[jonfarrugia]

I am looking at installing a viper engine into my 1967 chevelle. I am in the middle of a restoration. The body modifications to date are: shaved door handles, removed door drip rails, welded all body seams.

I am working on an engine concept and was thinking about installing a gen 2 V10 viper engine into my Chevelle. I wanted to know if everyone thought it was a good idea before I went ahead with the build.

I did a google search and found nothing even remotely close to this conversion. If anyone happens to know of a build that included a viper engine, please post the link...Thanks guys. I look forward to hearing what you think!

John

 

[gehant2006]

as a fellow 67 owner I would say don,t do it .there are plenty of small or big block combinations to choose from. Mike

 

[pist0lpete]

I can't say it would be the most practical or cheap build thats for sure. I have a 67 and would never do such a thing (I am doing an LS1 swap actually) However, I can't say it wouldn't be possible. Would be expensive and would hurt the handling of the car because the engine is so heavy but at least the Gen II's are aluminum.

 

[Alwhite00]

There was an article in one of the rags a couple of years ago with a mopar A-body (70-72 I believe) that had a dodge truck v-10 in it, Looked pretty good. I say stick with the same brand though. How about a LS7? That would be out of the "norm" and lots of HP.

LK

 

[Brettd85]

I agree with Al. It would be kinda cool, but cost and weight, not worth it. Go for an ls6 or ls7

 

[va72mlibu]

There's no reason to put anything other than a Chevy Engine in a Chevy Car. Put the LS7 in there. Ask me how I know... :thumbsup:

 

[phocksphyre]

One of the TV shows had a 70 Charger that a guy put a Viper motor into. It was sweet! BUT....he had to modify the firewall and set the engine back several inches due to the length of the engine. It is hard enough to convert a 66 - 67 to a BBC long water pump setup, let alone shoehorning in something like that. I agree with the LS7, or if you want different, how about a Buick GN turbo motor?
John

 

[jonfarrugia]

I have my eye on a brand new nos crate engine that is a 1997 GenII viper engine for under $4K. I doubt it would be that expensive to do and because it is all aluminum, it should weight less then a BB. I can also get an LS6 for 4K with all electronics but I think the viper build would be far more unique.

I was also told that the length of the gen II is the same as a BB Chevy. the length is 34 1/2". Can someone measure their BB Chevy and let me know the length?

 

[zeke67]

You build would be unique and I like that. However, I'm kind of a fan of not mixing engine brands.

I agree that overall length will be a problem, the 64-67 engine bays are pretty short.

Transmission mounting may also be a challenge, I don't know the bell housing of the Viper engine, but if an adapter to a GM tranny is not available, you may have to go with a DCX tranny or even the specific Viper tranny. This will add cost and may require additional fab work or modifications to the trans tunnel.

Engine mounts may be problematic too. The Chevelle front cross member clearance is pretty tight. You may have to section the cross member for clearance. If the Viper engine is not a rear sump design, you are looking at a custom pick up and oil pan at a minimum.

Cooling system is another area to think about. It may be best to try to get the radiator and fan set up off the Viper.

Except to have to make custom headers.

 

[683504SPD]

In the new issue of HOT ROD there is a 57 Chevy that has a fuel injected and blown HEMI in it.It's cool,but it defeats the purpose of building a chevy.

 

[Chris R]

I think it would be way cool to stick in into another Mopar instead. There are still quite a few Mopar body styles that would be perfect. I have seen the Challenger and Cuda retrofits and the late 60's Charger. I think it would be cool to find a Road Runner or a Super Bee to swap this motor into instead.

 

[grovey]

can't you just feel the viper love?

 

[Sgtpop]

I think it would be way cool to stick in into another Mopar instead. There are still quite a few Mopar body styles that would be perfect. I have seen the Challenger and Cuda retrofits and the late 60's Charger. I think it would be cool to find a Road Runner or a Super Bee to swap this motor into instead.

While I agree with the above post it sounds like you have all the resources to pull this off. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Bomber '67]

The reasoning behind many cross brand engine transplants used to be price and availability: probably why so many Chevy V8s ended up in so many non-GM brand cars. Locally there is a guy with a Ford powered '57 Bel Air. $4k is cheap money for that engine - I think you should do the swap and pay no attention to the Chevy loyalists with no sense of humor.

Thomas

 

[StriperSS]

Here's a Mopar I saw at the SEMA show a couple of years ago.

 

[Schurkey]

There's no reason to put anything other than a Chevy Engine in a Chevy Car. Put the LS7 in there. Ask me how I know... :thumbsup:

Certainly, you must mean an LS-7.

 

[tommy411]

I think it would be pretty cool myself. Expensive but cool. One on ebay out of a truck I think starting bid around 7 grand. item#130078377572 trany is extra couple grand. A neighbor has one of those trucks and it's quite scary.

 

[Rowdy]

Big Block Chevy is 24" from bell housing mounting surface to water pump mounting surface. Short water pump adds 6" and another 1 1/2" for a long pump.

That said, a long pump BBC is somewhat of a challenge in a '66 or '67, limiting fan and accessory drive system choices, as it is. More so, should A/C be a consideration. Front to back fitment alone will likely require a commitment of the butchery sort, whether it be the firewall or core support or both. I rather doubt that the frame or crossmember would get away unscathed either.

But, to each is own. The thought would have never crossed my mind. Kinda like a Honda Chopper.

I certainly would have expected a Viper motor to be a good deal more than $4K. How complete is that? The incidentals are sure to surpass the cost of the engine itself.

 

[scotty]

I myself would love to do a twin turbo viper powered '71 chevelle!!

 

[JWA]

There was a 57 Chev with a Viper V10 in it at the Portland rod and custom show this weekend. Even had the Viper dash. Definitely an engineering masterpiece. I say go for it.