Thread: recommend replacement engine?

Tweet

Hi Folks,

I have a much modified 64 corvette that is totally street driven. I run a richmond 5 speed w/3.27 first gear, 3.36 rear, original ramshorns w/side exhausts, 4 wheel pdb, 17x9 PSE wheels with wide G force tires, Guldstrand lowered suspension with sway bars and poly bushings, etc. The engine is the original 327-300hp with some modifications. I've added an LT-1 solid lifter cam, Holley street dominator intake, petronix ignition and a holley 650 dp.

The car runs very strong but I am hesitant to open her up past 5500rpm for fear of unloading the engine. I would like to remove and store the original engine and replace it with a more modern one. I would like to install a ramjet 350 or someother engine that will give me the power (12 sec. et in the quarter) and street driveability that I require. The positive aspects of fuel injection (cold starts, gas mileage, driveability) is very appealing but I suspect that the power level of the 350 ramjet is insufficient for a horsepower junkie like me.

I would appreciate anyone sharing their experiences with the ramjet 350 or possibly recommending another engine that would fulfill my needs. Please, no nitrous, blowers, big blocks, etc.

Thanks

I would suggest an LS6 out of a late model Corvette, if you are willing to do the necessary mods to get it in there and working. 405 RWHP bone stock. Should run at least low 12s in a light 'vette like yours if you can get it to hook up. They are silky smooth to drive till you punch it and bolt right up to a 6 speed. It's also 100 pounds lighter than your 327. If you want a straight bolt in, build a stout 383 or 400 SBC.

www.ls1tech.com for lots of info, or do a Google search on LS6 or LS1

Pat

The 350 Ramjet 350hp engine would be good for 12's....maybe the low side of 12's....if you like that engine....get it .....modify it to your liking...with some good tuning and some aftermarket help 400hp shouldn't be far fetched.....I agree on on the pro's you listed as far as fuel injection goes....T

Thanks guys for the info.

Stu Cool: that 405 hp LS6 you recommended would be a blast. It would actually be my first choice in injected engines, but the complexity and cost of the conversion would be out of my league. I would also like to retain my Richmond 5 speed. Used LS1, LS6 engines and 6 speed transmissions are also very expensive in my area.

dr. Bowtie: the ramjet is good for 12 sec. et's? Now you're talking!! What are we saying here as far as aftermarket add-ons to get to the 400hp range (or greater)? New heads, cam, upgraded controller? Do you have any specific parts or vendors you could recommend to acheive that performance level with the ramjet? I was told (by an obviously uninformed friend) that the ramjet 350 could not be modified.

That or you can also look into the ZZ4 (355 HP), the Fastburn 385 (385 HP) or you can get even more power with the factory cam and rocker package (430 HP). Check these out alone with the Ram Jet. All are GMPP crate packages. Good luck.