Dear Guys I have a 307 Slip 'n slide '69 Chevelle rag, no. 2 condition, I am deliriously happy with. However, I want to bring the drivetrain into the new century. I will keep the original, but not necessarily in the car! This was my idea. Please tell me if you think it will work, or if I am really whacked and missing it altogether. Convertibles are a tad on the heavy side, don't need to be driven over double digit speeds to have fun, and I might want to pop back and forth to Florida from Canada. So I was thinking, put in a 383 ( new crate engine ) for the torque and low price, and match it to a 700 R4 ( overdrive, right ? ). I do not know my rear end ratio, probable low "3"s. Does this work? Take it easy on me, I don't claim to know much. Thanks in advance. R. B.

Dollar for dollar that will be the best mix for your motor/tranny. A 383 is just an awesome motor and the 700R4 is a great overdrive tranny. That is the same mix I use in my 12 second Corvette.

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Redrum (or Mike)
68 Corvette - 383 CI 427 HP
69 SS Chevelle being updated to Pro-Touring
97 Z-28

rb,

this is practically ideal. run a rear gear about 3:30 or 4:40, get a 700 that has a locking converter. Stick with a real small cam that will be in it's range at the 1600-2200 cruise RPM you will have.

Tom

sounds great but you should look into a 2004r instead of the 700..
bolts in, no driveshaft cutting, same yoke...
still an overdrive with lockup converter but much easier swap..

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Jester
http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/jester1.jpg

65 Chevelle 350, 2004r, 3.73 posi

Drive it like you stole it.

Dear Guys Thanks for the help and the confidence. I had earlier considered big block clone for all the obvious reasons ( I have a two big block cars ) but the cost of gas is now astronautical, so I thought, keep her a driver and have some fun. I think I am definitely going ahead with the engine and one of the trannys suggested as soon as I get more info on availability, price etc. on tranny. I'll let ya know when I get the ol' project done.

Thanks R. B.

rb:
I understand what you are saying about the gas - for my last seven fill-ups itaveraged ~68¢ per litre or ~$2.60/Gallon.

My question is: can one not have an enjoyable big block set-up with gas conservation in mind? Maybe the answer is no...not sure. I am interested in knowing what some of you guys who drive low# reare-ends etc. are getting for mileage? Can you get a 25MPG+ big block set-up (and it still be fun to drive)? Anyone get good MPGs with a carb?

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Ron Cook
'69 SS 300 Deluxe HT
(Bow Tied's 2¢ worth.)

I'm here to answer the gas mileage question. I dont think its possible. I'm running a fresh 454 with a Holley 750. Real mild set up, not high compression, headers, a mild cam TH400 and a highway 2.73 posi unit. My mileage if i dont get on the engine is around 12. If' im having big block fun it will drop to 8 or 10. I've heard of guys getting around 17, but i have no idea how. 25 though? I really gotta say 25 would be impossible. Even new suburbans and such with 454's dont get that. Our old cars are just too heavy. PS I think the combo you were talking about would be perfect too. I also agree with the 200r4 over the 700. Plus, if you decide you wanna switch to a stronger motor down the line, a beefed up 200 is actually stronger than the 700.

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Agent923@aol.com

71 El Camino 454
It may not be an SS, but it will eat your Honda.

Just remember since right now you have the 307 mill whenever you decide to do the swap the frame mounts for the engine will need to be swapped also
307 mounts are different from ALL others

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Philip Mullaly
72 TPI El Camino
"Hey Ya'll watch this...."