be easy and cheap enough for a 350ci +..

i think folks are going overboard here, some just for fun i know. 350 horses are easy and cheap. no need to upgrade the TH350 either, not until you are up over 400HP. either a 350 or 383 would be the way to go. you'll need to get some decent heads, but even vortec iron heads will do. the crate motors are okay, but probably not the best bang for the buck. they are under-cammed in most cases because they are made for the mass market who want easy starts, low maintenance, and may be running power brakes or other vacuum accessories. you can even build your 283 into a 350HP engine and still have good driveability, but that will cost more than building a bigger CI motor.

OK..
http://i31.tinypic.com/35m4cix.jpg

OVERKILL:sad: something more subtle maybe :p

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v604/rodent4/130-3004_IMG.jpg

Much better !! :hurray:

Thanks guys. I'm leaning toward the 383 (or the engine in that first pic!) and the locker for the rear end.....if I blow up the transmission then I'll move to the 200R4. My goal is to have all this done for the summer...I'll post pics if/when I make the switch.

Keep those suggestions comin' though....

Thanks,
KG