Engine swap for a 77 corvette?

[Dr. rew]

I just got a 77 corvette and i believe it has a 350 in it right now. I was just wondering an engine i could swap it with. I think a 454 would fit but i was wondering if i could get anything bigger or better then this
also how much would it cost to turn the stock 350 into a 383 stroker?

 

[spdster2003]

I've seen 572s in C3 Corvettes. So yes, it'll fit.

 

[Stangman]

Chevrolet makes a crate 502, but it and the 454 would be a very tight fit in a 'Vette. I would personally go for a stroker 383 or a small block 400. Either would make well over 400hp

 

[racer123]

The performance of this car was built on a small-block engine. That means that the entire ride and handling of this car was built around the stock drive-train. '77 was a very good package for the track, that year, with that build spec. Rebuild it to that spec first, to garner an appreciation for what you have and what it is capable of, before you venture into building a new spec sheet of wants and wishes, for this very wicked lady.

 

[Jacque-Ophph]

I would take the current 350 engine in the Vette and stroke it. Make it into a 383 stroker. It is one of the most powerful engines you can build.

You'd need a 400 crank to put into the 350 block. I would go with all steel forged internals. Steel crank, steel rods, and forged pistons. You have so many options. If you have a lot of money, the sky is the limit. You can build a custom 383 stroker to whatever specs you want. Your engine could have anywhere from 400-700 HP, and as much or even more torque than a big block.

Get the transmission rebuilt for high performance, and get a very efficient cooling system to keep your investment running cool. I would recommend an aluminum racing radiator.

Good luck.

 

[nicajm65]

My suggestion is to keep a small block in there. A454 is indeed a higher output engine, but the task of shoehorning one in may be quite difficult. Get a late model 808 casting number 350 block. It's a roller engine, so a roller cam can be used in it, and the sky is the limit on your choice of roller cams, plus that casting number has desirable metalurgical qualities. Use Vortec heads, flat top istons, new bearings and seals, and you should have a real screamer!

 

[pedro7of9]

gm makes a factory built 512 it will fit with minor mods....but look into a 383 or 400 or 408 small block...they weigh less and bolt in with about 1/2 the cost... check with summitracing.com or Jegs.com...a SB uses all your current parts where a BB will not...radiator,,suspension,,tranny,,wiring,,exhaust system....and like i said parts are 1/2 cost of BB