04-19-2012, 10:20 AM | #1 |
Drives: 1968 Camaro Coupe Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Ohio
Posts: 4
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What Engine to put in my 1968 Camaro
Hello Everyone,
I'm at the point where I've gotten my 1968 camaro back from paint that I've had in primer for 10 years now and I'm reassembling but I still haven't made a decision on my motor. I have a 1970 350 bored .30 sitting on the engine stand right now that I took out of it and a TH400 that I've had rebuilt with a shift kit in it. My dilemma is whether to put the 350 back in the car that I took out which was running pretty rough but I think it may have been a timing/carb issue, or get a lower priced crate engine or insert a LS motor of some kind. I was told the compression was really high on this motor when I bought it 10 years ago so I have to run 92 with a bottle of 104+ octane booster which is costly and a pain. Money of course is an issue, my budget is somewhere in the $2000 - $3000 range. I'm looking for a nice weekend cruiser, small car show for fun type of car, not looking to run it at the strip or take it to big car shows. I just want to enjoy it, but also know I'm driving a muscle car when I hit the gas. Any input or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Jason |
04-20-2012, 05:10 AM | #2 |
Camaro owner since 1982
Drives: 2012 Camaro 2SS-RS Conv IBM L99 Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: PA
Posts: 1,651
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I'd get the crate engine, would be more practical. This would help keep you in the budget.
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2012 Camaro RS-SS Conv IBM, L99
1968 Camaro RS Coupe 327 AT 1968 Camaro RS-SS Conv, sold 1993 |
04-20-2012, 09:31 AM | #3 |
Drives: the 2nd amendment home Join Date: May 2008
Location: OK
Posts: 14,707
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Did you mothball the motor 10 yrs ago? Depending on where & how it was stored you may need opened up.
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04-20-2012, 10:07 AM | #4 |
Drives: 2011 Camaro SS/RS LS3 Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,632
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I'd vote for a used LS1.
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Yeah, I'll get around to it...
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04-23-2012, 03:13 PM | #5 |
Camarofanatic
Drives: 1969 SS, 1998 RS, 2010 VR 2SS/RS Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Gallitzin PA
Posts: 1,433
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YearOne has a 350 crate motor that I believe is either 350 or 400hp for like $2800, with a warranty. I would advise you to go that way. You mentioned that your current engine is a high compression motor. While they sound great and run like a scalded dog, a high compression small block with a large cam can be very finicky and tempermental on the street. I know from experience. I have a 512hp 383 stroker in my 69. It sounds awesome and will fry the tires all day long but the car was actually more enjoyable with the 350hp 350.
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2010 Victory Red R6P 2SS w/RS package. Gloss black Rallys, 6 speed manual, SLP Loudmouth I exhaust, LS7 style blackout panel, SS emblems front and rear, Custom 69 inspired headlight covers, Vararam no tune, Hurst Short Throw, and MTI Racing rear spoiler, SLP Front Splitter, ZL1 Side Skirts
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04-23-2012, 04:28 PM | #6 |
Drives: 2013 Sea Ray 220 Sundeck Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Fontana
Posts: 1,138
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I say find a 327 long block, there cheap now and perfect for that Car!
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04-23-2012, 06:54 PM | #7 |
AROD55
Drives: 1955 Chevy Bel Air Hardtop Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Bonita, Ca. 91902
Posts: 1,863
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I have a crate motor 350 CI with 330 hp in my 55 Chevy. I had a rebuilt engine and got tired of all the issues with it so I decided to go with the crate motor. It runs very strong and has a mild corvette cam from the factory.
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04-24-2012, 11:19 AM | #8 |
Casey Woodside
Drives: a very fun car Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Tn
Posts: 1,906
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Ls all the way
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Instagram @caseywoodside
http://youtu.be/CSc9aPh_X_w |
04-24-2012, 05:36 PM | #9 |
Drives: 10 SS 08 675 13 Stryker 10 S1000RR Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Lincoln, CA
Posts: 216
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I'd throw an LQ9 in there and put some turbos on it..
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Never put up with something high maintenance, unless it's high performance.
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04-24-2012, 09:32 PM | #10 |
Drives: 2011 ss/rs Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Fl
Posts: 146
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This was in my 69
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04-25-2012, 04:25 AM | #11 |
Drives: hugger orange 80 camaro,needs total Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: grandrapids, mi
Posts: 146
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man them are some huge turbos,holy cow,love it,bet that was a screamer.
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04-25-2012, 04:34 AM | #12 | |
Drives: 92 Camaro Convt RS,2011 Camaro RS Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Laredo,TX
Posts: 2,167
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Quote:
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TEAM LLT 1992 Camaro Rs Convertible 2011 Camaro 1lt Rs |
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04-25-2012, 06:28 AM | #13 |
Drives: 2010 Synergy Green Camaro Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Minooka Illinois
Posts: 693
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04-25-2012, 07:31 AM | #14 |
Drives: 1968 Camaro Coupe Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Ohio
Posts: 4
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Holy crap MattsElectric that thing is crazy looking! Looks like something they'd attach to the space shuttle and send to space! Really cool.
Thanks everyone for the input, I think I'm going to try getting a mildly built 383 if I can scrape up the cash from the other parts I have leftover from my rebuild. Jason |
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