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Topic: big block engine swap

in Forum: C4 Engines


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big block engine swap (1/5)
 4/13/11 7:17am
Trey
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Pittsboro, NC - USA

Vette(s):
1990 coupe


Joined: 12/10/2009
Posts: 2

Hi c4 members,
 
I have a 1990 stock c4 with 100,00 miles. I am currently having an issue (broken valve/lifter/cam) and I am tearing the top end down to see if I can fix it.
 
Here's the interesting point. I have an L88 427 from a '69 vette sitting around (pulled out of my dad's jet boat) & I am thinking about shoehorning it into my c4. I have done some research & seen that there have been many successful swaps.
 
The research is not finished so I am wondering if anyone here has any experience with the big block swap? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks in advance! Trey
 
 
PS - I've seen in my research MANY opinions of why to NOT do it. I appreciate & love my corvette & the corvette lifestyle in which I am firmly entrenched. So, I do hope to see some positive / encouraging opinions & info.
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big block engine swap (2/5)
 4/13/11 12:49pm
TLAVAC
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beaufort, SC - USA

Vette(s):
1990 Turquoise Corvette (his) & 1990 Turquoise Corvette (hers)indy festiville car for sale


Joined: 9/1/2009
Posts: 37

rebuild your 350,cam/heads/headers,larger throttle body and a ported intake or a tpis mini ram.i did my 1990 and i'm pulling 347hp at the wheels.
big block engine swap (3/5)
 4/13/11 5:21pm
blacksharkL82
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Spring Hill, FL - USA

Vette(s):
1992 coupe. Custom.


Joined: 8/9/2010
Posts: 59

If, and that's a big IF, you drop in a iron block 427 L88, you will have a tire store ass your best friend.
A real L88, is a monster to drive on the street.
If, you do it, run FI and a computer for the timing.
Headers, are a must and a nice high rise will do wonders, even with a plate system for your FI.
See if you can get the factory headers for that install.
Keep us posted and better have some pics, when done. videos of it on the track will be nice.
big block engine swap (4/5)
 4/13/11 11:19pm
Trey
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Pittsboro, NC - USA

Vette(s):
1990 coupe


Joined: 12/10/2009
Posts: 2

If & when, pics & video will certainly be available. as for TLaVac,I have looked at TPIS mini ram build, sounds good & viable, but I have an idle engine available. I bought my vette cheap, lots of miles, not in perfect shape, runs ok until now with the "issue" in the vave train. I can spend the same $$$ with the swap as I would with an upgrade on the 350. I'm not really looking for someone to talk me out of the swap, just for some down home ingenuity & advice/tips. I'm sure that any weight/size/balance issues can be overcome.
big block engine swap (5/5)
 4/14/11 12:38pm
redvette89
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Huron, OH - USA

Vette(s):
1989 Red Convertible - 160,000 fun-filled miles -


Joined: 12/5/2009
Posts: 179

This would make a great episode for "Car Warriors" !

They just had an episode building out a couple of C3's - very cool


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